It’s the era of the electrified vehicle, and one of the latest models to land on our shores is the MG G50 PHEV. Yes, SAIC’s tall MPV has finally leveled up, and this three-row people mover has been getting a lot of attention. For this comparo, we’ll be pitting the G50 PHEV against the popular Toyota Zenix HEV. How will the plug-in hybrid challenger stack up against the more traditional hybrid MPV—let’s find out.
The G50 PHEV measures 4,825mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,800mm tall. This makes it 70mm longer, 25mm narrower, and 10mm taller than the Zenix HEV. The MG rides on a 2,800mm wheelbase, which is 50mm lesser than its Toyota rival. The G50 PHEV is shod with 26.3-inch-diameter 215/55 R17 tires, which are 0.6 inches smaller than the Zenix HEV’s 26.9-inch-diameter 225/50 R18 rubber. The MG’s ground clearance is 180mm, which is 5mm less than its Toyota rival.
Here’s a bonus comparison: The G50 PHEV is 115mm longer, 15mm wider, and 110mm taller than the fully electric BYD eMax 7 (pictured below). Interestingly, both the MG and BYD share the same 2,800mm wheelbase. When it comes to ground clearance, the G50 PHEV has a 10mm advantage over the eMAX 7.
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The G50 PHEV, as the name suggests, is the plug-in hybrid version of MG’s MPV; thanks to its new face and instrument panel, it looks more modern and sophisticated than its pure ICE siblings. The G50 PHEV’s primary drive unit is an electric motor that squeezes out 215hp and 280Nm of torque. This is paired to a 97hp 1.5-liter gas mill. Total system output is 295hp. It’s equipped with an 18.65kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. On a full charge and full tank, it has a range of up to 1,415km. The G50 PHEV’s pure electric range is up to 95km.
The Zenix HEV is the hybrid version of what is essentially the all-new TNGA-based Innova. The Toyota’s main power source is a 2.0-liter unit that puts out 150hp and 188Nm of torque, this is paired to a 113hp electric motor. Total system output is 183hp. Being a traditional hybrid, the Zenix HEV is self-charging and does not need to be plugged in.
The MG G50 PHEV is priced at P1,398,888, while the Zenix HEV starts at P1,991,000. The Platinum White Pearl Mica paint of the Toyota you see here will cost you an extra P15,000. For those curious, the eMAX 7 starts at around P1,498,000. The plug-in hybrid MG is definitely the most affordable of the bunch.
What do you think of MG’s new G50 PHEV? Would you consider this plug-in hybrid MPV challenger over the pricier Toyota Zenix HEV? Let us know in the comments.
