2025 MG QS Seven-Seat SUV The morning sun glints off the chrome badging as I walk around MG’s newest offering to the Australian market. Parked against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the 2025 MG QS cuts an imposing figure – larger than I expected, with sharp character lines and the confident stance of a vehicle that knows exactly what it’s here to do: challenge the established players in Australia’s hotly contested seven-seat SUV segment.
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Having just spent the morning with MG Australia executives and the pre-production QS, I can report that the Chinese brand’s ambitions extend far beyond merely participating in this competitive market. With aggressive pricing expected to undercut key rivals by thousands while offering comparable or superior equipment levels, the QS represents MG’s most serious assault yet on the family SUV segment – a category that has traditionally been dominated by Japanese, Korean and American brands.
“We’re not just looking to offer another option in the seven-seat space,” explains Peter Smith, MG Australia’s Product Planning Manager, as we walk around the vehicle. “The QS is designed to redefine value expectations in this segment while delivering genuine family-friendly practicality and the technology modern buyers demand.”
Expected to arrive in Australian showrooms within months, the QS will slot above the current HS in MG’s expanding lineup, giving the Chinese brand representation in a segment where it has previously been absent. After spending time examining the pre-production model inside and out, it’s clear that MG has done its homework on what Australian families want from their three-row SUVs.
Design and Dimensions: MG QS Seven-Seat Making a Bold Statement
Standing next to the QS, its substantial proportions become immediately apparent. At just over 4.7 meters long, 1.92 meters wide and 1.75 meters tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2.8 meters, it occupies a footprint comparable to established seven-seaters like the Mazda CX-8, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
“We benchmarked the segment thoroughly before finalizing the QS’s dimensions,” notes Sarah Johnson, MG’s exterior design spokesperson. “We wanted to ensure we weren’t compromising on interior space while maintaining proportions that wouldn’t feel unwieldy in urban environments where many of these vehicles spend much of their time.”
The design language builds upon themes established by other recent MG models but with a more assertive character befitting its flagship SUV status. The front fascia features a large, distinctive grille with intricate mesh pattern flanked by slim LED headlights that stretch back into the fenders. Strong character lines run along the profile, helping to visually break up the sides and avoid the slab-sided appearance that afflicts some vehicles in this class.
Around back, the tailgate features a subtle integrated spoiler and horizontally-oriented LED taillights connected by a light bar – a design touch that’s becoming increasingly common but is executed here with restraint. Dual exhaust tips (functional, I checked) and a silver-finished skid plate add visual interest to the lower rear bumper.
“Australian consumers respond well to designs with presence and character,” Johnson explains as I comment on the relatively bold styling. “The QS needed to stand out without appearing polarizing or faddy. We believe we’ve struck that balance with a design that communicates capability and premium aspirations while remaining accessible.”
Interior: Where Size Meets Substance
It’s inside where family MG QS Seven-Seat live or die in the marketplace, and sliding behind the wheel of the QS reveals MG has made significant strides in both design sophistication and material quality compared to earlier models. The dashboard follows a horizontal theme with a mix of soft-touch materials, piano black accents, and judicious use of satin chrome trim.
Dominating the center console is a 14.1-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that handles infotainment duties, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The system runs MG’s latest iSMART connectivity suite, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and various connected services.
“The infotainment system is the nerve center of the modern family vehicle,” notes David Chen, Technology Integration Manager at MG. “Parents need intuitive, responsive interfaces that minimize distraction, while features like multiple USB ports throughout all three rows acknowledge the reality that most families travel with numerous devices that need charging.”
Speaking of rows, I spent time in all three, finding the front seats comfortable and supportive with 8-way power adjustment for both driver and passenger on the higher trim levels. The second row offers excellent legroom thanks to the generous wheelbase, with seats that slide and recline. Access to the third row comes via a one-touch tilt-and-slide function on the outboard second-row seats.
The third row itself deserves particular mention. Often an afterthought in this segment, the QS’s rearmost seats can genuinely accommodate adults for shorter journeys. With the second row adjusted to a middle position, I found – at 178cm tall – that I had sufficient knee room and headroom to sit comfortably, with decent foot space under the second row. This puts the QS ahead of several competitors where the third row is suitable only for children.
“We recognize that while the third row may not be used daily by most owners, when it is needed, it needs to be genuinely usable,” explains Emily Thompson, Interior Packaging Lead. “A family investing in a seven-seater expects all those seats to be functional, not just boxes to tick on a specification sheet.”
Cargo capacity stands at 258 liters with all seats in place, expanding to 858 liters with the third row folded, and a substantial 1,858 liters with both second and third rows folded – competitive figures for the class. Thoughtful touches include a power tailgate with height memory function, third-row seats that fold flat into the floor, and underfloor storage in the boot area.
Powertrains: Choice for Different Needs
MG Australia is remaining tight-lipped about the full powertrain lineup ahead of the official launch, but confirmed two options will be available at launch: a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 170kW and 360Nm, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a plug-in hybrid combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 209kW and 405Nm.
The petrol variant will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while the PHEV will be AWD only, utilizing the electric motor to power the rear wheels. MG claims the PHEV variant will offer an electric-only range of approximately 70 kilometers – sufficient for most daily school runs and commutes without engaging the petrol engine.
“The powertrain strategy reflects our understanding of the Australian market,” notes Michael Roberts, Powertrain Development Engineer. “We’re offering a straightforward, powerful petrol option that will be familiar and accessible to most buyers, alongside a PHEV alternative for those looking to reduce their fuel costs and environmental footprint without committing to a fully electric vehicle.”
During a brief demonstration on a closed course, the 2.0-liter turbo showed impressive responsiveness and refinement. While I wasn’t able to drive the vehicle myself, from the passenger seat the nine-speed transmission seemed to shift smoothly and intuitively, keeping the engine in its sweet spot without hunting between gears. Road and wind noise were well suppressed, suggesting significant attention has been paid to NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) management.
Ride and Handling: Australian Tuning
One aspect of the QS that MG Australia was keen to highlight was the local chassis tuning program undertaken specifically for our market. While the fundamental suspension architecture – MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear – is shared with other markets, the Australian-delivered QS features market-specific damper and spring rates, as well as steering calibration.
“Australian roads present unique challenges,” explains James Robertson, the lead engineer for MG’s Australian chassis tuning program. “We’ve got everything from smooth highways to poorly maintained rural roads, speed humps, and rough unsealed surfaces. Our local tuning program involved thousands of kilometers across various surfaces to find the right balance for Australian conditions.”
This is a significant commitment from MG and represents a level of local development not always undertaken by brands with much longer histories in Australia. The preliminary results, based on my brief experience from the passenger seat, seem promising. The QS appeared to absorb sharp impacts well while maintaining composure through the slalom course set up for the demonstration.
Robertson notes that the target was a balance of comfort and control rather than outright sportiness. “This is a family vehicle first and foremost,” he acknowledges. “Our primary goals were predictable handling, good body control, and the kind of ride comfort that ensures all occupants remain comfortable on longer journeys.”
Technology and Safety: No Compromise
MG Australia confirmes that the QS will come equipped with the latest iteration of the brand’s MG Pilot safety suite, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.
“Safety technology is non-negotiable in this segment,” states Emma Chen, MG’s Safety Systems Engineer. “Families rightfully expect comprehensive active safety systems as standard, not as expensive options or limited to top-tier variants. Every QS variant will offer a complete suite of advanced driver assistance systems.”
The commitment to safety extends beyond electronic systems to the vehicle’s fundamental structure. MG claims the QS utilizes high-strength steel for over 65 percent of the body, with strategic reinforcement in key areas to enhance crash protection. The company is targeting a five-star ANCAP safety rating when the vehicle undergoes testing.
Connectivity and Convenience
The aforementioned 14.1-inch infotainment system serves as the hub for a comprehensive suite of connectivity features. Beyond the expected smartphone integration, the system offers voice control for various functions, over-the-air update capability, and remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app.
“The connected car experience is increasingly important to buyers,” notes Chen. “Parents juggling busy family schedules value features that simplify their interaction with the vehicle, whether that’s remotely checking if the doors are locked, pre-conditioning the cabin temperature before a morning school run, or having seamless integration with their digital lives.”
Additional technology features include a wireless charging pad, ambient interior lighting with customizable colors, tri-zone climate control allowing separate temperature settings for each row, and a premium 12-speaker sound system on higher grades.
Market Positioning and Pricing: The Value Proposition
While MG Australia hasn’t yet confirmed exact pricing, representatives indicated the QS will be “extremely competitive” with an expected starting price “well under $40,000” for the entry-level variant. This would position it thousands below comparable seven-seat SUVs from mainstream Japanese and Korean brands.
“Value remains central to MG’s proposition in Australia,” explains Peter Smith. “However, value doesn’t simply mean the lowest price – it means offering more features, space, and capability than customers expect at each price point.”
The QS is expected to be offered in three trim levels, with even the base model including features like the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen (the 14.1-inch unit is reserved for higher grades), synthetic leather upholstery, powered front seats, and the full MG Pilot safety suite.
The mid-tier variant will add genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, the larger 14.1-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and additional comfort features, while the flagship model will include all available technology features along with unique styling elements.
“We understand that different families have different priorities and budgets,” notes Smith. “Our three-tier strategy ensures buyers can find a QS that meets their needs without paying for features they don’t value.”
Ownership Experience
Beyond the initial purchase, MG Australia emphasizes the ownership experience as a key component of the QS value proposition. The vehicle will be covered by MG’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty with seven years of roadside assistance, placing it among the most comprehensive coverage packages in the market.
Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, with MG promising competitive capped-price servicing costs. The company is also expanding its dealer network to ensure convenient service access as its Australian footprint continues to grow.
“The warranty package reflects our confidence in the QS’s quality and durability,” states Jennifer Williams, Customer Experience Director. “We recognize that for many families, a seven-seat SUV represents a significant investment, and they need assurance that they’re making a sound long-term choice.”
Competitive Landscape: Taking on the Establishment
The QS enters a crowded segment with well-established competitors including the Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-8 and CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Mitsubishi Outlander, among others. Each of these rivals brings particular strengths, from Toyota’s hybrid efficiency to Mazda’s premium feel to the Koreans’ technology-packed offerings.
What sets the QS apart, beyond its expected aggressive pricing, is the combination of genuine seven-seat practicality with contemporary styling and technology. Many competitors force compromises – either on third-row space, cargo capacity, or equipment levels at comparable price points.
“We’ve carefully studied the segment leaders and identified areas where we could offer tangible advantages,” explains Smith. “Whether that’s more usable third-row space than a Outlander, more standard technology than a base Kluger, or a more modern design language than some of the more established players.”
MG Australia anticipates the QS will appeal to different buyer groups: growing families upgrading from smaller SUVs, value-conscious buyers who want maximum practicality for their budget, and fleet operators looking for spacious, well-equipped vehicles with predictable ownership costs.
Timing and Australian Specifics
According to MG Australia representatives, the first shipments of the QS are expected to arrive in Australia within months, with showroom availability targeted for late Q2 or early Q3 2024. Initial allocation will favor the 2.0-liter turbo petrol variants, with the PHEV expected to join the lineup later in the year.
The Australian specification vehicles will feature subtle differences from versions sold in other markets, beyond the aforementioned chassis tuning. These include Australia-specific infotainment features (such as local emergency call functionality), additional USB ports throughout the cabin, and calibration of the air conditioning system for our climate extremes.
“We’ve learned from our experience with other models that Australian buyers have specific expectations and preferences,” notes Smith. “The QS for our market incorporates numerous small changes based on customer feedback and our understanding of local conditions.”
A Credible Contender
As I complete my walkaround and inspection of the QS prototype, what strikes me most is how far MG has come in a relatively short time in the Australian market. Once known primarily for budget-focused small cars and compact SUVs, the brand has steadily expanded its reach upmarket with progressively more sophisticated offerings.
The QS represents perhaps the most ambitious step yet – a genuine family-sized SUV designed to compete with established mainstream brands not merely on price, but on design, technology, practicality, and overall value. Based on this preview, it appears to have the fundamentals right: spacious interior with a genuinely usable third row, competitive powertrains including a PHEV option, comprehensive safety technology, and distinctive styling.
Whether it succeeds in carving out significant market share will depend on execution details we couldn’t fully assess from this static preview – refinement levels, driving dynamics, real-world efficiency, and build quality over time. However, the foundation appears solid, and the value proposition compelling.
What’s certain is that the arrival of the QS will put additional pressure on traditional players in this segment, potentially forcing them to either increase standard equipment levels or adjust pricing to remain competitive. For Australian families in the market for a seven-seat SUV, this intensifying competition can only be good news – regardless of which badge they ultimately choose for their driveway.
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