MG's new Tesla Model Y competitor spotted in Australia: 2025 MG Marvel R set to arrive in Australia alongside Zeekr 007 and Xpeng G6 in competitive electric SUV segment

MG’s Tesla Model Y competitor, the Marvel R, has been spotted testing under heavy camouflage in the Gold Coast.

The latest images, obtained by CarsGuide, are the biggest indication yet that MG is planning to enter the mid-sized all-electric SUV segment, which is rapidly expanding with the impending arrival of the Xpeng G6 later this year and the BYD Sealion 7 next year.

The Marvel R has been sold in Europe since 2021, though it is currently not manufactured for right-hand drive markets such as Australia and the UK.

It’s yet to be confirmed by the brand officially, although images obtained by CarsGuide show a slightly more refreshed design than what is offered in Europe, which includes sleeker LED headlight clusters along with a new look alloy wheel design.

In Europe, the Marvel R is sold in three variations: Comfort, Luxury and Performance.

The first two variants sport a single-motor rear-wheel drive powertrain with a 132kW/410Nm output, while the Performance variant – unusually – sports a tri-motor all-wheel drive system, capable of a 211kW/665Nm output. Each variant carries a 70kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The Tesla Model Y RWD single-motor delivers an output of 220Nm/420Nm and the AWD Performance variant is capable of 413kW/660Nm.

Range is quoted at 402km for the RWD versions according to WLTP testing protocols and the Performance variant’s range is likely to dip slightly thanks to its extra grunt. The Performance variant is capable of hitting 100km/h from a standstill in 4.9 seconds.

Pricing in Europe starts at €34,490 ($56,532) for the Comfort, €36,990 ($60,617) for the Luxury and €40,990 ($67,169) for the Performance.

No photos of the Marvel R’s interior were obtained, however, it is expected to carry the same – possibly updated – interior configuration as the Marvel R in Europe, which includes a floating centre console, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and a digital driver’s display.

Features that come standard on the base-model include a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, electronically adjustable front seats, faux leather seats and the MG Pilot safety suite which includes adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, lane change assist and forward collision warning.

Exactly what powertrains and standard features will be offered in Australia once the model arrives in Australia remains to be seen.

The Marvel R is expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of next year as a part of a pipeline of MG vehicles that includes the two-door Cyberstar coupe, the S5 compact SUV and the new ZS EV.