MG is making a bold move into the competitive seven-seat SUV market with its latest offering, the 2025 MG QS. As the brand’s first-ever three-row SUV for the Australian market, the QS represents a significant expansion of MG’s product lineup and a direct challenge to established players like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento. With a starting price below the crucial $50,000 mark, the QS aims to disrupt the segment by offering impressive value, generous features, and practical family-friendly design.
Undercutting the Competition
In a market where affordability remains a crucial factor for many families, MG has positioned the QS strategically to appeal to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on space or features. The entry-level front-wheel drive Excite variant is priced at an attractive $46,990 drive-away, which undercuts its major competitors significantly. This pricing represents approximately $7,000 less than the base Kia Sorento, about $11,000 below the entry-level Hyundai Santa Fe, and a substantial $21,000 cheaper than the Toyota Kluger’s starting price.
For those seeking additional features and all-wheel drive capability, the higher-spec Essence variant comes in at $50,990 drive-away. It’s worth noting that MG has indicated these are promotional prices valid until May 31, 2025, suggesting potential adjustments after this date. Nevertheless, even with possible future price increases, the QS is set to maintain its value proposition in the segment.
Generous Dimensions for Family Comfort
The MG QS is positioned as the largest SUV in the brand’s Australian lineup, slotting above the popular ZS and HS models. With dimensions that actually exceed those of the Toyota Kluger, the QS delivers generous interior space for families requiring three rows of seating.
Measuring 4,983mm in length, 1,967mm in width, and standing 1,788mm tall, the QS is 17mm longer, 37mm wider, and 23mm taller than the Kluger. Its 2,915mm wheelbase – 65mm longer than the Toyota – should translate to improved interior space, particularly for second and third-row passengers.
The seven-seat configuration features a three-seat second-row bench with a 60/40 split-fold mechanism and an easy entry system on the right side. The third row accommodates two additional passengers, making the QS suitable for larger families or those who regularly transport extra passengers.
Powerful Yet Efficient Powertrain
Under the hood, the MG QS comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing a respectable 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque. This powerplant is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
The entry-level Excite variant drives the front wheels only, while the premium Essence model features all-wheel drive capability, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Essence also benefits from additional drive modes, including Normal, Snow, Off-Road, Sport, Custom, and Eco settings, compared to the Excite’s more limited Normal, Sport, and Eco modes.
Industry sources suggest that MG is also developing a plug-in hybrid variant of the QS, which is expected to arrive later in 2025. This alternative powertrain option would appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and those looking to reduce their fuel costs over the long term. The addition of a hybrid option would also strengthen the QS’s competitive position against rivals that already offer electrified powertrains, such as the Toyota Kluger Hybrid.
Premium Features Across the Range
Despite its competitive pricing, MG hasn’t skimped on features with the QS. Even the entry-level Excite variant comes generously equipped with amenities that would typically be found in more expensive competitors.
Standard features on the Excite include 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding heated exterior mirrors with memory function, a power tailgate, and an impressive panoramic sunroof. Inside, occupants benefit from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, matched with a similarly sized 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comfort features include tri-zone climate control with vents for all three rows, fabric upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, and sliding second-row seats for flexible cargo and passenger configurations. The interior ambiance is enhanced by 256-color ambient lighting and woodgrain trim accents.
The higher-spec Essence variant builds on this already impressive equipment list with 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, LED front fog lights with static cornering lights, a wireless phone charger, and a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system. The upholstery is upgraded to perforated leather, while the front seats gain heating and ventilation functions. The driver’s seat also receives 4-way power lumbar support and memory settings.
Comprehensive Safety Package
Safety hasn’t been overlooked in the MG QS, with both variants featuring an extensive suite of driver assistance systems and passive safety features. Standard across the range are adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic assist, and a safe exit warning system.
Passive safety is addressed through multiple airbags, including front, front-side, far-side, and curtain airbags extending to protect all three rows of occupants. The Essence model adds front parking sensors to complement the standard rear sensors found on both variants.
While the QS has yet to be tested by ANCAP, MG would likely be aiming for a five-star safety rating, especially given the family-oriented nature of the vehicle and the importance of safety credentials in this segment.
Design and Heritage
The MG QS represents an interesting chapter in the brand’s global product strategy. Technically, the QS is a rebadged version of the Roewe RX9, another seven-seat SUV produced by MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor. This approach isn’t unprecedented for MG, with previous models like the HS being based on the Roewe RX5 platform.
Unlike some other rebadged models that receive significant styling changes, the QS appears to maintain much of the RX9’s exterior design, with the primary differences being MG badging on the front, rear, and wheels. However, reports suggest the interior has been reconfigured to align more closely with MG’s design language, featuring two large 12.3-inch screens in a layout similar to the MG HS, rather than the three-screen setup found in the Chinese-market Roewe RX9.
Aesthetically, the QS presents a modern and somewhat imposing presence, with clean lines and contemporary styling cues that should appeal to Australian buyers. The vehicle is available in a range of sophisticated color options, including Pearl White Metallic (standard), as well as Black Pearl Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, Cashmere Silver Metallic, and Regency Green (all $800 options).
Interior color choices are more limited, with a black interior standard on both variants, while the Essence can be optioned with a Stone Beige interior for an additional $700.
Ownership Benefits
In line with MG’s commitment to buyer confidence, the QS comes with an impressive warranty package. Private buyers receive a 10-year, 250,000km warranty, while commercial users are covered for seven years or 160,000km. This generous warranty coverage significantly exceeds the industry standard and provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.
MG has yet to confirm capped-price servicing details for the QS, but if the brand’s other models are any indication, maintenance costs should be competitive. The inclusion of one year’s complimentary access to MG’s iSmart connected services adds further value, allowing owners to remotely adjust locks and climate control, view vehicle information including tire pressure and fuel levels, and access vehicle tracking functionality.
Market Position and Prospects
The arrival of the QS in Australian showrooms, expected during the winter months (June-August) of 2025, represents a significant expansion of MG’s product portfolio and a strategic move into a highly competitive but lucrative segment. With its combination of generous dimensions, comprehensive features, and sharp pricing, the QS has the potential to replicate the success of MG’s smaller SUVs, which have resonated strongly with value-conscious Australian buyers.
The seven-seat SUV market in Australia has traditionally been dominated by established players like Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia, with buyers typically prioritizing reliability, space, and safety. MG’s challenge will be to convince consumers that the QS can deliver on these essentials while offering significant cost savings. The brand’s growing reputation and expanding dealer network should help in this regard, as will the impressive standard equipment and warranty coverage.
MG is following a familiar playbook with the QS – offering more features at a lower price point than established competitors – a strategy that has served the brand well with its ZS and HS models. The ZS, in particular, has achieved remarkable success, becoming the best-selling small SUV under $45,000 in the Australian market as of March 2025.
In Summary
The 2025 MG QS represents a significant milestone for the brand in Australia, marking its entry into the seven-seat SUV segment with a product that combines spaciousness, features, and value in a compelling package. With pricing that undercuts established competitors by substantial margins, generous standard equipment, and dimensions that exceed those of the popular Toyota Kluger, the QS makes a strong case for budget-conscious families who need the flexibility of three-row seating.
While MG may not yet command the same brand recognition or perceived prestige as some of its Japanese or Korean rivals, the QS appears well-positioned to challenge misconceptions and win over practical-minded buyers. The addition of a plug-in hybrid variant later in 2025 should further enhance its appeal in an increasingly electrification-focused market.
For MG, the QS represents not just a new model but an opportunity to elevate its status in the Australian automotive landscape. If the success of its smaller SUVs is any indication, established players in the seven-seat segment may need to take this newcomer very seriously indeed.
As orders open and the official launch approaches, the 2025 MG QS stands ready to shake up the family SUV market with its combination of space, features, and value – potentially redefining what Australian buyers can expect at this price point.