Maxus G50
The Maxus G50 is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by SAIC Maxus, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor, and introduced in China in August 2018 as a family-oriented seven- or eight-seater model designed for versatile urban and travel use.[1] It features a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine producing 133 kW (181 PS) of power and 285 N·m of torque, paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission for efficient performance and fuel economy rated at approximately 8.0 L/100 km under WLTC standards.[2] The vehicle measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,778 mm in height (excluding roof rack), with a 2,800 mm wheelbase that supports flexible seating layouts such as 2+2+3 or 2+3+3 configurations.[3] Since its debut, the G50 lineup has expanded to include variants like the upgraded G50 Plus launched in April 2021, the G50 Max introduced in 2024 for enhanced luxury, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version launched in April 2025 with a combined output of 160 kW and a starting price under $20,000 USD.[4][5][6] These models emphasize spacious interiors with features like dual 12.3-inch digital displays, leather upholstery, and independent rear air conditioning, alongside a 456-liter boot capacity that expands with folded seats.[7] Safety is prioritized through advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including electronic stability control (ESC), multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), tire pressure monitoring, a 180-degree reversing camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors on the second and third rows.[3] Marketed internationally under the Maxus brand in regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines—where it launched in August 2020 and was also badged as the MG G50—the vehicle competes in the affordable MPV segment with a focus on practicality, such as LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and keyless entry.[8] Pricing starts at around 86,800 yuan (approximately $12,000 USD) for base models in China, making it accessible for growing families, while export variants often include localized adaptations like right-hand drive configurations.[9] By 2025, the G50 series has solidified SAIC Maxus's position in the compact MPV market, with ongoing updates emphasizing electrification and connectivity to meet evolving consumer demands.[5]History and Development
Initial Launch (2019)
The SAIC Maxus G50, the brand's second multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) following the larger G10, was officially launched in China on February 28, 2019, as a compact 7- or 8-seater designed for family-oriented urban mobility. Developed by SAIC Motor on a front-wheel-drive platform, it emphasized practicality and versatility with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate diverse family needs. The model had debuted conceptually at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in November 2018, with full market availability commencing shortly after the Chinese Spring Festival in early 2019.[10][1] Production of the gasoline G50 began on December 21, 2018, at SAIC Maxus's Nanjing plant, which became the world's first customer-to-business (C2B) smart customization facility capable of large-scale personalized manufacturing. This approach incorporated extensive user input from over 858,000 participants, generating 1.26 million data points to refine features like interior configurations and powertrain options. The core design objectives centered on delivering an affordable, modular platform that supported both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) variants, enabling efficient adaptation for evolving market demands in the compact MPV segment.[11][1] The electric counterpart, the Euniq 5, was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019 and entered production on September 26, 2019, at the same Nanjing facility using SAIC's MERA platform tailored for mid-sized electric vehicles. Sharing the G50's core body structure, the Euniq 5 introduced EV-specific enhancements while maintaining the family-focused layout. Launch pricing in China positioned the gasoline G50 starting at 86,800 CNY for the base model, underscoring its role as a budget-friendly urban MPV, with the Euniq 5 starting at 169,800 CNY to reflect its advanced battery technology. Early indications highlighted export potential to Southeast Asia under MG branding and to Europe under the Maxus brand, aligning with SAIC's global strategy.[10][12][13]Updates and Facelifts (2021–2025)
In April 2021, SAIC Maxus launched the G50 Plus, an upgraded version featuring enhanced luxury elements like a larger infotainment screen, improved seating comfort, and advanced driver aids, with pricing starting from 109,800 CNY.[4] In 2022, SAIC Maxus introduced the Mifa 5 as an updated electric variant of the G50 platform, unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show in August.[14] This model served as a facelift to the earlier Euniq 5 electric version, featuring refined exterior elements such as a modernized front grille and enhanced LED lighting for improved aesthetics and visibility.[14] Inside, upgrades included a larger infotainment screen to support advanced connectivity and user interface enhancements.[15] The Mifa 5 offered two battery pack options: a 61.1 kWh unit providing up to 410 km of CLTC range and a 70 kWh pack extending range to 510 km, addressing demands for longer electric driving in China's growing EV market.[16] Production of the Euniq 5 concluded by the end of 2023, with the Mifa 5 entering full manufacturing from February 2023 and continuing through 2024 before the platform shifted toward hybrid configurations.[17][15] These changes reflected Maxus's strategic response to the rapid expansion of electric vehicles and increasing consumer preference for electrified options in China.[5] In 2024, the G50 Max was introduced as a luxury-oriented facelift, featuring a redesigned front grille, advanced LED lighting, and upgraded cabin materials for enhanced sophistication.[5] For the gasoline-powered G50, a minor update in 2022 introduced a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) option paired with the 1.5-liter turbo engine, enhancing shift efficiency and drivability over the previous setup.[18] Building on this electrification trend, Maxus launched pre-sales for the G50 Hybrid in March 2025 exclusively in China, marking the introduction of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.[5] The model combines a 1.5-liter high-efficiency engine with P1 and P3 dual electric motors, achieving a CLTC combined fuel economy of 4.7 L/100 km while delivering 280 Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds.[5] Priced starting at 139,900 CNY (approximately under $20,000 USD), it positions the G50 as an affordable hybrid MPV amid rising demand for such powertrains in the Chinese market.[5][19]Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Chassis
The Maxus G50 measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,778 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm that contributes to its stable handling and spacious interior.[20] These proportions position it as a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) suitable for urban and family use, offering a balance between maneuverability and passenger room.[21] The G50 is available in 7-seater (2+2+3) or 8-seater (2+3+3) configurations, allowing flexibility for different family sizes or commercial needs.[22] Its chassis employs a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, paired with a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, which provides adequate ride comfort and load-bearing capability for an MPV.[20][23] Ground clearance stands at 163 mm, enabling moderate urban obstacle navigation without compromising stability.[21] Curb weights range from 1,550 to 1,570 kg for gasoline variants, increasing to up to 1,900 kg for electric and hybrid models due to added battery components.[23][24] Cargo capacity measures 456 liters behind the third row, expanding to 2,000 liters with the second- and third-row seats folded, facilitating versatile loading for luggage or goods.[25][26] The G50's platform features a shared architecture that supports internal combustion engine (ICE), battery electric vehicle (BEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) adaptations with minimal structural modifications, enabling efficient production across powertrain types.[5] This modularity allows seamless powertrain integration while maintaining consistent chassis dynamics.[27]Powertrain Options
The Maxus G50 lineup offers a range of powertrain options, including gasoline, pure electric, and plug-in hybrid variants, all paired with front-wheel drive and compatible with the vehicle's modular chassis architecture. These systems prioritize efficiency and family-oriented performance in the compact MPV segment.[3] Gasoline models feature turbocharged inline-four engines. The base 1.3-liter turbocharged unit produces 163 horsepower (120 kW) and 230 Nm of torque, available with a six-speed manual transmission.[20] The more common 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers 181 horsepower (133 kW) and 285 Nm of torque (export variants may have 169 hp and 250 Nm), mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).[3][21] These configurations achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10 to 11 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h, with combined fuel consumption ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 L/100 km under WLTC conditions.[28][29] Pure electric powertrains are available through variants like the Maxus Euniq 5 and Mifa 5, both built on the G50 platform. The Euniq 5 employs a 52.5 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a 136-horsepower (100 kW) permanent magnet synchronous motor, offering an NEDC-rated range of 410 km.[30] The Mifa 5 upgrades to a 70 kWh battery and a 170-horsepower (125 kW) motor producing 310 Nm of torque, achieving up to 520 km CLTC range.[31] Electric variants provide quicker acceleration at 9 to 10 seconds for 0-100 km/h and top speeds around 160 km/h, with no tailpipe emissions.[32] The 2025 Maxus G50 PHEV introduces a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine (72 kW, 125 Nm) with dual electric motors—a 100 kW drive motor and a 30 kW starter-generator—for a total output of 217 horsepower (160 kW) and 280 Nm.[5] It includes an 18.65 kWh battery enabling 85 km of pure electric range (CLTC), with overall efficiency at 4.7 L/100 km combined and 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.[5][33]| Powertrain Type | Engine/Motor | Power/Torque | Transmission | Efficiency/Range | Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline 1.3T | 1.3L turbo I4 | 163 hp / 230 Nm | 6-speed MT | 6.9 L/100 km (combined) | 11.5 s | 170 km/h |
| Gasoline 1.5T | 1.5L turbo I4 | 181 hp / 285 Nm | 7-speed DCT | 7.2 L/100 km (combined) | 10.5 s | 170 km/h |
| Electric (Euniq 5) | 136 hp motor / 52.5 kWh battery | 136 hp / N/A | Single-speed | 410 km (NEDC) | 10 s | 160 km/h |
| Electric (Mifa 5) | 170 hp motor / 70 kWh battery | 170 hp / 310 Nm | Single-speed | 520 km (CLTC) | 9 s | 160 km/h |
| PHEV (2025) | 1.5L + dual motors / 18.65 kWh battery | 217 hp / 280 Nm | DHT | 4.7 L/100 km (combined); 85 km electric (CLTC) | 7.9 s | 170 km/h |