MG has stepped boldly into the competitive seven-seater SUV segment with the 2025 QS Excite, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese-owned British brand in Australia. With aggressive pricing starting at $46,990 driveaway, this family hauler directly challenges established players like the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9.
Design and First Impressions
The QS Excite presents a mature design language that distances itself from MG’s earlier offerings. Its imposing presence commands attention with sharp LED headlights, a prominent hexagonal grille, and well-proportioned body panels. The 17-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches adequately, though the overall aesthetic leans toward function over form.
At 4,827mm long, 1,930mm wide, and 1,760mm tall, the QS provides substantial road presence without appearing unwieldy. The silver roof rails add a practical touch while maintaining the SUV’s adventurous appeal.
Interior Space and Practicality
The QS Excite’s cabin reveals MG’s commitment to maximizing space efficiency. The seven-seat configuration delivers genuine accommodation for adults in the second row, with the third row better suited for children or occasional adult use. The 2+3+2 seating arrangement provides flexibility for growing families.
Interior materials showcase a marked improvement over previous MG models, though hard plastics remain prevalent in lower-touch areas. The dashboard features a clean, modern design with a 12.3-inch infotainment display taking center stage. Physical controls for climate functions maintain user-friendly operation during driving.
Storage solutions throughout the cabin demonstrate thoughtful design, with multiple cupholders, door pockets, and a reasonable center console. Boot space varies significantly depending on seating configuration, offering generous cargo capacity when the third row stays folded.
Technology and Features
The QS Excite comes well-equipped with modern connectivity features. The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs MG’s iSMART system, providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The interface responds adequately to inputs, though occasional lag reminds users of the vehicle’s budget positioning.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges, offering customizable display options. The system presents essential information clearly, with good visibility in various lighting conditions.
Standard equipment includes a six-speaker audio system, multi-function steering wheel, and automatic climate control. The comprehensive equipment list helps justify the attractive pricing.
Safety and Driver Assistance
MG has prioritized safety with the QS Excite, incorporating their MG Pilot suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.
The 360-degree camera system aids parking maneuvers, though image quality could be sharper. Electronic stability control and a full complement of airbags provide fundamental safety protection.
Testing has shown the QS maintains composure under emergency braking situations, with a respectable stopping distance of 34.75 meters from 100km/h. The body structure remains stable during evasive maneuvers.
Engine Performance and Driving Experience
The QS Excite employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 153kW (205hp) and 360Nm of torque. This powertrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivers adequate performance for family duties.
The front-wheel-drive configuration prioritizes fuel efficiency over all-weather traction. The engine provides sufficient power for overtaking and highway cruising, though it lacks the refinement of more expensive rivals.
Fuel consumption figures around 8.5L/100km in mixed driving conditions represent reasonable efficiency for a seven-seater SUV. The transmission shifts smoothly under normal driving, though it can hunt for gears during aggressive acceleration.
Ride Quality and Handling
The QS Excite’s suspension setup favors comfort over sporting dynamics. The ride quality absorbs most road imperfections adequately, though larger potholes and speed bumps can upset the composure.
Highway stability proves satisfactory, with minimal wind noise intrusion at cruising speeds. The steering provides adequate feedback without being overly heavy, making urban maneuvering manageable despite the vehicle’s size.
Body roll remains controlled during cornering, though the QS clearly prioritizes passenger comfort over dynamic handling. This approach suits the target family market well.
Value Proposition and Ownership
The QS Excite’s pricing strategy represents its strongest selling point. At $46,990 driveaway, it undercuts established rivals by significant margins while offering comparable space and features.
MG’s 10-year warranty provides peace of mind, though the brand’s relatively recent market presence means long-term reliability data remains limited. Service intervals and maintenance costs appear reasonable for the segment.
The comprehensive standard equipment list eliminates many optional extras required on competing models, further enhancing the value proposition.
Real-World Ownership Experience
Daily driving reveals the QS Excite’s practical strengths and minor limitations. The seating position provides good forward visibility, though the A-pillars create some blind spots. Interior noise levels remain acceptable for highway travel.
The infotainment system occasionally requires patience during startup, and some menu structures lack intuitive organization. However, the core functions operate reliably.
Parking sensors and cameras assist with maneuvering, though the size takes adjustment for drivers transitioning from smaller vehicles.
Market Position and Competition
The QS Excite arrives at a time when seven-seater SUV demand continues growing. Its aggressive pricing positions it as an attractive alternative to established players, particularly for budget-conscious families.
Direct competitors include the Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9, and Hyundai Santa Fe. While these rivals offer superior refinement and proven reliability, the QS Excite’s pricing advantage remains compelling.
The vehicle’s market success will depend on MG’s ability to deliver reliable ownership experiences and maintain competitive pricing pressure.
The 2025 MG QS Excite represents a calculated entry into Australia’s competitive seven-seater SUV segment. While it doesn’t redefine the category, it delivers practical family transportation at an attractive price point.
MG’s growing dealer network and 10-year warranty provide additional confidence for potential buyers. The QS Excite proves that family-friendly SUVs don’t require premium pricing to meet essential needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the fuel consumption of the MG QS Excite? A: The QS Excite achieves approximately 8.5L/100km in mixed driving conditions. Highway driving can see this figure drop to around 7.5L/100km, while city driving may push consumption closer to 10L/100km.
Q: Does the third row actually fit adults? A: The third row can accommodate adults for short journeys, but it’s best suited for children or teenagers. Taller adults may find legroom and headroom restrictive for extended travel.
Q: How does the 10-year warranty work? A: MG offers a 10-year/160,000km warranty covering major components. This includes the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, providing comprehensive protection that exceeds most competitors’ coverage.
Q: What’s the difference between the Excite and Essence models? A: The Essence model adds all-wheel drive, larger 19-inch wheels, premium interior materials, and additional safety features. The Excite offers front-wheel drive and slightly less equipment but maintains the same engine and fundamental capabilities.
Also read: Budget SUV Showdown 2025: Haval Jolion Takes On MG ZS in Head-to-Head Test – Westendmechanical