MG will launch the substitute model of the Marvel R upmarket electrical compact SUV within the UK after proscribing the present mannequin to left-hand-drive European markets solely, the model has confirmed.
No particulars concerning the new mannequin have been launched, however it’s anticipated to be constructed on the identical modular electrical underpinnings as the brand new MG 4. The structure, known as the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), can accommodate a variety of battery sizes as much as 150kWh and in addition facilitate battery swapping.
The present Marvel R is the model’s halo mannequin. In European markets, it prices as much as €48,015 (£42,000) for the dual-motor Performance model producing 285bhp.
The resolution to not construct a right-hand-drive model of the present Marvel R was made earlier than MG gross sales rose considerably in each the UK and Australia. MG clocked 43,061 UK gross sales to the top of October this 12 months, up 70% on final 12 months, to make it the nation’s twelfth best-selling model, in response to information from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
“Go back four years ago and we were selling 9000 a year from tiny little dealerships,” stated UK business director Guy Pigounakis. “You couldn’t sell a £45,000 premium SUV from places like that.”
The resolution to promote the brand new Marvel R right here got here after MG gross sales for each EVs and combustion-engine automobiles skyrocketed. “Tragically, if we did have Marvel R now, we could probably have sold 6000-7000 this year,” added Pigounakis.
The substitute for the Marvel R is “a completely different car”, in response to Pigounakis, though he didn’t go into extra element.
MG guardian firm SAIC is reportedly planning 14 autos based mostly on the MSP electrical platform. All MG UK’s present fashions might be changed by the top of 2024 bar the MG 4, stated Pigounakis, with the MSP platform more likely to change electrical fashions such because the ZS EV small SUV and MG 5 electrical property. No timing was given for the substitute for the Marvel R, however the brand new mannequin is anticipated earlier than 2025.