
When we think of seven-seater vehicles with captain’s chairs, it’s easy to assume they’ll carry a price tag north of P1.5 to P1.7 million. After all, VIP-level comfort usually comes at a premium. However, MG Philippines is challenging that expectation with a surprisingly affordable option.
Enter the MG G50 Plus Lux, a seven-seater MPV with VIP ambitions. Priced at just P1,288,000, it slots into the same price range as popular MPVs like the Hyundai Stargazer and Mitsubishi Xpander. Yet, with its larger dimensions, it competes more directly with bigger models such as the Toyota Innova, GAC M6 Pro, and even the Hyundai Custin.
It all sounds good, but there must be a catch, right? That’s what we intend to find out.
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.0/5
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 3.5/5
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 3.5/5
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 5.0/5
- Captain's seats for less than P1.5 million
- Spacious interior for passengers and cargo
- Lots of ground clearance
- No Android Auto
- Ride is on the softer side
Exterior
If there is a catch, the exterior is surely not where it is. In terms of ground clearance, the MG G50 Plus comes with a hefty 230 mm of ground clearance riding on 17-inch alloy wheels. A good start considering it must contend with the state of the roads here in the Philippines.
When it comes to design, the G50 Plus retains a familiar appearance, as it was previously marketed as the Maxus G50. Its core styling remains largely intact, featuring a wide multi-slat grille, sleek headlights, and a bold chin bumper that gives it an assertive presence. To keep things fresh, however, MG has introduced a few subtle updates. The most notable change is on the front fascia, where the brand replaced the wider side air intakes with a cleaner chrome slat, allowing the grille to expand slightly for a more modern, cohesive look.
From the side, the MG G50 Plus immediately shows off its substantial size, evident in the large door panels. While the side design remains fairly clean and simple, subtle chrome accents around the windows add a touch of class. At the rear, the design is more restrained compared to the front, featuring LED taillights, a few tasteful chrome details, and a high-mounted stop light. Overall, the MG G50 Plus strikes a good balance. It’s distinctive without being over the top, blending sophistication with just the right amount of boldness.
Interior and Cargo Space

If you’ve seen or read our review of the Maxus G50, then most of the stuff inside has been retained, with MG providing a few but very important improvements.
Starting at the rear, the G50 Plus offers a spacious cargo area, capable of accommodating a full-sized suitcase even with the third row in place. Fold the third row down, and you’ll have enough room for the suitcase plus two balikbayan boxes. While the second-row captain’s chairs can also be folded, they don't fold completely flat. For those prioritizing maximum cargo space, the eight-seater Comfort variant would be the better choice.

As for seating, let’s begin with the third row. Space here is decent, with enough room to fit an adult comfortably. While more thigh support would be welcome, and legroom largely depends on how much the second-row passengers are willing to give up, overall, the third-row seats are reasonably accommodating. Features at the back include one Type A charger, two bottle holders, and air vents.

The real highlight of the G50 Plus is the second row. While the captain’s chairs aren’t the most luxurious in the segment, they are certainly impressive for the price. The seats are comfortable, offering ample legroom that lets you stretch out, as long as you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of space for the third-row passengers. Features include rear aircon controls, multiple storage pockets behind the front seats, and a total of four cupholders. It may not be the most opulent setup out there, but it delivers far more value than many rivals at this price point.

Finally, we move to the driver’s seat. Much like the second row, it’s not overly fancy, but it’s definitely respectable. The driver is greeted by an analog instrument cluster paired with a digital trip computer in the center. Dominating the dashboard is a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by practical features like cubby holes in the center console, two USB ports, two cupholders, and controls for the electronic parking brake and auto-hold function.

One notable change from the old Maxus G50 is the redesigned center console. Since the gear shifter has been relocated behind the steering wheel, the center console now feels much more spacious. The controls remain familiar, although the headlight buttons have been repositioned onto the dashboard for easier access.
Technology
As mentioned earlier, the MG G50 Plus features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it does offer wired Apple CarPlay, it unfortunately lacks Android Auto support. On the driving assistance front, the G50 Plus comes equipped with an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, cruise control, and a reverse camera. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have a 360-degree camera, something we would have appreciated, especially given the vehicle’s size.
Power

When it was still sold under the Maxus badge, the G50 was available with two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder.
With the MG G50 Plus, the "Plus" isn't just a name; it brings real upgrades under the hood. Now standard across the lineup is a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, producing 178 hp and 285 Nm of torque, that's 12 hp and 35 Nm more than before. As for transmissions, the base variant still features a six-speed manual, while the Comfort and Lux variants are now equipped with a seven-speed wet DCT. Underneath, the G50 Plus rides on MacPherson strut suspension up front and a torsion beam suspension setup at the rear. Braking power comes from disc brakes on all four wheels.
Driving Comfort and Performance
Out on the road, the biggest improvement the G50 Plus brings over its predecessor is the smoother power delivery, thanks to its wet DCT. While there are occasional moments of gear hunting, particularly under acceleration, the hesitation is subtle and only noticeable if you're paying close attention. For everyday driving, the transmission operates smoothly and performs more than well enough for typical use.
The engine performs admirably, delivering enough power to handle a full load of passengers despite its modest 1.5-liter displacement. Turbocharging certainly plays a big role, but it's still impressive to see a 1.5-liter engine move a vehicle of this size so capably.
When it comes to ride comfort, the G50 Plus leans toward the softer side. It handles three passengers and their luggage with ease, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. However, once the cabin is fully loaded with passengers and cargo, we anticipate the suspension becoming even softer, potentially a little too soft for our taste.
Price and Verdict
Despite a few shortcomings, like the absence of Android Auto, the softer-than-average suspension, the lack of a 360-degree parking camera, and outdated USB ports, the MG G50 Plus stands out as a strong contender in the market. It may not be a flashy head-turner, but it certainly doesn’t fade into the background either.

While it has its flaws, the overall value the G50 Plus offers at its price point far outweighs its drawbacks. It strikes an ideal balance between the more expensive MPVs and the budget-friendly options, offering plenty of essential features, generous space, and solid practicality for the money. To put it simply, it’s the VIP experience on a budget.
Check out the MG G50 Plus on AutoDeal.com.ph and the rest of the MG lineup on the MG Car Guide.
Specifications
Engine
1.5 LFuel Type
GasolinePerformance
179 hp @ 5,500 rpmTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name MG G50 Plus AT LUX Body Type MPV Price ₱1,288,888 Transmission Category Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size 1.5 L Displacement 1,499 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Type 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Max Output (hp) 179 hp @ 5,500 rpm Max Torque (nm) 285 Nm @ 4,300 rpm -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Gasoline Emissions Standard Euro 5 Fuel Capacity 60.0 L *Combined Fuel Consumption 15 km/L *brand manufacturer claim
-
Dimensions
-
Length 4,825 mm Width 1,825 mm Height 1,778 mm Wheelbase 2,800 mm Turning Circle n/a Ground Clearance 230 mm Trunk Capacity n/a Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 8 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag 1 Front Passenger's Airbag 1 Side Airbag 2 Curtain Airbag Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 17 in Wheels Metal Type Alloy Airconditioning System Automatic Climate Control Entertainment System 12.3-inch Touch Screen Connectivity Apple Carplay/Android Auto/Bluetooth/USB Navigation Ready Warranty 5 years or 100,000 kilometers Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
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