2021 MG Marvel R Electric detailed: Electric SUV competition heats up as new Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4 rival emerges

MG has uncovered its all-electric mid-size SUV competitor that will take on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya and recently-revealed Kia EV6.

Dubbed Marvel R Electric, the tailpipe emissions-free crossover will launch in Europe in May, but its introduction to Australian showrooms is still unclear.

“We’re excited to see the potential of the MG Marvel R and its performance would certainly excite Australian buyers,” an MG Australia spokesperson said.

“There are currently no plans to introduce the Marvel R to the local MG line-up, but it’s one we’re watching with interest.”

With a three electric motor set-up, the Marvel R Electric is tipped to output 212kW/665Nm to all four wheels for a zero-to-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds.

The size of its battery is yet to be revealed, but MG claims the Marvel R Electric can travel around 400km on a full charge (using WLTP standards), but can recoup 80 per cent of its battery in 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

A rear-drive two-motor version will also be available, but outputs, acceleration and range details are yet to be made available.

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The Marvel R Electric also boasts a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system that will allow its electric motors to charge external devices such as an electric scooter, laptop or even another electric car.

The powertrain won’t be the only cutting-edge technology in the Marvel R Electric either, with a massive 19.4-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch all-digital instrumentation fitted inside the cabin.

The mid-size SUVs packaging also allows for a 357-litre boot, expandable to 1396L with the rear seats folded down.

Without the third electric motor, the rear-drive Marvel R Electric also features storage under the bonnet that can swallow another 150L of volume.

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Though not detailed, MG is also promising its ‘Pilot’ advanced safety systems will carryover from the ZS EV and HS PHEV, which includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Also revealed alongside the Marvel R Electric was the MG5 Electric, dubbed “the world’s first electric station wagon” from the Chinese car maker.

Set for an on-sale date in Europe from October this year, the likelihood of the MG5 arriving Down Under remains slim given the market shift from passenger cars to SUVs.

Underpinning the MG5 Electric is a single 135kW/280Nm electric motor, which enables a 0-100km/h run in 8.3s.

Driving range matches the Marvel R Electric at around 400km, while three-phase and DC fast charging are also available.

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