MG Marvel R Electric: surprise guest

Almost 4.70 meters long, stylishly styled and of course an SUV with an electric drive. This is the formula for success that not only Chinese automakers rely on when they go around the world to conquer new markets. The latest model is the Marvel R Electric, produced by SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) and sold by the largest car manufacturer in China under its branded subsidiary MG, which has a considerable tradition in Europe. Instead of open two-seater, it is now crossover and the Marcel R hits the heart of a segment in which music will play in the next few years. The customer can choose between 132 kW / 180 PS and 212 kW / 288 PS, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and, depending on the equipment variant, a price between 40,000 and just over 50,000 euros. The design fits inside as well as outside without being noticeably noticeable, so the MG Marvel with its possibly pithy face with the deep-seated LED eyes makes a contemporary impression, which should be equally popular in China and Europe. The market launch will probably be at the end of the year, depending on when the vehicles from China arrive in Europe and are distributed to the individual sales regions via the European headquarters in the Netherlands.

The base model is the MG Marvel R Electric RWD, which, with its 132 kW / 180 PS electric motor, is imperceptibly driven by a two-speed gearbox through the rear axle alone. With its maximum torque of 410 Nm, it immediately starts briskly after pressing the start button, even if the thrust that some electric crossovers offer with greater power is missing. For the fact that it is a pre-production model, the Marvel makes a good impression, because nothing rattles or rattles. Pleasant: Thanks to the insulating glass in the doors, most of the noises stay outside. In addition, the basic version with rear-wheel drive and an unladen weight of 1.8 tons is lighter than many other electric vehicles and even the all-wheel drive version hardly weighs more than 1.9 tons. Rocket launches cannot be done with 132 kW / 180 PS, but anyone who thinks that it can only easily swim in traffic is wrong. The rear-wheel drive car accelerates powerfully from medium speeds in particular, and while many competitors lock their electric models at 160 or 180 km / h, the Chinese give their MG Marcel more leash. It is only braked at 200 km / h.

The suspension, damping and rolling behavior of the 19-inch model – everything fits and the low noise level ensures that you feel at home straight away. The suspension is more comfortable on uneven ground than with some of the European competitors, whereby the smooth steering should give significantly more feedback from the road. Doesn’t change the fact that the easy cranking, especially when maneuvering, is anything but unpleasant and resourceful cameras facilitate the all-round view. The battery pack in the underbody of the Marvel R Eletric with its capacity of 70 kWh ensures a maximum range of 400 kilometers, which is threatened with the next plug shutdown. The all-wheel drive version even has to get by with 370 kilometers before it goes to the next charging station. Here one would at least want a second battery variant with more capacity, because especially in winter and with numerous switched-on consumers on board, 400 kilometers quickly become 250 or less kilometers. Others now offer more or less consumption.

When refueling, the MG Marvel R does not drive in the top league, because with maximum charging power of 92 kilowatts is quite manageable. At a fast charging station, for example, it takes half an hour before the battery has increased from 30 to 80 percent of its capacity. Three quarters of an hour pass from five to 80 percent before the display shows the desired range for the onward journey. In addition, when braking, the electric motor can recuperate with up to 100 kilowatts and thus recharge its batteries. And if you wish, ef not only sells this in mileage. The Marcel R supplies the batteries of external electrical devices with power.

The interior of the MG Marvel is modern and tidy; the controls are easy to hold and if something is missing, then a head-up display that has long been established in the mid-range SUV. The animated instruments behind the wheel are just as inconspicuous as the operation of the steering wheel functions. Depending on the selected driving program, not only does the throttle response take place more quickly or more slowly, the display is also wrapped in a differently colored light. The dashboard is dominated by the large portrait display, which can be used to control all the important functions and which can also be used for navigation, music enjoyment or air conditioning. The touch display has an impressive size of 19.4 inches. The available space is okay at the front, although the seat adjustment leaves something to be desired, especially when it comes to the seat cushion; the back is narrower, at least for adults, but not so cramped that you couldn’t sit here. The load space behind the electric flap, which holds 357 liters and can be increased to up to 1,396 liters by moving the rear seat, is not lavish. In the driven version with rear-wheel drive, there is additional space for 150 liters under the front hood in a second luggage compartment. It is comfortably lined and always practical.