First arriving on scene back in 2018, the MG RX8 has earned itself the reputation for being a dependable and successful model for MG Motors. The Chinese-owned automaker has been able to go from strength to strength over the past few years, thanks to its crossover/SUV line-up in the region. Available for purchase in three different trim levels, the standard MG RX8 is built on a body-on-frame architecture that’s shared with the larger Maxus D90 SUV.
However, as the brand continues to rise in its popularity, it has decided to launch an all-new and region-exclusive version of the MG RX8 – the Black Edition. The RX8 Black Edition is based on the fully-loaded LUX trim of the standard model, but now gets some cool add-ons to make it stand out. The 7-seater family SUV space in the UAE has grown rapidly over the past couple of years, and it’s set to continue on this path for years to come.
What do you get on the outside of the exclusive MG RX8 Black Edition?
The standard MG RX8 is a pretty decent-looking car in its own right, although not the most eye-catching in its segment. The exclusive Black Edition rectifies that by looking a lot more sporty and rugged – almost becoming an entity of its own, so to speak. For starters, it comes in an all-black exterior paint scheme that also encompasses a matte black front grille, matte black MG logos front & back, black side molding, exclusive ‘Black Edition’ badges, prominent roof rails with additional cross bars (again in black), special 20-inch Midnight Black alloy wheels, and a black rear bumper with black chrome finish for the faux twin-exhaust tips.
Individually, these might not have made a huge difference to the MG RX8. However, when seen as an overall package, the ‘black’ effect certainly makes this SUV a tad bit more exciting to witness in-person. Moreover, because the Black Edition is based on the range-topping LUX trim of the RX8, you still get the cool full-LED headlights with their LED daytime-running lights, full-LED front foglights, and large LED taillights as standard. If you want your family SUV to possess a tough yet sporty exterior character without having to overspend, the MG RX8 Black Edition will seem like a pretty good deal.
The split personality interior of the MG RX8 Black Edition is feature-rich
Getting into the RX8 Black Edition is a doddle, courtesy of the electrically-operated side steps that have been fitted as standard by MG Motors. Apart from making ingress and egress easier, it also adds a sense of sophistication and curb appeal to the MG RX8 Black Edition. While the exterior of the RX8 Black Edition is all-black, that’s not the case with its interior. The full-leather seats, that sport a fancy diamond pattern, are all-black – so is much of the dashboard, inner door pads, and the exclusive ‘Black Edition’ floor mats. However, everything above the doors – including the pillars and roofliner, are all finished in beige.
Of course, this is in no way a dealbreaker. Just that it creates this illusion of a split personality, which could have been avoided had MG opted for a truly all-black interior theme. Speaking of which, the metallic accents, along with the stitching on the dashboard, plus some piano-black trim do make their effect felt. The flat-bottom steering wheel is backed by a part-digital gauge cluster that’s easy to read and quite straightforward. Some of the other features found in the MG RX8 Black Edition include kit such as a wireless charging pad, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, split-folding rear seats, dual-zone climate control, heated & cooled front seats with power adjustment & memory, an 8-speaker audio system, and a power-operated tailgate.
Safety and performance
MG has equipped the RX8 Black Edition with plenty of passive and active safety features to keep you from ending up in a ditch. Undoubtedly, this includes a bunch of airbags (front, side, and curtain), ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Active Rollover Protection, Hill-Descent Control, Lane Departure Warning, Corner Brake Control, plus Traction Control & Vehicle Dynamic Control systems among others. You also get all-around parking sensors with a reversing camera, cruise control, a tire-pressure monitor, a rear axle differential lock, and ‘Powertrain Control Module’.
The MG RX8 Black Edition comes with the same engine and transmission as the standard RX8. This means a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 220hp and 360Nm of torque. In the Black Edition, this goes through a torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The MG RX8 top speed is around 180 kmph, whilst the sprint to 100 kmph takes 9.1 seconds.
Price of the RX8 Black Edition in the UAE
According to MG Motors, the price of the exclusive RX8 Black Edition in the UAE is around 110,000 dirhams. For a 7-seater family SUV that comes with lots of features, a more alluring exterior & interior (compared to the standard model), and a decent engine, this is not a whole lot of money. Then again, take it for a test drive first before signing on that dotted line.
