MG’s XPOWER sub-brand to go hybrid
Chinese brand to flex high-performance muscles with more models, including plug-in hybridsMG has confirmed it plans to offer more high-performance XPOWER models in the future, all but guaranteed to bring sizzling speed, but the performance-focused sub-brand will offer more than just electric vehicles.
The first – and so far only – XPOWER model Down Under is the MG4 XPOWER, a 320kW all-electric all-wheel-drive hot hatch that sprints to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
But MG’s XPOWER models are set to look a little different in the future and could be based on the brand’s latest plug-in hybrid system, dubbed ‘Super Hybrid’.
Already confirmed for two models – the HS and incoming QS SUVs – Super Hybrid uses a plug-in hybrid system designed to go longer between recharges, bringing improved efficiency and, in the case of the HS Super Hybrid, a claimed circa-1000km driving range.
MG says the Super Hybrid operates more like a regular plug-less hybrid. But while MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao, says the focus is efficiency, it can also be used to squeeze more performance out of smaller powertrains.
“The major focus of our [Super] Hybrid is economy; fuel efficiency. We focus on that,” said Ciao.
“But in the future, we will build some limited-edition models to focus on performance, based on software.
“We will call it XPOWER model but [it will] still be based on plug-in hybrid platform.”
Ciao said MG will ‘redefine’ the software in the future.
“The platform is already there; it’s how to use the performance,” he said. “[With] plug-in hybrid platform, everything is possible, because of the big battery inside.”
Likening it to high-performance offshoots offered by other brands, such as Toyota’s Gazoo Racing, Hyundai’s N, and Volkswagen’s R, Ciao said the future of performance cars is smaller – not larger – engines.
“XPOWER will be like AMG for Mercedes-Benz, like M for BMW, things like that,” he said.
“A traditional performance car is based on a bigger petrol engine but in the future it is not. The engine is limited size but you still can get 5.0-litre or 6.0-litre engine performance [from a PHEV].”
Related: MG HS Super Hybrid 2025 Review
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Related: MG4 XPOWER 2023 Review
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