• The MG Marvel R about to take on desert roads. All photos: MG
    The MG Marvel R about to take on desert roads. All photos: MG
  • Inside the Marvel R.
    Inside the Marvel R.
  • It has an elegant and purposeful look.
    It has an elegant and purposeful look.
  • The Marvel R is being tested in Dubai, with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the background.
    The Marvel R is being tested in Dubai, with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the background.
  • The Marvel R's panoramic sunroof.
    The Marvel R's panoramic sunroof.
  • Robust air intakes give the front of the Marvel R an intent look.
    Robust air intakes give the front of the Marvel R an intent look.
  • On charge, though not in the desert.
    On charge, though not in the desert.
  • The centre dashboard set up.
    The centre dashboard set up.
  • Back in the city.
    Back in the city.
  • The Marvel R on the road in Europe.
    The Marvel R on the road in Europe.

MG Marvel R vehicle testing continues in UAE desert


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

MG’s SUV the Marvel R continues to undergo testing in the desert heat as the manufacturer further prepares it for a Middle East launch.

The carmaker says this is a crucial phase for the brand, as it looks to pave the way for future all-electric releases in the region.

The Marvel R has so far been pushed to the limits as part of a range of different evaluations in various hot weather situations and conditions. The tests began in the UAE in 2021 and continue both in the Emirates and other GCC countries.

Like most manufacturers of late, electric offerings are key to MG’s future output, the company unveiled a radical new concept car in 2021 called the Cyberster.

This looks to be a vehicle less built for sand than the Marvel R, but, if it ever gets manufactured, which is not likely if previous experience of showcase designs is anything to go by, MG envisages supercar performance and an 800-kilometre range.

However, the look of the Cyberster could be key to MG’s offerings over the coming years, as it features design cues from the brand’s classic MGB Roadster from the 1960s and '70s.

  • The MG Cyberster concept takes design cues from the classic MGB GT roadster. All photos: MG
    The MG Cyberster concept takes design cues from the classic MGB GT roadster. All photos: MG
  • The MG Cyberster concept was unveiled in 2021.
    The MG Cyberster concept was unveiled in 2021.
  • The car is a two-seater.
    The car is a two-seater.
  • The Cyberster features a two-stage shoulder line.
    The Cyberster features a two-stage shoulder line.
  • The sporty rear end.
    The sporty rear end.
  • MG has designed the car to have an 800-kilometre range.
    MG has designed the car to have an 800-kilometre range.
  • Head rests on the Cyberster.
    Head rests on the Cyberster.

The company’s designers have opted for a less futuristic look with the Marvel R, but it remains distinctly contemporary with its hunkered down stance, minimalistic front and rear headlight set up and brash air intakes.

Similarly, it manages to retain an air of both elegance and intent in its body shape.

MG has a strong track record of growth in the Middle East of late, the company reported a 35 per cent increase in sales in the first three months of 2022 compared to the previous year.

In 2020, it broke into the GCC’s top 10 car manufacturers by numbers of units sold, a position the brand continues to occupy.

The Marvel R was launched in other markets in 2021. As of yet, there is no firm date on when it will arrive in the Middle East.

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

While you're here
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Updated: May 31, 2023, 10:50 AM