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The MG QS is MG Motor Australia’s first entry into the highly competitive large SUV segment.
It’s a bold newcomer offering sharp styling, a high level of standard equipment, and genuine seven-seat capability at an accessible price point.
With two distinct variants available, the QS model range caters to different family needs while maintaining MG’s commitment to value-packed motoring.
How many variants of the MG QS are there?
The MG QS lineup keeps things refreshingly simple with just two variants, each targeting different requirements for Aussie families.
Rather than overwhelming buyers with numerous trim levels, MG has focused on creating two distinct offerings that represent clear value propositions.
Both variants of the MG QS come with a sliding second-row bench seat, an increasingly popular feature in the segment that allows more cargo space or more third-row legroom to comfortably fit growing bodies and adults alike.
The entry-level Excite variant serves as an accessible gateway into large SUV ownership, while the range-topping Essence caters to buyers seeking enhanced capability and premium appointments.
This streamlined approach makes the decision-making process straightforward for families – prioritise affordability or choose the additional luxury and all-weather capability that comes with the higher specification.
| Variant | Drive Type | Launch price |
|---|---|---|
| QS Excite | Front-wheel drive | $46,990 drive-away |
| QS Essence | All-wheel drive | $50,990 drive-away |
What do you get?
The MG QS Excite offers an impressive baseline of equipment that would cost considerably more in many premium rivals.
MG’s philosophy of over-delivering on standard features is evident throughout, with technology and comfort appointments typically reserved by competing brands for higher trim levels.
The inclusion of twin 12.3-inch digital screens, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive safety suite as standard demonstrates the brand’s commitment to making premium features available to budget-conscious buyers.
Stepping up to the Essence variant elevates the QS from a well-equipped family hauler into a more luxurious proposition.
The addition of all-wheel drive capability extends the vehicle’s versatility beyond suburban duties, while the adaptive suspension and premium BOSE audio system enhance the daily driving experience.
The Essence’s heated and ventilated seats, along with perforated leather upholstery, bring a level of comfort that makes longer journeys more enjoyable for all occupants.
The attention to family practicality extends throughout the cabin with 31 clever storage solutions strategically positioned to accommodate everything from everyday essentials to children’s gear and technology accessories.
The MG QS Excite comes with the following standard features:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Power tailgate
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Tri-zone climate control with rear vents and controls
- Cloth seat trim
- Eight-way power-adjustable front seats
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- 360-degree parking display with rear sensors
- Ambient interior lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
The MG QS Essence adds:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- All-wheel drive with six driving modes
- Electronically controlled adaptive suspension
- Perforated leather trim
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Wireless phone charger
- Front parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Optional beige stone interior trim
What’s under the bonnet?
MG has taken a straightforward approach to the QS powertrain, equipping both variants with identical engine specifications while differentiating them through their drivetrain layouts.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine provides adequate performance for family duties, delivering 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission that prioritises smoothness over sportiness.
The key distinction lies in how that power reaches the road. The Excite’s front-wheel drive configuration keeps costs down while providing perfectly adequate dynamic performance for most family requirements.
Meanwhile, the Essence’s all-wheel drive system extends the QS’s capability into unsealed road territory and also provides additional confidence in adverse weather conditions.
The Essence variant also features Continuous Damping Control (CDC) – an advanced adaptive suspension technology that automatically adjusts to changing road surfaces in real-time, absorbing shocks and minimising vibration to deliver a more composed and comfortable ride.
The inclusion of multiple driving modes in the AWD variant allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s behaviour to match conditions, from economical urban commuting to more adventurous weekend excursions.
| Specifications | MG QS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol |
| Power | 153kW |
| Torque | 360Nm |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
| Drive type | FWD (Excite) / AWD (Essence) |
| Weight | 1904kg (Excite) / 1994kg (Essence) |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 8.4L/100km (Excite) / 8.8L/100km (Essence) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| Braked tow capacity | 750kg (unbraked) / 2000kg (braked) |
Is the MG QS safe?
Safety represented a significant focus for MG during development of the QS, with both variants receiving extensive active and passive safety systems as standard equipment.
The vehicle is designed to achieve a maximum five-star ANCAP rating and is awaiting formal testing results at the time of writing, but the comprehensive safety package demonstrates MG is serious about protecting occupants across all three rows of seating.
The inclusion of seven airbags, including side curtains that extend all the way to the third row and the increasingly important front-centre airbag, demonstrates close attention to modern safety requirements.
Perhaps more importantly for daily family use, the QS comes equipped with the latest generation of driver assistance technologies that can help prevent accidents before they occur.
Features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection and the 360-degree camera system provide peace of mind for parents navigating school zones and busy car parks alike.
Standard safety features (both variants):
- Seven airbags, including front-centre and full-length side curtains
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-go function
- Lane keeping assistance
- Emergency lane keeping assistance
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert and braking
- Forward and rear collision warning
- Driver attention monitoring
- Speed limit assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- 360-degree parking display
QS Essence additional safety features:
- Front parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam
How much does the MG QS cost to run?
Ownership costs represent a crucial consideration for large SUV buyers, particularly families who plan to keep their vehicle for extended periods.
MG’s warranty offering reflects confidence in the QS’s build quality, though the structure requires careful attention to servicing requirements in order to maintain maximum coverage.
MG’s 10-year/250,000km warranty, when serviced within the brand’s national network of more than 100 dealerships, provides valuable peace of mind for owners, while comprehensive safety and technology equipment helps protect long-term value.
Conclusion
The MG QS model range strategically targets growing families seeking genuine seven-seat capability without paying a premium.
The Excite variant delivers exceptional value for front-wheel drive buyers, while the Essence adds all-weather capability and luxury appointments for those willing to invest an additional $4000.
Positioned as a value alternative to established rivals like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento, the QS appeals to budget-conscious families who refuse to compromise on space, technology, or safety features.
Unlike many competitors that offer 5+2 seating arrangements, the QS delivers usable seven-seat accommodation.
The comprehensive equipment levels across both variants demonstrate MG’s commitment to democratising premium SUV features, making the QS an attractive proposition for multi-generational families and those requiring genuine seven-seat versatility for daily use.