MG pulls the curtain off a new model that will also be available in the Netherlands: the Marvel R Electric. This EV SUV should shake up the electric C segment.
With the MG Marvel R Electric we are introduced to a completely unknown model here. In essence, however, it is a car that is already better known in China, where it has its origins. The Marvel R was unveiled there earlier this year as Roewe and is the successor to the Roewe Marvel X. In general, the Marvel X can also be recognized in it, although the Marvel R Electric looks a lot more modern thanks to its eccentric front. Does the lines look somewhat familiar to you? That’s right: we already got a taste of the Marvel R Concept from Roewe in May last year. Now the production version is here and it will go through life here in Europe as MG.
MG Marvel R Electric
With the Marvel R, MG is looking higher in the market on various fronts. With its 4.67 meters length, 1.92 meters width and a height of about 1.62 meters, it is clearly a lot more robust than the MG ZS EV. The ZS enters the regions of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro, where the Marvel R focuses more on the Volkswagen ID4 and Skoda Enyaq in terms of dimensions. So higher in the C-segment. That is not the only distinction. The name ‘Marvel’ at MG (and Roewe) stands for more luxury and appeal and when we look at the lines of the Marvel R we cannot ignore the fact that the Chinese have worked a bit more creatively than was the case with the ZS. That certainly applies to the interior of the Marvel R, but more about that later.
First the drivetrain. In that respect, the Marvel R also promises quite a bit. The top version has three electric motors. Together they deliver 288 hp and 665 Nm and those forces go to the asphalt via all four wheels. It enables the Marvel R to accelerate to 100 km / h from a standstill in 4.9 seconds, according to MG. Then you definitely don’t hit a mud figure at the traffic light. The top speed is set at 200 km / h and you can pull up to 750 kilos with it. There will also be a rear-wheel drive version with two motors on the rear axle, but the specifications will be announced later. The Marvel R with three engines must be able to cover more than 400 km on one battery charge according to the WLTP cycle, the range of the milder variant is logically higher. You can recharge via the 11 kW three-phase charger, but also with a fast charger. In the latter case, the battery of the Marvel R is 80 percent fully charged in 30 minutes.
Interior
The interior of the Marvel R clearly shows why it is on a higher step in the MG range. It looks sleek and contemporary, not least because of the large central infotainment screen. That is no less than 19.4 inches in size and MG’s latest infotainment system is active on it. This can handle Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among other things. A special detail is the round button at the bottom; it is not for further operation of that system, but for choosing the direction of travel. Apart from a button on the left for driving mode and a button on the right for regenerative driving, there are no buttons on the center console. Everything can be operated via the large touchscreen. There are still physical buttons on the steering wheel. In front of that handlebar you will find a 9-inch digital instrumentation.
MG Marvel R Electric
There are also things on board such as a heat pump for the battery, but also a Vehicle-to-Load system. This allows you to supply other electrical devices with power from the battery of the Marvel R. Think of electric bicycles, electronics or, according to MG, even another EV. Also included is the MG Pilot assistance package that we already know from the ZS EV and the EHS. This includes things like Lane Assist, adaptive cruise control, Active Emergency Braking and Traffic Jam Assist.
The MG Marvel R Electric will be available in the Netherlands in July. Prices will be announced in the run-up to the market launch.