There are several worthwhile family MPVs beyond the usual choices from Japanese brands. One such example is the MG G50 Plus. We take a drive in one to experience how it drives, rides, and pampers.
Following a series of product launches this year by MG Philippines, the company thought it was high time for us to experience their new models. They had prepared a G50 Plus MPV, ZS, 3 Hybrid, and MG One crossover for a drive from Manila to Subic and back.
The G50 Plus immediately caught my attention due to its size and presence, as MPVs have become more increasingly popular in our market. Some might notice the G50 Plus looks similar to the Maxus G50 Plus when that brand was still around. Now that SAIC Philippines has arrived, they've reintroduced the model as an MG.
The design of the MG G50 Plus largely mirrors its Maxus predecessor, sharing much of the same overall look. However, MG has made changes which include new bumper designs, revised tail lights, and updated rear garnish components. Its dimensions put it comfortably in the mid-size MPV category. The G50 Plus also rocks a different, and arguably more handsome, set of 17" wheels shod in 215/55 R17 tires.
After a hearty lunch at Rali's in Subic, I had the chance to evaluate the G50 Plus's capabilities firsthand on the drive back to Manila. For a three-row MPV, it was adequately responsive, and the 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 181-PS and 285-Nm of torque provided sufficient power, especially considering the MPV's weight of 2,270 kg. MG offers the engine with either a six-speed manual for the Standard trim or a seven-speed wet-type DCT for the Comfort and Lux trims. The DCT works well, providing smooth and responsive gear shifts, especially during highway stretches. The DCT in the Lux model offered smooth gear shifts, which was noticeable during long highway stretches.
During the return drive, I was able to assess the G50 Plus's road manners on the highway. It managed highway speeds without much fuss. Even during overtakes, the G50 Plus provided sufficient power, maintaining a composed demeanor with minimal noise entering the cabin.
Interior-wise, MG has given this MPV a more premium feel, especially in the Lux variant. Leather seating, a combination digital-analog gauge cluster, and a floating infotainment screen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made the journey more enjoyable. The infotainment system was easy to use, although some competitors offer more intuitive layouts.
In terms of comfort, the sliding second-row bench seats in the lower variants (Standard and Comfort) are practical for family trips, but the captain’s chairs in the Lux trim offer more premium comfort. Rear passengers also had access to ceiling-mounted air conditioning, which is standard in this class of vehicles.
The suspension setup, featuring independent MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam at the rear, provided good handling across different road surfaces. It absorbed minor road imperfections well, maintaining stability during highway cruising and offering a balanced ride on winding sections of the route. But as there were only three of us inside, I'd be more interested in how the G50 Plus would handle additional weight in the form of people and cargo.
The G50 Plus’s third row folds flat, offering a sizable cargo area when needed, which is ideal for family outings or long trips. Even with the third row up, the G50 Plus offered decent trunk space for smaller bags, highlighting its practicality for everyday use.
One minor quibble is that the fuel requirement for the G50 Plus’s 1.5-liter turbo engine is 95-octane, which could be an additional cost consideration for budget-conscious buyers. However, the overall fuel efficiency during the drive was impressive, with the G50 Plus showing frugal consumption despite its size and weight.
The MG G50 Plus is an impressive addition to MG’s local lineup, offering versatility, practicality, and style in a market segment that’s been largely dominated by Japanese rivals. Its spacious interior, good handling for its class, and a wealth of features make it an MPV worth considering for families or groups looking for an affordable yet premium-feeling vehicle. The captain's chairs allow seating for seven, while the option for sliding bench seats provides space for eight. This decision is crucial if you have a mix of people and cargo to load up, as there is minimal cargo space with the third-row seats up.
While it may not have the badge history of some competitors, the MG G50 Plus packs a punch, especially with its competitive pricing. With the Standard trim starting at ₱1,048,888 and the top-spec Lux at ₱1,288,888, it offers value without compromising on performance or features.