At the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, MG showed a promising glimpse into its future with the X-Motion Concept. At the time, the Chinese-owned company said the sleek-looking design study would preview a flagship SUV for the brand. Apparently, MG didn’t lose any time and recently started testing prototypes, as proven by these spy photos taken in Scandinavia.

It’s the first sighting of the X-Motion SUV which will sit above the ZS and GS models in the carmaker’s lineup. While it’s fully camouflaged, we can still spot some design elements such as the side window line which is different than MG’s existing SUVs. Just like on the X-Motion Concept and the recently-unveiled MG HS compact crossover, the line climbs towards the rear of the vehicle for a sporty effect.


However, the lateral windows seem taller on the production model than on the study and the door handles are conventional — as opposed to the concept’s retractable handles. The X-Motion production SUV also ditches the study’s sleek rearview cameras for regular side mirrors.

The bulged rear haunches seem to have survived, though, as does the sharp-looking front end that features a 3D grille with a jewel-like finish and sleek headlights. The rear end sports similar taillights as the X-Motion concept, but the bumper with a diffuser-like insert has been understandably dropped. Still, the big oval exhaust pipes have stayed. Kudos to MG for sticking close to the study’s design, despite the inevitable changes required by the transition to production.


Under the hood, the MG X-Motion is expected to feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an unspecified power and torque ratings. Rumor has it an eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard and electrified versions will follow later.

When it goes on sale in China towards the end of this year, the base MG X-Motion should be front-wheel drive, with an AWD version available as an option. Given that MG performs winter testing in Northern Europe and the right-hand-drive prototypes feature UK plates, the MG X-Cite should become available at least in Great Britain from early 2020.

Cr : Carscoops