MGS6 Trophy

By Bill McCarthy

In recent years MG has built an impressive UK presence. It has now ventured back into the premium sector with models in the ‘6’ range. Premium to the point that two out of three variants are over £40,000 and subject to the £410 annual Expensive Car Supplement on road tax.

The MGS6 EV is a case in point. A large SUV, it offers distinctive styling, excellent range from its 77kWh battery, and a host of hi-tech gadgetry – which can sometimes become annoying, but more on that later.

This top-of-the-range, twin-motor model is currently priced at just a fiver short of £44,000. There are two trims, SE and Trophy, both offering long range and rear-wheel drive, except in the case of this twin-motor model.

This model delivers a truly exhilarating drive, with the dual motors punching out a maximum of 361bhp to rocket the vehicle to 60mph in just five seconds. Add to this a claimed maximum range of 329 miles, and it’s quite a package.

It’s not all about performance, though. It certainly looks the part – sleek and sporty, yet aerodynamically efficient. The front design features an active grille shutter, and ultra-slim headlights that deliver an almost predatory look. Also included are aero wheel covers, which are claimed to add nearly 30 miles of range. In profile, the sporty look is rounded off with a full-length panoramic roof, a full-width light bar at the rear, and stylish 20-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior Design

Interior and technology

The interior has a real high-end feel, with ambient lighting, and powered and heated suede-style seats on either side of the floating centre console, which features storage space and a phone charging mat. 

Two screens dominate: a 12.8-inch HD touchscreen and a 10.25-inch display delivering real-time information to the driver. The touchscreen controls major functions like infotainment, connectivity, various apps and navigation functions. This model also features a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a 360° HD Surround View Camera.

The display itself is clear enough, but it is far from perfect. It is not alone in this; as technology moves on, more functions are added and are not always displayed most intuitively.

The MG Pilot Safety Suite, accessed via the touchscreen, controls the driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection. It can be distracting, as can the constant bings, bongs and voice alerts, which are difficult to turn off. I really struggled with the overspeed limit warning, which would sometimes activate at speeds over just 20mph.

Having said that, and to make life less distracting for the driver, there are still plenty of physical controls, including those on the multi-function steering wheel. Otherwise, it’s hard to criticise, as occupants enjoy huge amounts of head and legroom and the ambient lighting and panoramic roof make the interior a pleasant experience.

On the road

On the road, the car delivers blistering acceleration, mated with decent handling for an SUV, with little evidence of leaning into corners , even with a softish ride. The claimed range is one of the closest to the real-world range I have tested and I estimated around 270 miles against a WLTP figure of 301 for this model.

Drivers can tailor the car’s behaviour with five drive modes and a true one-pedal driving mode.

Practicality and Charging

This is a proper family-sized vehicle offering space, space and more space. The 674 litre boot is class-leading and can be extended to 1,910 litres with the seats folded for van-like capacity. In addition, the front ‘frunk’ offers an impressive extra 124 litres. A vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function can power household electric items, like a grille or kettle.

Charging is on the slow side compared to competitors. Both variants support rapid charging, going from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 38 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger.

Verdict

A fine blend of style, space and startling performance and practicality that proves MG can play with the big boys – just be prepared to mute the irritating safety aler

Factfile

• MGS6 Trophy Long Range

• Price: £43,995

• Mechanical: 351bhp, 77kWh battery and twin motor driving all wheels via an automatic transmission

• Max Speed: 124mph

• 0-62mph: 5 seconds

• Combined MPG: 301

• Insurance Group: 42

• C02 emissions: 0g/km

• Bik rating: 3%

• Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles