Look who came to us – it’s a new electric car with a “fantastic” name! The first copies of MG Marvel R are already arriving in Ukraine. What did you come with? Now I’ll tell you – in the “first look” format.
(Not) just another electric crossover
What is MG Marvel R? Crossover – yes. Electric – “yeah”. With a smoothed appearance, wavy lines of the sides, strips of LEDs across the entire width of the body. How many were there and how many more will there be?
But still, the MG Marvel R crossover is different. For example, with C-shaped front optics – these “claws” are used as daytime running lights and turn signals; The main lights are installed below in separate niches. Memorable inserts on the front fenders with thin ventilation slots and small splashes of chrome decor. And the handles coming out are also memorable: like triangles that need to be hooked from below.
In company photos, the electric car seems larger than it really is: length – 4.67 meters; width – 1.92 meters; height – 1.62 meters; wheel base – 2.8 meters. And all these meters are filled with a certain “sense of speed”. Crossover MG Marvel R attracts with a laconic design, which found a place for interesting elements: unusual headlights and lanterns, door handles, side panels with slots, openwork 19-inch wheels. By the way, pay attention to one more, but important detail – the logo AWD.
All because the MG Marvel R Performance 4WD crossover was the test electric car. It seems that the story is known: we need four-wheel drive – we put two electric motors. However, the special feature of the MG Marvel R model with all-wheel drive is that there are three electric motors here – one in the front and two in the back!
Apparently, this is the most affordable electric car currently on the Ukrainian market with such a layout scheme. Which is interesting not only for the very fact of layout, but also for its high total power: 212 kW or 288 hp, as well as 665 Nm of torque. In addition, the electric car is also available in a rear-wheel drive version (132 kW or 180 hp of power and 410 Nm of torque).
Everything else is normal. Load-bearing body; suspensions are completely independent (MacPherson front, multi-lever rear); circular disc brakes. The 70 kWh battery is installed below within the wheelbase. The WLTP range is claimed at 402 km for the rear-wheel drive version or 370 km for the all-wheel drive version.
The possibility of charging with alternating current with a power of up to 11 kW is provided: then a full charge of the battery will require about seven hours. It is also possible to charge with direct current – in this case, charging the battery from 10-80% will take 43 minutes.
The usual carrying body hides the original equipment: an electric crossover MG Marvel R Performance 4WD gets two electric motors in the back and one in the front – it is visible through the cover under the hood. If you take the rear-wheel drive version, then instead of the front electric motor, an additional 150-liter luggage compartment appears. In addition, the rear-wheel drive version is lighter than the all-wheel drive (claimed 1810kg vs 1920kg), it wins in range but loses in 0-100km/h (7.9 seconds vs 4.9 seconds claimed) – for the difference in power. Charging port of the usual European standard CCS 2 Mennekes mounted in the rear fender. Liquid cooling of the battery, heat pump, function is provided V2L. So, the technique has been dealt with. And what about the salon?
Interior in the style of “we need more inches”
The first look in the cabin is immediately captivated by the inclined central console with a vertical 19.4-inch display: wow! In fact, it acts as a control center for all functions and systems of the electric vehicle. The menu is simple and clear, but so far everything is in English – localization-translation is expected by the summer of this year.
The screen itself provides a good image, it is pleasant to look at. But there are difficulties with work: sensitivity sometimes suffers, you have to press repeatedly or hold your finger, and there is still a lack of click feedback.
But there are comfortable seats with leather trim and heating/ventilation, a digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch screen, a niche-shelf under the central display, wireless charging in the recesses of the armrest. And there are ventilation deflectors that are controlled from the central display using electric drives.
In the back, everything is simpler: seats, armrests, glass holders. However, the floor is almost flat, there is enough space, the position of the legs is more or less comfortable – thanks to the crossover format with a higher roof and a raised seat. Plus ventilation deflectors and USB connectors are provided.
And in the trunk, the “minimum program” is carried out: the volume is 357 liters, rectangular shape, a niche for small things, electric lid drive. In the underground – a large closed box (there are components of the electric drive), a Bose subwoofer, a repair kit.
The soft lines on the inside are reminiscent of the soft lines on the outside. The most noticeable detail is a huge 19.4-inch touch display, which is responsible for controlling “everything and everything”: setting the electrical system, selecting music, controlling the “climate”. A map should be drawn in the center of the digital instrument panel, but again, we are waiting for updates and connection to global MG– Services. There is enough space in the back, there is ventilation and USB– Disconnection. The standard trunk offers 357 liters of volume – this trunk is unchanged for versions with rear or all-wheel drive.
On the go: first impressions of dynamics, recuperation, suspension
Like any electric car, the MG Marvel R crossover starts quietly and gently, it accelerates linearly “as if on a string”. After all, there are no pauses in the electric drive when applying the turning moment: I pressed the accelerator pedal – and immediately got it. Moreover, in the “Sport” and “Sport+” modes, I got a lot: good acceleration, noticeably pressed into the back of the seats!
Especially in Sport+ mode, when reactions to the accelerator pedal become as sharp as possible, and the electric motors start instantly. I can’t confirm the acceleration figures yet, but it doesn’t feel like 288 hp, but more like “300+”.
But let’s be realistic – before us is a 2-ton crossover. It is felt in the turns and on the bush, the MG Marvel R electric car drives like a larger crossover with dimensions a class higher. It looks like it’s all because of the heavy battery – which, well, is mounted on the bottom. And all this burden seems to additionally press the crossover to the road. Taking into account the “tight” suspension, the electric car allows you to drive dynamically not only in a straight line, but also in turns.
True, the steering wheel is initially light, it becomes heavier only in “sport” modes. Well, their name justifies itself. And vice versa – in “eco” and “normal” mode, the MG Marvel R crossover becomes calm and compliant, it tries to get the maximum possible mileage. In what, probably, recovery will help: there is a choice of three positions, each of which adds 6-7% efficiency, a maximum of 20% can be gained on a flat road (if the indicator is to be believed).
Only at the third level does recuperation work in stages: the electric car begins to decelerate and slow down, as if at the second level of recuperation – and after a second it realizes that more has been asked of it. Not annoying, just a noticeable feature. So the second level is enough for normal driving conditions.
The main control bodies for the “driving character” of the electric car are assembled from below under the central display: a round selector-puck for selecting the direction of movement, switches for selecting the driving mode and activating recuperation. In the future, I hope to prepare a large review of this electric car, then there will be my own measurements of dynamics and range. For now, we are operating with factory figures: acceleration to “hundreds” in 4.9 seconds, power reserve of 370 km. By the way, we can see two windows on the instrument panel. Prava is responsible for multimedia (radio, connection Bluetooth). But the left is much more interesting – all important technical information is collected here: current speed, driving modes, operation of the electric drive.
Two versions, two configurations – two prices
On the Ukrainian market, the MG Marvel R electric car is available in two versions, which differ significantly in terms of technology and equipment.
MG Marvel R LUX starts: 2WD rear-wheel drive, 70 kWh battery, 360-degree cameras, leather interior, seven airbags, LED headlights, panoramic roof, digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, touch 19.4-inch . display, separate 2-zone climate, a complex of driver assistance systems, etc. Price MG Marvel R LUX – from UAH 1.7 million. or $42.5 thousand
One level up is the MG Marvel R Performance version: additional electric motor at the front, 4WD all-wheel drive, Bose audio system. As an option (plus about $1,000), seats with improved upholstery and ventilation are available. Price MG Marvel R Performance – From UAH 1.81 million or $45,000.
A radar sensor is visible in the front bumper, which is an obvious sign of adaptive “cruise”. Plus there is lane control, traffic sign recognition, mirror blind spot monitoring, even a function to prevent safe opening of doors. It is important that a similar list of assistants is available in all configurations. MG Marvel R – as well as LED headlights, panoramic roof, all-round view (front and rear cameras, in side mirrors). True, the picture from the cameras is grainy; but the system can draw 3D-Image or make “invisible”.
What are the prospects for MG Marvel R in Ukraine?
As always, only time will tell the most accurate answer. But the MG Marvel R electric car obviously has certain prospects. Yes, it will not surprise owners of Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes, Tesla electric cars – but it can be an interesting step forward for owners of 3-5-year-old Nissan and Hyundai electric cars.
In addition, the MG Marvel R electric car is the flagship for the MG brand in Ukraine: it demonstrates the best technologies that the company currently has. And thanks to this, it can lead to the sale of existing and future new products – for example, the MG 4 Electric. Finally, the start of MG Marvel R sales is another example of the fact that the Ukrainian car market is alive, despite the war, and seeks to see interesting, technological, “advanced” models.
