MG is stirring the pot once again with the launch of the G50 plug-in hybrid MPV and the new MG5 Prestige. Some of you might have seen these two during MIAS 2026. It was a dense crowd though and so this is a chance to get a closer look at these two. They’re vastly different from one another but they share a common ground – both are positioned to uppercut their rivals.
G50 PHEV
There’s a lot of momentum in the MPV arena because let’s face it – most of us buy a car for the family. There are many 7-seater options in the country but when it comes to electrified ones, they’re either too tight or too expensive. The G50 PHEV changes all of that at PHP 1,399,888.
For one, there’s a lot of space for everyone. MG claims that the G50 PHEV has class leading space in all of its rows. I can attest to that as this wide boy didn’t feel tight in all seats. That includes the third row that has decent sitting position and snug legroom even with the second row seats pushed all the way back.
They also addressed my common complaint with 7 seaters. The G50 PHEV has 406L of cargo space even with the third row up that can accommodate the belongings of all occupants. That expands to 1,162L with the third row down.
Another small hint of genius is the ceiling mounted air vents for the second and third rows. This lets the breeze go to the occupants faster and provides for better air circulation.
Of course, there’s the hybrid benefits. The G50 PHEV has 299 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. And because this is a plug-in hybrid, it has 95 km of EV range and around 1,415 km of combined range. That’s more than enough power to carry all 7 passengers with a bit of headroom, while having the efficiency to last a week or more in the city.
Other tech benefits include a Powered Tailgate, Panoramic Sunroof with solid cover, Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-camera system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Advanced Driver Assist System, Dual 12.3-inch displays, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wireless Charger.
MG5 Prestige
For the bachelors or small families, a sedan might still do the trick. It’s not an understatement to say that you have a lot of choice in this segment but when it comes to price, the options literally narrow down to smaller sized vehicles.
The MG5 Prestige gives a lot for an attainable price of PHP 888,888. It starts off big, literally, because its dimensions rival that of a Corolla Altis. That translates into great space for both front and rear sections, while also having a massive 512L trunk capacity.
They could have ended things there but MG went to pack the MG5 Prestige with creature comforts. You’ll definitely appreciate the Rear Air Vents, while the driver has Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold. There’s even a sunroof for the first row for that extra aesthetic when driving at night.
The dashboard layout is centered towards the driver that will certainly be appreciated by single people. The steering wheel is sporty despite not having a flat bottom design, thanks to contours at the 3 and 9 positions and having extra grippy textures in the area. They also retained the tactile buttons for some controls, so you won’t be lost when trying to change things while driving.
There’s a 1.5-liter engine under the hood, non-electrified, but that’s alright given the price point. It also comes with PM 2.5filter for the cabin, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, and 4 Airbags.
The MG G50 PHEV and MG5 Prestige presents a good look at where the brand is headed this year. They’ll certainly dip on the trend of electrification, but will not overlook the current hot segments especially since not everyone can afford to make the switch. They’re also keen on providing better value for money as they are fitting their offerings with more for less – which Filipinos will definitely enjoy.
