MG QS 2025: In a market increasingly hungry for practical family transport with sharp pricing, MG Motor Australia has confirmed its newest contender will arrive on Australian shores by mid-2025.
The MG QS 2025 seven-seater aims to disrupt the family SUV segment with the brand’s signature value proposition while bringing surprisingly upmarket features to the table.
Value Challenger Enters the Ring
Chinese automotive manufacturer MG, once a storied British brand now under SAIC Motor ownership, continues its aggressive expansion strategy in Australia.
Following record sales growth that has seen the brand consistently climb Australian sales charts, the QS represents a strategic move into the hotly contested seven-seat SUV category currently dominated by established players like the Mazda CX-8, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento.
Industry analyst Sarah Townsend from Automotive Insights suggests the timing couldn’t be better: “Australian families are increasingly looking for vehicles that offer maximum practicality without the premium price tag.
MG has identified a sweet spot in the market where they can leverage their manufacturing efficiencies and value equation.”
The QS will be positioned above the current HS model in MG’s lineup, with pricing expected to start from approximately $38,990 drive-away for the entry-level variant—significantly undercutting established competitors by $8,000-$12,000.
Powertrain Options for Different Buyers
According to information provided at a recent dealer briefing in Sydney, the MG QS will launch with two distinct powertrain options to cater to different buyer preferences.
The range will start with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 170kW and 360Nm, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
This conventional powertrain will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with the latter likely reserved for higher-specification models.
More interestingly, MG will also offer a plug-in hybrid variant combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and substantial 19.4kWh battery pack.
This PHEV system is expected to deliver a combined output of approximately 224kW and an impressive electric-only range of up to 80 kilometers—enough for most daily commutes without using a drop of fuel.
Peter Callow, MG Australia’s Product Planning Manager, explains the strategy: “We recognize that different customers have different needs when it comes to electrification.
The PHEV option provides a stepping stone for those not quite ready to go fully electric, while still delivering meaningful efficiency benefits and reducing range anxiety.”
Interior Space and Practicality
As expected from a dedicated seven-seater, the QS prioritizes interior space and flexibility. The overall dimensions place it firmly in the mid-size SUV segment, measuring 4,705mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,730mm tall, with a generous 2,750mm wheelbase that maximizes interior room.
Unlike some competitors offering token third-row seating, MG engineers have focused on creating a genuinely usable seven-seat configuration.
The second row features a 60:40 split with slide and recline functions, while the third row offers a 50:50 split when additional cargo space is needed.
When all seats are in place, the QS provides 230 liters of cargo space—sufficient for grocery runs or compact strollers. With the third row folded, this expands to 892 liters, and with both rear rows folded, a cavernous 1,780 liters becomes available for larger items.
Thoughtful touches abound throughout the cabin, including USB charging ports for all three rows, air conditioning vents serving all passengers, and innovative storage solutions including an oversized center console and underfloor compartments.
Technology and Feature Highlights
MG aims to challenge perceptions about Chinese vehicle technology with the QS, equipping even base models with features often reserved for premium variants in competitor lineups.
All models will feature a panoramic 12.3-inch curved digital instrument cluster paired with a matching 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
This dual-screen setup creates an impressive visual centerpiece for the dashboard while providing crisp graphics and intuitive functionality.
The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, and a premium eight-speaker audio system developed in partnership with British audio specialists. Higher-grade models will add a 10-speaker system with dedicated amplifier.
A standout feature will be MG’s new augmented reality head-up display system, projecting key information including navigation instructions directly onto the windshield with animated directional arrows superimposed over the actual road ahead—technology previously found only in luxury European marques.
Comfort features include dual-zone climate control (three-zone on higher specifications), heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, ambient interior lighting with customizable colors, and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade.
Safety Credentials
Understanding that family buyers prioritize safety, MG has equipped the QS with its most comprehensive active safety suite to date. The MG Pilot system includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed adaptation
- Driver attention monitoring
- 360-degree camera system with transparent chassis view
The QS also features an enhanced structure with high-strength steel comprising over 65% of the body, designed to achieve maximum safety ratings when tested by ANCAP.
Design Evolution
The QS represents an evolution of MG’s current design language while introducing some distinctive new elements. The front fascia features a bold interpretation of MG’s signature grille, flanked by slim LED headlights and aggressive air intakes.
The silhouette presents a slightly more commanding presence than the smaller HS, with a gently sloping roofline that doesn’t compromise headroom for third-row passengers.
Lead exterior designer Wei Zhang describes the approach: “We wanted to create something with presence and sophistication without resorting to unnecessary aggression. The proportions tell you this is a capable family vehicle, while the detailing adds a layer of premium appeal.”
Inside, the dashboard adopts a horizontal layout emphasized by continuous air vents and ambient lighting strips.
Materials show significant improvement over previous MG models, with soft-touch surfaces covering most contact points and convincing wood-effect or aluminum trim depending on the specification level.
Australian Market Positioning
The QS represents MG’s most ambitious Australian market entry yet, targeting the heart of the family SUV segment with a compelling mix of space, technology, and value.
The company aims to capitalize on its growing reputation among value-conscious buyers while persuading more traditional buyers to consider the brand.
Danny Ellis, MG Australia’s Marketing Director, explains the strategy: “We’ve established ourselves in the small car and compact SUV segments, but the seven-seat QS opens up a whole new market of family buyers who perhaps haven’t considered MG before.
Once they experience the quality, features, and value proposition, we’re confident they’ll be convinced.”
The company expects the QS to quickly become one of its core models in Australia, with sales targets suggesting volumes of approximately 600-800 units monthly once supply stabilizes.
Trim Levels and Pricing Structure
The QS will launch with three trim levels—Excite, Essence, and Trophy—following MG’s established naming convention.
The entry-level Excite, priced from $38,990 drive-away, includes the 12.3-inch dual screens, synthetic leather upholstery, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and the full MG Pilot safety suite.
Mid-range Essence models, starting around $42,990, add genuine leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the augmented reality head-up display.
The flagship Trophy, expected to start from $46,990 for petrol and $52,990 for the PHEV variant, includes everything in the Essence plus the premium audio system, third-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and advanced matrix LED headlights.
Warranty and Ownership Benefits
Continuing MG’s customer-focused approach, the QS will be covered by the brand’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty with seven years of roadside assistance. The PHEV variant will additionally include an eight-year battery warranty.
Service intervals are set at 12 months/10,000km for petrol models and 12 months/15,000km for the PHEV, with capped-price servicing available for the first five years of ownership.
Verdict: A Serious Contender
As Australian families continue seeking maximum value and practicality, the MG QS appears positioned to capitalize on these priorities with its combination of generous space, comprehensive technology, and sharp pricing.
While some buyers may still hesitate at the Chinese origin, MG’s established presence in Australia and growing reputation for reliability should help overcome these concerns.
When it arrives in Australian showrooms mid-year, the QS will face tough competition from well-established players, but its value equation and feature list make it impossible to ignore for pragmatic family buyers.
The seven-seat showdown is about to get a fascinating new competitor that could well force traditional manufacturers to reconsider their pricing and equipment strategies.