Perhaps it’s our family-oriented culture, but it’s safe to say that us Pinoys love MPVs and vans. The more seats, the better, and it’s a bonus if it’s truly spacious inside. At the same time, we love a bargain, but then again, who doesn’t.
Which is why the MG G50 Plus caught our attention when it was launched last year. It was a large-ish MPV but had the base price of a subcompact model. For families that value space, it appeared to be the bargain of the decade.
Sure enough, the market responded positively to the model, becoming a daily common sight on the road. But as we’ve pointed out before, popularity doesn’t always equate to greatness. Of course, we’re hoping that the G50 doesn’t fall into that trap.
Curious, we tried out the MPV formerly known as the Maxus G50 and did, er, MPV things with it. Here are our thoughts.
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Styling
Yes, you heard that right. The MG G50 Plus is literally a rebadged Maxus G50. If looks aren’t a big giveaway already, they didn’t even change the name of the model. That’s mainly because Maxus and MG are under the SAIC umbrella. A new set of badges here and slightly different bumpers there, and you’re all set.
The thing is, the Maxus version (and Maxus itself) didn’t exactly set the local sales charts on fire. One could say it’s a totally new product for most folks, and as far as MPVs go, the look is inoffensive.
That’s totally fine, though. The MPV market is on the conservative side, so anything that looks odd, bizarre, or wild will be met with raised eyebrows instead of being welcomed with open arms. Perhaps a notable exception to that ‘rule’ is the Hyundai Stargazer, but that’s a conversation for another time. Admittedly, however, a part of us wishes it came with sliding doors. Now that would be a game changer in its segment and price bracket.
Interior
If you’re expecting a cheap plastic festival in there, you’d be gladly proven wrong. We were genuinely surprised to be greeted by soft touch materials on the dash and all doors. Granted, the feel and textures of the material doesn’t feel rich per se, but it does show effort on MG’s part. You’ll appreciate those materials more once you find out about the price, but we’ll get to that later.
Given its van-like shape, there’s acres of space inside. The relatively large body helps in that too. This being the Lux version, it has a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row. The cushions are on the soft side and come with armrests, which is what anyone would expect from these kinds of seats. Legroom and headroom are generous, and it helps that the chairs slide forwards and back.
But even with the second row pushed back, space in the third row is more than acceptable. Medium-sized adults won’t complain and there’s still stacks of headroom. For those who need a greater passenger capacity, MG also offers the G50 Plus with a second-row bench seat, but only for the lesser variants.
What about the cargo area? You’ll struggle to fill it up with the third-row folded down and it’s adequate with those seats up. We still managed to fit a baby carriage behind the third-row, a plus for families with infants.
There are a few caveats inside, though, and it’s mainly the ergonomics. The electronic column shifter looks way too identical to the turn signal stalks, and we had to remind ourselves that it was a gear selector and not for the wipers. The wipers and turn signals are controlled by a single stalk. Those coming from Japanese cars might take some time to get used to it all.
Lastly, fit and finish can be better. We also came across a couple of creaky plastics inside. Still, it’s not bad inside the G50 Plus.
Engine performance
Chinese cars are typically powered by one of three things: A 1.5-liter, a turbocharged 1.5-liter, or electric motors. In the case of the G50 Plus, it’s a boosted 1.5-liter. No surprises there, really.
Power outputs are on the conservative side known what modern day compact turbo engines can do. It’s rated at 179hp and 285Nm of torque which is fine in a smaller vehicle but just enough for an MPV this size. That said, any form of boost is welcome, especially when you’re carrying six on board with luggage.
While it doesn’t have the same shove as a diesel engine, it easily outguns the smaller MPVs the MG sits in the same price range with. There is noticeable lag from the get-go, but the boost comes in strong in the mid-range. Power delivery isn’t what one expects from a turbo engine as it’s actually quite subtle. Given its purpose, which is to haul passengers around in comfort, it’s fine in this application.
But more important in its segment is fuel efficiency. Obviously, it won’t be as economical as a diesel and nowhere near the fuel-sipping capabilities of a range-extended electric vehicle. Still, 8km/L in heavy traffic isn’t bad and 13.2km/L on the highway is commendable. It’s worth pointing out that these figures were measured with a full load.
The characteristics of its dual-clutch transmission are worth a mention. Yes, it still has the typical DCT jerk when it’s caught out in stop-and-go traffic situations, but it’s not too jarring. At higher speeds, it becomes smooth and rather eager to upshift for the sake of saving fuel.
Ride and handling
Throw away any expectations of driving thrills or exciting dynamics. This is a family MPV, one that’s on the large side, too. And if you’re looking for an exciting van, that’s an oxymoron and you’re clearly shopping in the wrong segment. In the case of the G50 Plus, steering feel is practically non-existent, while the body pitches and rolls at any hint of enthusiastic driving. At least roadholding is adequate, but that’s pretty much the highlight in the handling department. Brake pedal feel could be a little better, too.
What about comfort, then? To be honest, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. At lower speeds, it’s easily one of the most comfortable seven-seaters out there. It’s a touch on the soft side, but it does iron out bumps rather well. At higher cruising speeds, however, the rear is a touch on the choppy side when on uneven surfaces. It’s solved by putting some load at the back, though.
Where it shines is on the highway. For such a tall slab, it’s quiet and mostly undisturbed by wind noise. That soft ride also makes it an easy and comfortable long-distance cruiser.
Extra features
We can best describe the features list as comprehensive but not groundbreaking. Still, we’re not complaining as it comes standard with cruise control, a decent infotainment system, and power seats for both front perches. A tire pressure monitoring system is always a practical addition to any vehicle, especially one that needs to carry multiple passengers.
Of course, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, the one fitted to our tester was glitchy. It would work for a short time but would freeze and eventually disconnect. Attempts to reconnect it proved futile, forcing us to rely on Bluetooth. We hope the customer units don’t suffer from the same issues.
Moving to safety features, there are four airbags, stability control, reverse camera, and reverse sensors. Decent, but it won’t move the game forward.
Verdict
Now, for the price, and this top-spec Lux version retails for P1,288,888. It actually hovers around the same price range as the Honda BR-V, Hyundai Stargazer, Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, and Toyota Veloz. For those looking for the biggest brand new vehicle they can for the price, the G50 Plus is hard to beat. The eight-seater mid-spec Com variant is even more affordable at P1,198,888.
Yes, there are things we’d like improved in the G50, namely ride comfort at higher speeds on uneven roads and ergonomics. The thing is, the price to size ratio makes it a solid value proposition for MPV shoppers provided they’re not too picky about the MG’s country of origin. All in all, we say it’s not bad at all for the price.
Specs: 2025 MG G50 Plus Lux DCT
Price: P1,288,888
Engine: 1.5-liter turbo gasoline I4
Power: 179hp
Torque: 285Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Layout: front wheel-drive
Seating: 7
Score: 7/10
