I was fortunate enough to drive 2 of those in their “Next Wave” drive. I was given the MG G50 Plug-in Hybrid at P 1,398,888 and the MG4 Urban EV that costs P 1,198,888. The drive itself was short but more than enough for the cars to leave a very positive impression.

The G50 and I go back a few years. I first encountered it under a different badge before it eventually became an MG in the Philippines, initially with a conventional gasoline engine and now as a plug-in hybrid. Through each iteration, one thing has remained constant – its ability to comfortably accommodate everyone on board.

Space continues to be the G50’s greatest strength. Every row offers generous room, the seats provide plenty of adjustment, and the cargo area is more than capable of handling luggage for the whole family.

The plug-in hybrid variant also brings a refreshed styling. Slim LED headlights give the front end a sharper appearance, while the redesigned grille adds more character. Beauty will always be subjective, but the G50 has consistently carried itself with a premium look, and this latest version continues that trend.

Inside, the updates are more subtle. The most noticeable addition is a digital instrument cluster that now flows neatly into the central touchscreen for a panoramic layout. Beyond that, most revisions are minor, such as the flatter side mirror controls. Thankfully, it retains the thoughtful touches I appreciated before, including the ceiling-mounted air vents, rear climate controls behind the center console, and tasteful wood trim throughout the cabin.

Our drive wasn’t long enough to get an informed fuel efficiency number. What I can say is that we traveled from BGC to Bacolor, Pampanga through traffic, heavy rain, and highway cruising at the speed limit and the G50 PHEV consumed just a single bar of fuel.

Its ride quality was equally impressive. The suspension feels planted without becoming overly firm, avoiding the floaty or bouncy character that often comes with larger MPVs. Power delivery from the hybrid system is progressive rather than overly eager, while cabin insulation does an excellent job of keeping road and wind noise at bay.

The MG G50 PHEV occupies an interesting niche today. While there are other 7-seat hybrids available, most come with significantly higher price tags. I’d still like to spend several days with the G50 to properly evaluate its efficiency, but based on this first drive, it’s an easy recommendation for families looking for generous space, refined comfort, and electrified performance without too much strain on the pocket.

The universe granted me a small wish when I was handed the keys to the MG4 Urban EV. It was one of the vehicles that immediately caught my eye during its launch at the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show. Its clean proportions, sleek styling, and eye-catching price made it one of the most intriguing launches of the year.

The first thing I checked was the rear seat. I had one lingering criticism of the MG3 Hybrid hatchback, which came with a fixed rear bench. In a post-pandemic world, split-folding rear seats should be mandatory for 5-door vehicles. Thankfully, the MG4 Urban gets it right with a split-folding rear seat, complemented by a generous 480-liter cargo area and an additional 98 liters of underfloor storage for smaller items.

MG also made smart decisions when it came to the second row. There’s no center armrest and only a single USB-C port, but rear passengers still benefit from dedicated air vents despite the slimmer center console.

Where the MG4 Urban truly stands out is behind the wheel. The dashboard has a balance of modern layout mixed with familiarity. Physical buttons and rotary dials remain for the climate controls, while the sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, tidy center console, and elevated armrest make the cabin feel intuitive from the moment you settle in.

Like the G50, our drive wasn’t long enough to measure efficiency. Instead, what stood out was the cabin refinement. It’s remarkably quiet, with outside noise largely limited to the occasional aging diesel truck or the unmistakable sound of open-pipe exhausts from sweet potato riders. Combined with its composed ride, intuitive controls, and smooth power delivery that remains easy to modulate yet responds enthusiastically when asked, the MG4 Urban quickly becomes an enjoyable companion on the road.

It may not be the least expensive EV in its class, but the MG4 Urban makes a compelling case for itself. At P 1,198,888, it steps into the arena traditionally occupied by internal combustion crossovers while offering the benefits of full-electric driving. It aces every important area—sporty enough to be engaging, practical enough for daily use, and attainable enough to attract buyers who may be considering an EV for the first time.