MG introduces E-Motion concept in Shanghai - MG's new electric sports car?
Chinese-owned MG shows off its idea of a future sports car
MG has officially revealed its new E-Motion concept, an all-electric sports car that could preview a sportier future for the iconic British nameplate. With the E-Motion MG has confirmed its dedication to pursuing the sports car genre which defined the British manufacturer before its Chinese reinvention. Bosses have confirmed that the E-Motion does preview a full production model which will arrive in showrooms by 2020, costing under £30,000.
The E-Motion sits on parent company SAIC's new modular electric car platform - a scaleable architecture like VW's MEB. This could pave the way for a whole electric MG range in the future.
Performance isn't compromised by the electric powertrain, and the E-Motion promises a 0-62mph time of under 4 seconds plus an all-electric range of over 300 miles.
> Also read: MG GS review - Modern MG's best car yet?
Styling is a radical depature from the existing MG models, both those in the UK and the wider range sold in the Chinese market. In profile there's more than a hint of Jaguar to the car, with a touch of Mustang - while the front and rear teaser images show distinctive light units, a distinctive grille and prominent MG badges.
SAIC is involved in joint ventures with several major automotive brands, most notably the Volkswagen Group and General Motors - though it's too early to say whether expertise from these brands will find its way into the concept.
MG currently sells just two model lines in the UK; the MG 3 supermini and the Qashqai-sized MG GS crossover. Both tout low pricing, decent standards of build and respectable dynamics, but neither sells in great numbers and it's been quite some time since the brand has sold a truly desirable product.
> Click here to read our full preview of the Shanghai motor show
