MG Gloster: Morris Garages has a storied history dating back to 1924 in the United Kingdom, known for its sporty roadsters and elegant touring cars.
However, the modern iteration under SAIC’s ownership has transformed MG into a global brand with a diverse portfolio.
The Gloster, named after a British jet fighter aircraft, represents MG’s ambition to compete in the premium segment while maintaining its value-oriented approach.
Launched first in China as the Maxus D90 and later introduced to international markets as the MG Gloster in 2019, this full-size SUV quickly established itself as a formidable alternative to more expensive Japanese, Korean, and American competitors.
Its introduction to markets like India represented MG’s confidence in delivering a premium product that could change consumer perceptions about Chinese automotive engineering and design.
MG Gloster: Commanding Presence on the Road
The Gloster makes no attempts to hide its substantial dimensions. Measuring nearly 5 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.9 meters in height, it commands attention wherever it goes.
The design language blends modern SUV aesthetics with traditional boxy proportions that communicate strength and capability.
The front fascia features a bold, chrome-laden grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps, creating an imposing yet sophisticated face.
The strong shoulder line runs the length of the vehicle, connecting the front and rear light clusters while emphasizing the SUV’s substantial size.
The 19-inch alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, contributing to the planted stance despite the considerable ground clearance of around 210mm.
While not revolutionary in design, the Gloster achieves exactly what a flagship SUV should—presence.
It makes a statement without resorting to overly aggressive styling elements or unnecessary flourishes. The design communicates confidence rather than aggression, luxury rather than ostentation.
Interior: Where Size Meets Sophistication
Step inside the Gloster, and the first impression is one of space—acres of it. The three-row configuration offers genuine comfort for seven or six passengers (depending on whether the middle row is configured as a bench or captain seats).
Unlike many three-row SUVs where the third row is suitable only for children or short journeys, the Gloster’s third row can accommodate adults in reasonable comfort thanks to the vehicle’s substantial wheelbase and thoughtful packaging.
Material quality throughout the cabin impresses, with soft-touch surfaces dominating the dashboard and door panels.
Genuine leather upholstery (in top specifications) covers the seats, which offer excellent support and multiple adjustment options.
The driver’s seat, in particular, deserves mention with its 12-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functionality in premium variants.
The dashboard design prioritizes horizontal lines to emphasize width, with a clean, uncluttered layout centered around the large touchscreen infotainment system.
Physical buttons and knobs remain for frequently used functions—a practical choice that enthusiasts appreciate. Ambient lighting adds a premium touch after dark, with customizable colors that transform the cabin atmosphere.
Storage spaces abound throughout the interior, from the massive center console to generous door pockets and cleverly positioned cupholders.
The boot space varies from cavernous (with third-row seats folded) to adequate (with all seats in use), making the Gloster as practical as it is comfortable.
Technology: The Modern Flagship Experience
MG has positioned the Gloster as a technology showcase, and it delivers impressively on this front. The centerpiece is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
while also providing access to vehicle settings, navigation, and the 360-degree camera system. The 8-speaker audio system delivers rich, balanced sound throughout the cabin.
The driver faces a semi-digital instrument cluster that combines traditional dials with a configurable central information display.
This hybrid approach maintains the classic appeal of physical gauges while offering the flexibility of digital information presentation.
Where the Gloster truly separates itself from competitors at its price point is in driver assistance features. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include:
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Adaptive Cruise Control
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Autonomous Emergency Braking
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Lane Departure Warning
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Blind Spot Detection
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Forward Collision Warning
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Automatic Parking Assist
These features, collectively branded as “MG Pilot,” bring Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities to a price segment where such technology is typically absent or available only as costly options.
The implementation is generally reliable, though some users report occasional false positives in dense traffic conditions—a common limitation of current-generation ADAS systems across most brands.
Connectivity extends beyond entertainment to vehicle monitoring and control through the MG iSMART system.
This smartphone app allows owners to remotely lock/unlock doors, control climate settings, check vehicle status, and even track vehicle location—features typically associated with premium European brands.
Performance: Power Meets Refinement
Under the hood, the Gloster typically offers a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel engine producing approximately 215 horsepower and a substantial 480 Nm of torque.
This powerplant is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth, well-timed shifts under most driving conditions.
While not designed as a performance vehicle, the Gloster accelerates with authority when needed, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in roughly 10 seconds—respectable for a vehicle of its size and weight.
More importantly, the substantial torque available from low in the rev range makes everyday driving effortless, with overtaking maneuvers requiring minimal planning or drama.
The four-wheel-drive system (on higher variants) includes selectable driving modes that optimize performance for different terrain types:
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Rock
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Sand
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Mud
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Snow
An electronic limited-slip differential and low-range transfer case enhance off-road capability, though the vehicle’s size and road-oriented tires impose some limitations in extreme conditions.
That said, the Gloster is significantly more capable off the beaten path than many urban SUVs and crossovers, able to handle moderately challenging terrain with confidence.
Ride quality prioritizes comfort over sportiness, with the suspension absorbing road imperfections admirably while maintaining reasonable body control in corners. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, contributing to the premium driving experience.
Safety: Protection for All Occupants
Safety features comprise a critical component of the Gloster’s value proposition. Beyond the ADAS systems mentioned earlier, passive safety equipment includes:
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Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
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Electronic Stability Program
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Traction Control System
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Hill Hold Control
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Hill Descent Control
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Roll Movement Intervention
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Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
The body structure incorporates high-strength steel in key areas to create a rigid safety cage while managing impact forces effectively.
While specific crash test results vary by market, the Gloster has generally performed well in available safety assessments, with particular praise for adult occupant protection.
Market Position: The Value Proposition
Perhaps the Gloster’s most disruptive aspect is its pricing strategy. By offering full-size SUV dimensions, premium features, and advanced technology at prices typically associated with smaller, less equipped vehicles, MG has forced competitors to reconsider their value propositions.
In markets like India, where the Gloster competes with vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour (Everest), and Mahindra Alturas G4, the MG offers more features per dollar than established players.
In other markets, it undercuts comparable offerings from Jeep, Volkswagen, and Hyundai by significant margins.
This aggressive positioning reflects SAIC’s global ambitions and willingness to sacrifice some short-term profitability to establish brand presence and loyalty.
The strategy appears to be working, with waiting lists common in several markets despite production increases.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase
MG has worked to address potential concerns about service support and parts availability—common hesitations among buyers considering relatively new brands.
The company typically offers generous warranty packages (5-7 years depending on market) and comprehensive service plans that reduce ownership costs and uncertainty.
The dealer network has expanded rapidly in key markets, though coverage remains less comprehensive than established players in some regions.
Customer feedback indicates generally positive service experiences, with particular praise for the transparency of maintenance costs and processes.
Criticisms and Competitors
No vehicle is without flaws, and the Gloster faces legitimate criticisms. Some reviewers note that while material quality is generally excellent, there are occasional inconsistencies in panel gaps and trim alignment that betray the vehicle’s price point.
The infotainment system, while feature-rich, sometimes suffers from lag and requires periodic software updates to maintain optimal performance.
Fuel efficiency, as expected for a vehicle of this size and power, remains average at best. Urban driving typically returns 9-11 km/l (depending on traffic conditions), while highway cruising improves this to around 13-15 km/l.
These figures, while not class-leading, remain acceptable given the vehicle’s capabilities and dimensions.
Competitors have responded to the Gloster’s value proposition by enhancing their feature lists and adjusting pricing strategies.
Toyota’s Fortuner continues to lean on legendary reliability and resale value, while Ford’s Endeavour/Everest counters with superior driving dynamics and off-road prowess.
Skoda’s Kodiaq and Volkswagen’s Tiguan Allspace offer European refinement in slightly smaller packages.
Future Directions
As automotive markets globally pivot toward electrification, MG has signaled intentions to introduce electrified versions of the Gloster, potentially including hybrid and fully electric variants.
These developments align with SAIC’s significant investments in electric vehicle technology and could further disrupt the premium SUV segment by bringing electrification to price points where it remains rare.
Interior technology is likely to evolve rapidly across model updates, with larger displays, more comprehensive connectivity, and enhanced autonomous driving features expected in upcoming refreshes.
These improvements will be crucial to maintaining the vehicle’s value proposition as competitors catch up.
MG Gloster: Redefining Expectations
The MG Gloster represents more than just another entry in the crowded SUV market—it symbolizes the changing dynamics of global automotive competition.
By delivering genuine premium features, impressive space, and advanced technology at disruptive price points, it challenges conventional wisdom about brand hierarchies and market positioning.
For consumers willing to look beyond established nameplates, the Gloster offers a compelling combination of presence, comfort, and capability that would cost substantially more from traditional premium manufacturers.
This value-oriented approach, backed by increasingly credible product quality and ownership experiences, suggests that MG—under SAIC’s stewardship—will remain a significant player in the premium segment for years to come.
As automotive technology continues its rapid evolution toward electrification, connectivity, and autonomy, brands that can deliver these innovations at accessible price points will increasingly shape consumer expectations.
The MG Gloster stands as evidence that the definition of automotive luxury is expanding beyond badge prestige to encompass thoughtful features and genuine value—a shift that benefits drivers regardless of which brand they ultimately choose.