MG, once a British sports car icon now owned by Chinese giant SAIC Motor, is steadily gaining popularity in Europe. After successful electric models and affordable crossovers, it is now entering more serious territory - literally. Here is the MG Majestor, a seven-seat SUV with a true off-road design that aims to offer an alternative to premium models such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mazda CX-80. But can a car that is actually a rebadged Maxus D90 really convince European buyers?
MG Majestor does not hide its dimensions – 5.05 meters long, 1.93 meters wide and 1.87 meters tall It is positioned alongside the largest SUVs on the market. However, it has something that most European premium competitors no longer offer: true off-road chassis with transverse and longitudinal beams (body-on-frame construction). This means better durability on demanding terrain, but at the same time a slightly less refined ride on asphalt.
The design is muscular and bold. The front dominates large radiator grille, surrounded by elegant LED headlights in a two-level design, somewhat reminiscent of premium SUVs from Korea. The side profile is marked by accentuated fender flares and robust sills, while the rear is adorned with comprehensive LED light strip, connecting the rear lights. The dual exhaust tips promise that under the hood is not just a “mild hybrid”, but something more serious.
Luxurious interior for a bargain price?
MG promisesthat Majestor will be available with seven seats and with plenty of space for the third row of passengers – which is not a given even in larger SUVs.
The interior incorporates elements from Maxus D90, which means a modern design with large digital displays and plenty of equipment. The central part of the instrument panel is adorned with 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in front of the driver is a fully digital instrument cluster. Premium options are said to be available cooled and heated seats, Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers, three-zone air conditioning and even seat massage function.
Although MG is trying to compete with premium brands, the question remains about the quality of materials – will the interior truly feel prestigious, or will there be compromises in certain places?
Diesel power for true adventurers
Under the hood of the MG Majestor we find 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, which develops 218 hp (160 kW) and what 480 Nm of torqueIt is connected to 8-speed automatic transmission, and power is transmitted to all four wheels via classic reducer – which means the Majestor is designed for real off-road adventures.
It is not yet clear whether MG will also offer petrol or hybrid version, but given current electrification trends, this would be expected. An electric or at least a plug-in hybrid version would greatly increase the model's appeal in European markets.
Price: An SUV for half the money?
The biggest asset The price of the MG Majestor will be. In India, the base model will cost around £38,000 (approximately €44,000), which is extremely affordable considering the size, capacity and equipment.
If MG maintains its aggressive pricing policy in Europe, the Majestor could become a real hit among buyers looking for a a large SUV, but don't want to waste a small fortune.
MG Majestor – the future or just a short experiment?
MG Majestor represents an attractive alternative in the large segment SUVs, as it combines a robust construction, a powerful diesel engine and a wealth of equipment at a more affordable price. All of these are strong assets that could convince many buyers.
However, its success will depend on key factors. The first is final price in Europe – if it stays close to the Indian one, Majestor could become a real hit. The second is build quality, as MG has been improving in recent years, but the question remains whether it can truly compete with established European brands. It will also be important safety equipment and ratings, as European buyers expect high standards of protection, which can have a decisive impact on sales.
If MG meets its expectations and offers customers a real SUV for half the money, the Majestor could become one of the most interesting automotive offerings of the year. But if there are compromises in quality, workmanship or safety, traditional premium SUVs will continue to be left without serious competition.
