Which of MG or Hyundai will offer the best electric SUV of the moment? We put the Marvel R and the Ioniq 5 head to head to help you decide which one is right for you.
Competition in the market for electric cars, and in particular SUVs, is only growing. Today we’re looking at two potential choices as the main focus vehicle: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 on one side, and the MG Marvel R on the other.
Hyundai had done well with the first Ioniq of the name, then the Kona, before releasing the Ioniq 5 more recently, which conquered a public who wanted a car out of the ordinary. But MG comes up with a price-performance ratio that seems hard to match. Who will win?
MG Marvel R and Hyundai Ioniq 5 specs
| Model | MG Marvel R Electric | Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | SUV | SUV |
| Power (horses) | 288 horsepower | 302 horsepower |
| Power (kw) | 212kW | 155kW |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 4.9 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Level of autonomy | Partial autonomy | Complete autonomy |
| Max speed | 200 km/h | 185 km/h |
| Main screen size | 19.4 inches | 12 inch |
| Car side sockets | Type 2 Combo (CCS) | Type 2 Combo (CCS) |
| Length | 4670mm | 4635mm |
| Height | 1620mm | 1605mm |
| Width | 1920mm | 1890mm |
| Entry-level price | N/A | 41900 euro |
| Maximum Weight | 750kg | N/A |
Product sheet See the test | Product sheet See the test |
Dimensions, weight and exterior design
MG didn’t reinvent the wheel with its Marvel R design, but instead came up with something classic for the segment. The light signature at the front will be the only singular point of the vehicle that is remarkable from the outside.
The dimensions are very close to those of the Ioniq 5 (see below), with 4.67 meters long, 1.61 meters high and 1.92 meters wide for the Marvel R, which will display a weight between 1,810 and 1,920 kilograms.
Hyundai meanwhile wanted to break the codes with this Ioniq 5 which handles nostalgia and futurism in an iconic style. The least we can say is that we will turn around in its path for sure.
Even if the photos sometimes give the illusion of a small car, the Ioniq 5 is not one. With a length of 4.64 meters, a height of 1.61 meters and a width of 1.89 meters, it remains an imposing car. On the weight side to finish, count between 1,885 and 2,095 kilograms depending on the versions chosen.
Inside
With a panoramic roof and neat leather seats, the interior of the Marvel R will undoubtedly satisfy the most demanding. The pride of place is given to the rear passengers who will appreciate the headroom, even if they are very tall.
The negative point will concern the rear trunk, which is only 357 liters. Fortunately, the 150 liter front trunk saves the day.
The large dashboard of the Ioniq 5 brings together two 12-inch screens is the most beautiful effect, and helps to keep a feeling of sobriety inside. There are plenty of storage compartments, in particular for stowing a handbag in the center console at the front.
A small front trunk of 57 liters is present. When you open the rear trunk, the volume available to you reaches 527 liters. No problem traveling with the family with this Ioniq 5, the large trunk is there for that.
Embedded technologies
With a 19-inch portrait screen on the dashboard, the Marvel R will impress as soon as you get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this first good impression could be spoiled by the barely passable quality of the graphics and the poor responsiveness of the interface.
The on-board system allows you to use Android Auto and Apple Carplay (as on the Ioniq 5), while the integrated navigation takes into account stops related to recharging, which is only too infrequently the case.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is very well equipped: head-up display, adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping, everything is there. An augmented reality visualization of the vehicle is also present.
The application offered by Hyundai also makes it possible to consult the status of the vehicle (range, remaining time for charging) and to launch remote commands (air conditioning, heating).
On the road
Comfortable as long as it is not abrupt (a Performance version shoots down the 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds), the latest born from MG will be fun to drive and be driven.
The few faults that we had encountered during our test were not prohibitive, but the active support in the lines which was too intrusive had surprised us all the same.
The Ioniq 5’s steering wheel paddles make it easy to change the level of regenerative braking to cope with all driving conditions. By activating i-pedal mode, you can come to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal.
The consumption of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is relatively low for its size and weight, which is rare enough to be noticed. Of course, if you adopt a sporty driving, it will be felt, but playing the eco-driving game, it is one of the best electric SUVs on the market.
The different engines offered
Two different engines are in the French catalog of MG:
- MG Marvel R Comfort or Luxury, propulsion with two rear motors and 70 kWh battery: 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, maximum speed of 200 km/h;
- MG Marvel R Performance, all-wheel drive with two motors in the rear and one motor in the front, 70 kWh battery: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed 200 km/h.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available in three different engines in France:
- Propulsion with 58 kWh battery: rear motor only, 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, top speed 185 km/h;
- Propulsion with 73 kWh battery: rear motor only, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, top speed 185 km/h;
- All-wheel drive with 73 kWh battery: front and rear motor, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, top speed 185 km/h.
Autonomy, battery and charging
The Marvel R’s fast charge caps out at 92kW, which won’t make it a long-distance champion. The manufacturer also announces 43 minutes needed to reach 80% battery. As for autonomy, it is between 370 (Performance version) and 402 kilometers (Comfort and Luxury version) in the WLTP cycle, always with a 70 kWh battery.
If the autonomy of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is not the most exceptional (between 384 and 481 kilometers WLTP), its fast charging capabilities will not leave you indifferent. Indeed, count only 18 minutes to go from 10 to 80% battery on the Ionity chargers, which will take full advantage of the vehicle’s 800 Volt architecture.
With its 11 kW on-board charger, you can fill the battery in about 7 hours on a suitable Wallbox, or in 25 hours on a domestic socket.
Price
The prices of the MG Marvel R in France are between 39,990 euros (excluding the ecological bonus of 6,000 euros at present) and 48,990 euros (eligible for the ecological bonus of 2,000 euros). Very few options are available in the catalog, which is rare enough to be underlined.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available from 43,800 euros. With the maximum ecological bonus of 6,000 euros, this amounts to 37,800 euros for the Intuitive finish equipped with the 58 kWh battery. Two other finishes are available, Creative (from 46,800 euros) and Executive (from 56,000 euros).
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Which to choose between the MG Marvel R and the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
At the end of this file, one of the two cars will undoubtedly have more advantages than the other according to your preferences. For long family trips, there is no doubt that the Ioniq 5 is more suitable, in particular thanks to its exceptional performance in fast charging.
However, with a starting price of 4,000 euros lower than that of the Ioniq 5, the Marvel R offers surprising services for the requested price. In addition, the interior is very neat and the comfort of the driver and passengers will be appreciated. If its smaller chest isn’t a deal breaker for you, it’s an alternative worth considering.
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