The MG Marvel R – the Chinese brand’s closest rival yet to the Tesla Model Y – has been spotted on Australian roads once again, ahead of its unveiling and local release later this year.
MG’s second-generation Marvel R has been doing the rounds in Australia, where it was first spied in Sydney last September before being spotted by a CarExpert reader in Canberra this week.
It’s set to be one of half a dozen new MG models expected to be revealed for Australia this year, as the fast-growing brand looks to cover more segments in an increasingly competitive market.
It’s understood the Marvel R is now due in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2025, not the first half of the year as previously predicted.
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As the model has yet to be unveiled globally, these camouflaged shots are all we’ve seen of the new mid-sized electric SUV, which has become boxier in its second generation.
Its front bumper and wide, angular headlights in particular resemble those of the smaller MG 4, which is one of Australia’s most popular electric vehicles (EVs) despite being a hatchback rather than an SUV.
At the rear there’s a full-width light bar, connecting the two brake lights on either side of the tailgate.
Previous spy shots have confirmed the cabin will feature a large landscape-oriented, free-standing infotainment touchscreen, which sits atop a centre stack that gently slopes down to the centre console.
According to an online registration search, the Marvel R has a tare weight of 2040kg.
Dimensions are yet to be revealed, though it appears to be similar in size to the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5 and Xpeng G6.
It’s not yet known what will power the MG Marvel R, however, the current model sold in China and Europe is available not only in single-motor rear-wheel drive guise, but also in a tri-motor all-wheel drive configuration.
As recently reported, MG is expected to launch numerous new models in Australia this year, with MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao saying last November: “If you want an ICE [internal combustion engine] car, MG’ll have seven models. If you love hybrids or plug-in hybrids, we’ll have five models. If you want to try an EV in the future, we will also have seven models.”
In addition to the Marvel R, other MGs in the pipeline include the smaller ES5 electric SUV, the three-row QS large SUV, the HS Hybrid+ and PHEV mid-sized SUVs, the MG 7 mid-sized liftback, a yet-to-be named ute, and a sedan and SUV from premium EV brand IM Motors.
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