2025 MG QS Review

MG is aiming its sights at the large SUV market by introducing the new QS – its first seven-seater SUV. At almost five metres long and two metres wide, the QS is sure to make its presence known everywhere it goes.

While the QS proudly displays the large MG badge at the front and rear, it’s not entirely an MG underneath. That’s because it’s essentially a rebadged Roewe RX9 from SAIC Motor, MG’s parent company in China.

The ‘Ultimate’ badge on the side is purely left over from the RX9. So, if you’re expecting MG heritage vibes, you might be left scratching your head.

Twin variants

In keeping with MG tradition, the QS is offered in two trim options: the base model Excite, and the more premium Essence. We drove the Essence variant for a week and were impressed by the quality materials used throughout the interior, the electric tailgate, and Bose sound system.

With three rows and seven seats the QS feels cavernous on the inside, no matter which variant you pick. Add a bunch of premium technology loaded onboard and MG has definitely ticked the right boxes when it comes to the large SUV market. 

On paper, the QS looks like a serious contender against some of the heavy hitters such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. And, while the competition creeps towards 70k for their AWD versions, the QS undercuts them all with the top-spec AWD QS starting from $55,990 (+ORC). 

Mostly smooth performance

Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 154kW of power and 360Nm of torque. The engine is attached to a 9-speed gearbox, with the Essence variant featuring an AWD system.

On the road, the QS feels confident enough, but off the line is a different story. The start-stop system is noticeably slower than other brands when restarting the car from stopped. In traffic, by the time the engine restarts and power is available, the gap you chose could be long gone.

You can deactivate the start-stop system, but there’s no physical button to do this. Instead, you must search through an elaborate menu system every time you start the car. 

Smooth ride

Where the QS redeems itself is with the suspension system, providing a sophisticated and comfortable ride quality. Using electronically controlled suspension, the QS feels planted and controlled for a vehicle of gigantic proportions. 

The steering is nicely weighted, with the electric power steering adjusting from light around town to firm at higher speeds. 

Premium cabin

On the inside, the QS looks every part like a large premium SUV. The dashboard features a panoramic screen with dual 12.3” infotainment and instrument cluster screens.

While it looks luxurious, the operating system is slow and occasionally unresponsive. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to adjust something on the screen and it lags behind.   

There are some physical buttons for the climate control, but most other functions still require going through the touchscreen, which feels like style over substance. 

Living with the QS

Living with the QS is a bit of a mixed bag. The cabin feels premium, and the ride is impressive for the price tag. But the laggy infotainment system and lazy powertrain can be frustrating. It feels like MG has nailed the obvious details of its new seven-seater – space, comfort, and price – but also feels like they left off some of the more finer details.

Overall, the MG QS is a bold move into the large SUV segment. For families chasing space at an affordable price point, it is a compelling option. If MG can iron out these quirks, the QS could be a real game-changer. For now, it’s a solid contender – just not a flawless one.