MG Gloster review, road test

Can MG’s new flagship disrupt the body-on-frame seven-seat premium SUV space?

Published on Oct 23, 2020 06:00:00 AM

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One of the pre-requisites in a vehicle of this class in India is the ever-so-important road presence, and the MG Gloster delivers a healthy dose of it. Its gargantuan dimensions of 4,985mm length, 1,867mm height and 2,950mm wheelbase are all best-in-class, with only the 1,926mm width being slightly less than the Mahindra Alturas G4.

Largest wheels in class but massive body manages to dwarf them.

The 19-inch wheels are the largest in this segment, but still look a little dwarfed in the cavernous wheel arches. Certain elements, like the dummy quad exhausts, are nicely integrated into the design and lend it a sporty look.

Too many badges, elements at rear. Sporty quad exhaust look nice.

Despite its imposing size, however, what the MG Gloster lacks is a distinctive design. There’s no visual link to the other MG models on sale in India (there wouldn’t be, as each car is sourced from a different SAIC-owned brand), and some of the details look a bit derivative of other brands too. The chrome lining around the window surrounds and front grille add a bit of flash but it’s all too generic, and the Gloster, though too huge to go unnoticed, doesn’t wow you with its design.

Matte silver hexagonal grille lacks a distinctive family identity.

There’s nothing subtle about the way the Gloster flaunts its identity. You’ll find an overdose of badges – as many as five at the rear – a large MG logo, a 4WD badge, an ‘ADAS’ badge denoting the advanced driver aids, and the one that adorns all MGs – ‘Internet Inside’. You’ll also find the word ‘Gloster’ spelled large across the width of the tailgate. And like with the Hector, MG is at pains to shout out the brand’s origin – there’s a pair of Union Jack badges on the front flanks that say ‘Brit Dynamic.’