MG is gearing up to launch a new electric vehicle aiming to compete with the Renault 5, expected to hit the streets by 2027, with a starting price of under £25,000. This model, named the MG 2, will position itself as the entry-level option within MG’s expanding lineup of electric vehicles, which already includes the MG 4 as well as newly introduced S5 and S6 EVs.
MG Motor UK’s head, David Allison, emphasized that the compact EV market is on the verge of significant growth, stating, “it’s the obvious area of the market that’s next to happen.” He forecast a launch time frame of around a year, suggesting that 2027 is a realistic target.
As for pricing strategy, Allison made it clear that the MG 2 will emphasize overall value rather than merely aiming for lower sticker prices. He remarked, “I think we have moved on. Not consciously, but other brands and other products have come in that are the cheapest.”
He pointed out specific competitors, mentioning the Dacia Spring and Leapmotors but asserted that the brand would not operate in the same space. “Our ethos has always been about value. It has not necessarily been about being the cheapest; it has been about providing the most that we can for the best value for money,” he stated.
To provide context, he compared the ZS, which is priced competitively with the Nissan Qashqai, to the cheaper Juke in terms of value, hinting that a similar strategy will apply to the MG 2.
Although technical specifications are still under wraps, it is understood that the MG 2 will share the same SAIC Modular Scalable Platform as the MG 4. This choice hints at a solid foundation likely to enhance performance and comfort.
MG is also focusing on benchmarking against the Renault 5, which features a 150bhp motor and boasts a commendable range of up to 250 miles with its 52kWh battery. These specifications set a competitive stage for the upcoming MG 2.
While specific design details remain undisclosed, Allison mentioned that preliminary concepts have already been developed, indicating that tests with prototypes could begin shortly.
The increasing interest in compact, affordable EVs has prompted MG to expedite this model’s release. Allison noted, “The Renault 5 has made the job much more important. I’ve always felt that was the next market that was going to happen because as Europe transitions toward EVs, the most feasible way of making them more affordable is through smaller vehicles.”
