Might large successor to a model from sister brand Roewe show as a premium model from yet another sibling marque?

MOVES by more Chinese car makers to target the luxury electric vehicle segment seem probable – but the push into right-hand-drive countries likely won’t include MG’s latest.

While Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) – which holds the now Chinese-made British-born MG marque in its stable, has discounted its large Marvel R from being available to New Zealand, it might yet have another card to play.

In the wake of rival Geely announcing it will launch a new premium EV brand, Zeekr, SAIC has also indicated it will have an upscale marque in the mix as well – known simply as R.

Zeekr and R both plan to offer models all around the globe – and the first concept, the R ES33, appears to be a development of the Marvel.

The concept is said to have 33 sensors on board, including a 4D imaging radar, Luminar lidar, laser radar, and an ultrasonic radar.

That’s a higher technical load than comes with the Marvel R, which a spokesman for MG Motor New Zealand has indicated is unlikely to steer into this market, saying it is primarily designed for sale in Europe.

''Information about the new MG Marvel R SUV relates to European product and launch timing.  We don't have any announcements to make at the moment with regards to the local market.”

Marvel is a name already familiar to Shanghai Automotive followers, though previously it has been presented as a product of another of its brand, Roewe. A Roewe Marvel was brought to NZ by MG Motor here to demonstrate SAIC’s technology level. 

The MG Marvel R hitting Europe soon would conceivably serve similar purpose.

There will be two versions; one will have two electric motors on the rear axle, and the other will have a third electric motor on the front axle, making it four-wheel drive.

The four-wheel-drive model’s three motors generate 214kW and 665Nm of torque, and can accelerate the Marvel R from 0-100kmh in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 200kmh.

 The brand claims it has a WLTP electric range of 400km, which is less than class-leading, but recharging is fast. The batteries can be topped up from empty to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, using a fast charger. The model also features a V2L (vehicle-to-load) system, which allows the car’s batteries to power an external device, such as an air pump, or even to charge another electric vehicle.

At 4674mm long, 1919mm wide and 1618mm tall, the Marvel R is slightly larger than the Roewe Marvel. It has a 2800mm wheelbase.

The boot offers 357 litres of space, rising to 1396 litres with the rear seats folded down.