Best budget SUV arrives in Aus
MG's latest addition could be one of its most important — and most impressive — to date.
The MG QS is a seven-seat SUV with a substantial size to it. It's about the same dimensionally as a Toyota Kluger, and it's aiming at buyers of that three-row family SUV, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and others like the LDV D90, Mahindra XUV700 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
The pricing pitches this one as not the cheapest, but far from the most expensive in the segment, with a starting introductory price of $46,990 drive-away for the Excite front-wheel drive model, while the Essence all-wheel drive version tested is a $50,990 drive-away option.
That's pretty decent buying for a family high-rider with a spec list like this. Standard gear in the range-topper includes 21-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and perforated leather upholstery. There is an optional Stone Beige interior trim that looks awesome, too.
2025 MG QS. Picture: Supplied
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That's beyond the expected goodies such as three-zone climate control, a pair of 12.3-inch screens including connected services, sat nav, wireless phone connectivity and mirroring, and more. And seriously, the cabin design is pretty speccy for the cash, with the 256-colour ambient lighting helping to make it feel how you want it to. The 12-speaker Bose sound system in the top-end version helps with that, too.
Some of the controls could be better, but you do get used to the screen menus reasonably quickly – and thankfully there is a row of buttons for main climate settings down below the infotainment unit.
2025 MG QS. Picture: Supplied
It's comfortable and practical upfront, and the second-row space is easily roomy enough for adults or big teens. There are overhead vents and rear climate settings, and the standard big glass sunroof has a nice effect. Parents of freshies will appreciate there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers, with a 60:40 split bench rear seat offering sliding capability to make it more amenable for full occupancy.
There is a nifty one-touch tilt-and-slide seat on the driver's side to allow third-row access, which is easy because the door openings are decent. No third-row child-seat anchor points is about the only cross against this car's cabin, because it has a lot of ticks.
So, what about the drive experience?
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2025 MG QS. Picture: Supplied
2025 MG QS. Picture: Supplied
I was surprised how much I liked this thing – in fact, it feels like the most mature and well considered MG product yet, which is saying something.
What impresses most is the ride comfort, which is exceptionally good for a car on arch-filling wheels with low-profile tyres. The high-grade version gets an electronically controlled adjustable suspension that helps to iron out little bumps and cosset over larger jolts, which is important in a big car for the crew.
It feels pretty easy to drive in urban settings, with a standard surround-view camera system helping out with parking moves, and the steering is predictable if not overly thrilling.
And while a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol might seem a little undercooked for a near-two-tonne-when-empty SUV like this, it gets the job done decently. The nine-speed auto helps it feel eager at lower speeds, though I noted some 'hunting' for a correct gear at freeway speed.
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Fuel use is claimed in the 8s, and over a mix of driving during a few days of urban, highway and commuting to the city from out west, I saw 9.8L/100km displayed on the dash. Not too bad! Just be mindful it needs 95RON premium juice, and the tank capacity is 65L.
There is a raft of standard active safety technology, some of which may frustrate the enthusiastic driver. The lane keeping is a bit eager, but thankfully the driver monitoring camera is timid. There's speed sign recognition which harps on a bit too much, though it might be handy if you're short on points.
Now it is worth noting that you can still get an MG with a 10-year/250,000km warranty if you maintain the car with MG's network, otherwise the brand has wound things back to seven years/unlimited km. Still very good.
The MG QS isn't the cheapest, but it is one of the best at the budget end of the seven-seat SUV spectrum.
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2025 MG QS. Picture: Supplied
2025 MG QS. Picture: Supplied
4.0 stars
MG QS
PRICE: $46,990 to $50,990 drive-away (introductory pricing)
ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cyl, nine-speed auto transmission, FWD or AWD
OUTPUTS: 153kW/360Nm
FUEL USE: 8.4-8.8 litres per 100km claim, 9.8L/100km on test
BOOT SPACE: 203 litres third-row up, 517 litres third-row down
SPARE: Space-saver
Originally published as 2025 MG QS review
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