Chinese SAIC-owned MG presented two high-end electric models at the Geneva Motor Show: the MG 9 liftback and the MG S9 fastback SUV. They are based on the F7 and R7 cars, available in the Chinese market under Rising marque, also owned by SAIC. Two models from the sister brand will help MG to enter the new market segment, boosting sales. It is also good for Rising, whose domestic sales volume is low.
MG is a former British brand currently owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC Group. As the MG name is still well-known overseas, SAIC uses it as a driving force for its overseas sales. The Chinese automaker often rebadges its models to the MG brand. The recent examples are Wuling Air EV (MG Comet), Maxus T70 (MG Extender), Roewe Ei5 (MG 5), and Roewe Marvel R (MG Marvel R). Soon, two more models from the Rising brand will enhance the MG line in the overseas markets.
Rising was initially a series of electric vehicles under the SAIC-owned Roewe brand. In 2020, this series turned into an independent brand. Nowadays, its domestic model line comprises two models: the R7 fastback SUV and the F7 liftback. However, its sales volume is low in China. Last year, Rising barely sold 21,012 cars. For clarity, Xpeng delivered over 121,000 units, and Nio sold more than 160,000 EVs. The high price is the main reason for the low demand for Rising vehicles among Chinese customers. Recently, Rising joined the price war in China, offering discounts and revised trim levels of its cars.
Soon, Rising vehicles will hit overseas markets as a part of the MG brand. They will compete with other high-end electric cars, including Chinese Zeekr, Xpeng, Exlantix, and Nio.
Briefly on MG 9
The MG 9 is a large electric liftback with sleek styling and a drag coefficient of 0.206 Cd. It is a rebadged Rising F7 that entered the Chinese market in March last year. It has thin running lights, retractable door handles, and a coupe-like body shape. Its dimensions are 5000/1953/1494 mm with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. For comparison, the MG 9 is 10 mm longer, 7 mm narrower, and 84 mm higher than the Audi e-tron GT.
Inside, the MG 9 has a screen resembling the Mercedes-Benz MBUX multimedia system. It isn’t a solid monitor but three screens under a glass panel. The instrument cluster has a diameter of 10.25 inches, the main screen offers 15.05 inches, and the front passenger monitor’s diameter is 12.3 inches. There is one more 8-inch screen for the rear passengers. The MG 9 has a D-shaped steering wheel with a gear shifter mounted behind it.
The powertrain of the MG 9 is likely similar to the Rising F7. Its entry-level variant has a single electric motor in the rear axle for 250 kW powered by a 64-kWh LFP battery, good for a 500 km CLTC range. The second version has the same e-motor mated with a 77-kWh ternary NMC pack for 602 km. There is also a long-range modification with a battery for 90 kWh and a range of 702 km. There is a 4WD performance variant with two electric motors for 400 kW and a 90 kWh battery for the 632 km range.
In China, the Rising F7 supports battery swap technology. According to official information, Rising-branded battery sap stations can switch batteries in 90 seconds. However, Rising has around 50 stations across China, which is clearly a miserable quantity compared to Nio, which has 2,375 PSS.
In China, the Rising F7 costs 189,900 – 309,900 yuan (26,390 – 43,050 USD). The price of the MG 9 for the European markets has yet to be released.
Briefly on MG S9
The MG S9 is a mid-sized fastback crossover based on the latest variant of the Rising R7. Its front end looks similar to the MG 9 sedan. It also has a sleek roofline, frameless doors, and thin DRLs. The dimensions of the MG S9 are 4900/1925/1655 mm with a wheelbase of 2950 mm. For clarity, it is 149 mm longer, 4 mm wider, and 26 mm higher than the Tesla Model Y.
The interior of the MG S9 also has MBUX vibes with a triple-screen. But it additionally has an augmented reality heads-up display from Huawei. The MG S9 has RWD and 250 kW with 536 km LTP range. Its twin brother, Rising R7, has a single electric motor for 250 kW in the rear axle as standard. It is powered by a 77 kWh ternary NMC battery for a 570 km range (CLTC). There is also a long-range variant with a 90-kWh battery for a 670 km range. Previously, the Rising R7 had a 4WD version with 400 kWh and a 90 kWh battery for 606 km. However, it was discontinued due to a high price.
The Chinese price of the Rising R7 is 189,900 – 229,900 yuan (26,390 – 31,950 USD). The price of the MG S9 is unknown.
According to insider information, SAIC co-owned IM brand is also set to rebrand its models as MG for the European and South American markets.
Source: Weibo
