MG's performance push won't include a new sub-brand

MG is rolling out ever more powerful vehicles in Australia, but it won’t roll out a performance sub-brand like Hyundai’s N or Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR).

“We don’t have plans to introduce a sub-brand as such, like an [BMW] M brand – we don’t have any plans for that at the moment,” said MG Motor Australia chief commercial officer Giles Belcher.

MG introduced its first high-performance vehicle in 2023 with the XPower version of its electric MG 4, which has 320kW of power and 600Nm of torque, and can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds.

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It followed this up recently with the even quicker – and considerably more expensive – electric Cyberster roadster, while it has confirmed a pair of vehicles from fellow SAIC Motor brand IM Motors which could offer even more power and torque.

“Performance is interesting these days. You look at the EV [electric vehicle] performance, for example, that’s changed the whole world of performance cars. I remember when 180kW was a really, really hot car,” said Mr Belcher.

“We’ll certainly have, and do have already, high-performance cars in our range.

“It comes back to what is available, does it suit the range, the country and the time,” he added, referring to the prospect of a performance sub-brand.

“Should we think the time is right and if the product is available, we’ll certainly look at it.”

While it isn’t a sub-brand, MG has used the XPower name on more than one vehicle.

In addition to the MG 4, in China the brand offered a limited edition XPower version of its mid-sized MG 6.

This plug-in hybrid hot hatch mated a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission for total system outputs of 224kW and 480Nm and a 6.0-second 0-100km/h time.

MG lavished the car with sporty upgrades like firmer suspension, a lower ride height, a body kit and sports seats.

The XPower name pre-dates SAIC Motor’s acquisition of MG, having first been used from 2003 to 2005 on a flagship two-door sports car based on the Qvale Mangusta that was powered by a Ford V8 engine.