MG Motor Australia is actively evaluating the newly launched MG 07 liftback for a potential local release, using conversations with automotive media to gauge Australian buyer appetite for rear-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive configurations before locking in a local business case.
During discussions at the media launch of the 2026 MG U9 EV, MG Motor Australia marketing director Dimitri Andreatidis and head of product Meng Chen did not rule out bringing the electrified fastback to local showrooms. When discussing the vehicle’s potential local layout, Meng Chen noted: “It’d be interesting to get Australian feedback in terms of what kind of configuration would they want? Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, PHEV, FWD?”
Keeping in mind the domestic MG 07 offers multiple configurations, with the PHEV utilising a front-wheel drive setup rather than all-wheel drive.
When asked whether the sleek fastback might inadvertently steal oxygen from the IM5 luxury sedan due to its striking design, Dimitri Andreatidis dismissed the internal overlap, stating simply that they represent “two different brand propositions”.
When pressed on how the existing petrol-powered MG7 fastback is tracking in local showrooms, Andreatidis defended its niche performance, explaining that “it appeals to a particular segment who want that sporty feel”.
He added: “We have a vehicle to suit every Australian. Whether it be the $19,990 MG3 Vibe or our gorgeous Cyberster, we’ve got a car to suit every Australian.”
Recently launched in China on SAIC’s Modular Scalable Platform (Nebula), the MG 07 measures 4886mm long, 1900mm wide, and 1485mm tall on a 2825mm wheelbase. Those dimensions place the five-door liftback directly into the crosshairs of the BYD Seal, BYD Seal 6, and Mazda 6e.
According to September 2026 VFACTS figures, the medium passenger car segment below $60,000 surged by 48.5 per cent year-on-year, led by the Toyota Camry (1066 sales), Mazda 6e (389), BYD Seal (327), and BYD Seal 6 (265). By contrast, the front-wheel drive, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol MG7 Essence ($44,990 before on-road costs) registered 28 units for the month.
In its domestic market, the MG 07 is offered in both battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations, initially launching with front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motors. Entry-level BEV variants utilise a 400-volt architecture paired with a 67kWh QingTao semi-solid-state battery and a 176kW/300Nm front motor, while the flagship long-range model steps up to an 800-volt electrical architecture, a 91kWh NMC battery from CATL, and a 235kW/350Nm motor capable of replenishing from 30-80 per cent state of charge in 12 minutes.
The plug-in hybrid MG 07 employs SAIC’s DMH series-parallel hybrid system, combining an 82kW/135Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 152kW/302Nm electric motor and a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Fed by a 30kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, the PHEV carries a WLTP-rated pure electric driving range of 185km.
Hardware highlights across the Chinese-market MG 07 range include magnetorheological active damping (mCDC), frameless doors, an active rear spoiler, a 697-litre boot (plus a 168-litre frunk on BEV grades), and a 15.6-inch 2.5K central touch-screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor.
While high-output front-wheel drive sedans remain popular in China, MG Australia’s focus on RWD and AWD configurations signals an awareness that local buyers cross-shopping against the rear- and all-wheel drive BYD Seal, Mazda 6e, and Tesla Model 3 expect power to be sent to the rear or all four wheels.
