2024 MG RX8 30T

Chinese automaker SAIC Motor has become quite the global player in the past decade. With numerous brands under their belt, and even building cars for VW and Chevrolet in many markets, they also happen to own the Morris Garages nameplate, and now offer a full line-up of Chinese-built mainstream models under the century-old British banner. The midsize MG RX8 is their largest SUV offering in the Middle East.

The RX8 is a classically handsome SUV, and debuted locally in 2020. However, considering it traces its origins back to 2018, the design looks sedate compared to refreshed rivals that have popped up since then. As such, 2024 happens to be the final year of the RX8.

The RX8’s most distinctive exterior feature is a front bumper that houses very prominent LED lighting clusters on an otherwise generic front end, with a large grille and squared-off headlights. Roof rails and faux twin-exhaust tips are standard. Available wheel sizes include 18-inch or 20-inch alloys.

Stepping inside, the cabin of the MG RX8 is where it truly shines. Though very simple, the use of good cabin trim materials, including soft-touch surfaces and padded leather on many upper trim bits, provides a somewhat premium environment. There are very few buttons on the centre console, replaced by a prominent 10.1-inch touchscreen. And the central cupholders and cubbies have covers, giving the interior a very clean look. The old-school VW influence is obvious in little things such as the dial-style moonroof controls and certain ambient lighting details, which is never a bad thing.

One of the RX8’s strongest selling points is its space. With a well-thought-out cabin layout, it offers generous room for passengers in the first and second rows, and even the third row can comfortably fit adults, although access is a bit tight. The tall profile and standard panoramic glass moonroof adds to the sense of space, making the interior feel even more open and airy. The boot is a good size as well, while the interior has the usual storage spaces, including a cooled glove box.

The front seats are moderately bolstered, with 8-way electric adjustment for the driver as standard. The cabin can be had with cloth upholstery (with red accents and stitching on our test car) or even leather in top trim, with a certain Black Edition model getting quilted upholstery.

Tech-wise, the RX8 comes equipped with a decent amount of basic comfort features. The touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly, though it may not be the most advanced in its class.

Other features include all the essentials, including auto LED headlights and tail lights, cruise control, smart keyless entry and start, electric parking brake, express up-down power windows, rear camera with front/rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, USB ports front and back, an available 220V power outlet for rear passengers, a 12V outlet in the boot, and a decent sound system, even if limited to 6 or 8 speakers depending on trim. Top trims get a power tailgate, wireless charger, rain sensing wipers and cooled front seats.

Our test was during October in Dubai, so we didn’t get to try the climate control a/c in peak summer, but it does come with separate rear digital controls and vents.

Standard safety features are up to par with most rivals. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitor. Lane departure warning is reserved for the top trim. There are no active safety nannies being offered.

Under the hood, the RX8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder making 220 hp at 5500 rpm and 360 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The standard gearbox is a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. While it has a grunty engine note that enthusiasts might appreciate, its power delivery is more suited for uneventful highway cruising rather than spirited driving. The turbo lag is noticeable, particularly when trying to accelerate quickly from a standstill, and the engine tends to prefer higher gears, which can sometimes make the driving experience feel a bit sluggish.

We timed the RX8 in the 0-100 kph at 9.2 seconds, which puts it in the “just about adequate” category for daily driving. Our as-tested fuel economy was a bit above average, at 12 litres/100 km (8.3 km/litre), mainly due to pressing harder on the throttle more often than not.

The ride quality is generally good, soaking up most bumps and imperfections on the road. However, wind and road noise become noticeable as you approach 120 kph.

The steering feel is somewhat rubbery, and while it is a bit firm even at lower speeds, it lacks the feedback that would inspire confidence in more dynamic driving scenarios. Not that you should be pushing the RX8 hard around corners.

Handling in the RX8 is decent for a vehicle of its size. Body roll is very obvious but well controlled, and the SUV offers a decent amount of grip thanks to the 255-width tyres. The brakes are decent as well. It’s not designed for aggressive driving, but it maintains composure well enough to go about your business.

The RX8 is available with all-wheel-drive from the mid-range trim onwards. Its 202 mm ground clearance is similar to its crossover rivals, and its approach/departure angles aren’t too bad. It is not meant to be a serious offroader, but it can handle basic gravel situations, and some soft sand driving if you have experience in the desert. Hill-descent control and a rear differential lock are reserved for the top trim.

The MG RX8 appeared just at the beginning of the Chinese car boom in the Middle East, just before the inflationary after-effects of the pandemic drove new car prices to stratospheric levels. Given the current competitive landscape, where the prices of traditionally popular Japanese models have climbed while salaries haven’t, the RX8 will appeal to those who prioritise space and comfort over cutting-edge performance and technology. It’s an SUV that does many things well without necessarily excelling in any one area, making it a well-rounded choice for buyers who would otherwise be stuck with smaller-sized choices for their budget.

Photos by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury.