India-bound MG Motor teases X-Motion concept

The production model based on the X-Motion concept will serve as the biggest SUV in MG’s global lineup.

MG Motor will use the 2018 Beijing Motor Show to reveal its X-Motion, a concept vehicle that will preview the brand’s upcoming large SUV. Now, days before its dynamic debut, the X-Motion concept has been officially teased.

As seen in the teaser images, the X-Motion will adopt MG’s latest design philosophy with its bold grille and sleek head & tail lamps. If media reports are to be believed, the production-spec model based on the X-Motion will share its underpinnings with the Roewe RX8 SUV.

For the uninitiated, Roewe is a China-only marque owned by SAIC Motor Corporation - which is also MG’s present parent company. The RX8 draws its power from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 221bhp of max power and 360Nm of peak torque. It is likely that the upcoming MG SUV will adopt this engine as well.

The production-spec X-Motion will be first launched in China and then to other global markets in a phased manner. It will serve as the biggest SUV in MG’s lineup, slotting above the GS. However, it is too early to gauge if this SUV will make it to India or not.

In India, MG is expected to launch its smallest SUV - the ZS - as its debut vehicle in 2019. In June 2017, MG Motor announced its entry into the Indian market and was quick to take over General Motors’ factory in Halol and establish its commitment to the Indian market. The new facility was inaugurated in September 2017.

Since then, MG has been aggressive with its India plans and has committed to an investment of Rs. 2,000 crores already and the number is likely to rise to Rs. 5,000 crores over the span of next six years. MG Motor India claims that they received nearly 2,000 dealer applications out of which they will shortlist 30 - 35 in the first phase.