MG RX8 Review
Tags:
MG RX8 Review: The Ultimate Seven-Seater SUV
If you’ve been to the movies recently and seen the Ford vs Ferrari film that everyone seems to be talking about, you’ve probably realized that MG has come a long way from building two-seater sportscars. Today, we have with us the MG RX8, the brand’s first-ever seven-seater SUV. It goes up against
- GAC GS8 - Chinese competitor
- Nissan Pathfinder - Japanese competitor
- Kia Sorento - Korean competitor
Exterior
The MG RX8 boasts a big and bold design, showcasing a strong presence. With perfect proportions, it looks the part of a premium SUV, equipped with:
- LED headlamps
- LED foglamps
- LED taillamps
- 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
Interior
The cabin of the MG RX8 is refreshing and modern, designed simply and cleanly without too many buttons. The quality is decent, with leather-covered plastic elements.
In the second row, space is impressive, offering:
- Ample headroom and legroom
- Comfortable seating with a practical 60-40 split
- Adjustment features: sliding forward and backward, reclining
Notably, the rear passengers benefit from:
- A USB charging outlet
- A 220V outlet for laptops
The dual-zone climate control system is intelligently split, allowing front passengers to adjust their temperature independently from those in the back.
In the third row, space is adequate for average-sized adults, although it may not be ideal for long trips. Folding both the second and third rows flat provides a staggering 2,178 liters of storage space, surpassing the Kia Sorento but falling short of the Nissan Pathfinder.
Features
The MG RX8 is packed with features that enhance its appeal, including:
- 7-inch digital display in the instrument cluster
- 10.1-inch infotainment screen
- Around View Monitor
- Wireless Charger
- Panoramic roof
- Memory seats with heating and cooling
Additionally, the RX8 offers a unique feature not commonly found in other vehicles: wireless screen mirroring. Simply enable screen sharing on your mobile device, and the entire display is projected onto the infotainment screen—quick and cable-free!
However, the audio system may require some improvement:
- The 8-speaker system lacks synchronization, leading to an uneven sound distribution.
- Volume control issues may result in excessive loudness at low levels.
Drive
Under the hood, the RX8 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, generating 220 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. This SUV is built on a body-on-frame chassis, providing:
- Rugged driving characteristics
- High ground clearance
- Impressive wading depth of 800mm, surpassing the Nissan Pathfinder and the legendary Nissan Patrol.
The rotary dial on the center console allows drivers to select from six drive modes:
- Auto - adapts to terrain
- 2-High - for tarmac driving
- Sport - enhanced performance on roads
- Snow - for snowy conditions
- Off-Road - for rugged terrain
- 4-Low - for challenging off-road situations
Verdict
MG has shown its capability in navigating tough market conditions with the RX8. While it may not be perfect, it offers a stunning design, seven comfortable seats, and an abundance of features—all for just 99,750 Dirhams. Combined with a 6-year / 200,000 km manufacturer warranty, the MG RX8 stands out as a strong contender against its rivals.
