On November 26, SAIC MG officially launched the MG7 2025 model. This car targets young, stylish, and sporty drivers. The exterior and interior designs remain largely unchanged. However, the smart cockpit and driving systems have seen significant upgrades. These enhancements allow it to compete with the intelligent systems of new energy vehicles. We discussed the future of the MG7 2025 and the MG brand’s development with MG brand leaders. Q: Why did MG create the MG7 fuel sedan? What makes it smarter than other fuel cars? Yu Jingmin: When the MG7 launched, it was the first fuel car equipped with the NGP advanced driving assistance system, featuring a smart cockpit and the 8155 chip. The MG7 2025 model brings even more comprehensive smart upgrades.
Creating an intelligent vehicle and cockpit for fuel cars poses significant technical challenges. At the press conference, Lu Jiajun discussed Global and Gorgeous, which evoke enjoyable feelings. MG embraces everyone closely, continually redefining the benchmark for B-segment sports sedans. Q: What are the core highlights of the MG7 2025 model in terms of intelligence? Will MG introduce hybrid models? Zhu Yong: The MG7 2025 model, marketed as the “smartest fuel car under 200,000,” received considerable attention and effort. For example, it features a P2P memory parking function. While it may sound simple, the technology behind it is advanced. Active memory allows the car to learn and remember. Silent memory means it autonomously remembers the route from when the user exits until reaching the parking spot. If I had to describe the MG7 2025 with three keywords, the first would be the P2P memory parking function. The second is the NGP system, which achieves full coverage of the national highway network through a combination of maps and visual aids, ensuring high-definition mapping without degradation or dropout. The third is the concept of human-machine harmony. In intelligent driving, we strive for the best experience. If the system encounters a corner case, it can seamlessly take over, ensuring no conflict or competition between the driver and the vehicle.
Yu Jingmin: I have always advocated for “equal rights for oil and electricity.” New energy vehicles are the future. However, fuel vehicles still excel in lightweight design, total energy, and durability. To keep up with the times, fuel vehicles must meet current demands and continuously upgrade their intelligence. We do plan to introduce plug-in hybrid models in the future. Everyone can look forward to that. Q: Why does the MG7 2025 model adopt a limited-time fixed-price model? Lu Jiajun: We have put in significant effort to secure this limited-time fixed price for the MG7 2025 model. The user demographic for MG7 has changed significantly since its launch. First, the number of female users is gradually increasing. When MG7 launched last March, we emphasized the 2.0T performance and aesthetics, positioning it as the first dream car for young people. However, as society evolves, women assert themselves more and want to take control of the wheel. They now pursue performance and handling. As a result, our female owner percentage has increased by at least 10 percentage points compared to last year. Second, users of MG5 and MG6 want to upgrade to MG7. They prefer the 1.5T version since their previous models had the same engine. Yet, who doesn’t want a more powerful car with a better performance experience? Therefore, we aim to adjust the MG7 2025 configuration to lower the purchase threshold for the 2.0T version, allowing users to buy it for a fixed price of 129,900 yuan (17940$).
Q: What new strategies will MG adopt for the overseas market in the future? Yu Jingmin: First, I believe achieving “equal rights for oil and electricity” is necessary. Users prioritize brand, vehicle type, and price range over powertrains. We need to deliver more emotional and experiential value to users. That’s our goal. The market is entering a brutal elimination phase. Many well-known B-class cars are disappearing. Currently, MG7 sells about 2,000 units per month. I hope MG7’s sales can eventually reach 20,000. This won’t happen just by hoping. It requires our continuous effort. Please stay tuned. Q: How does the MG7 2025 model consider vehicle layout? What aspects reflect the proposed “new benchmark”? Lu Jiajun: The user groups for the MG7’s 1.5T and 2.0T differ slightly. The 2025 model’s 2.0T base price is 129,900, similar to the 1.5T high version in features. However, some users feel the 1.5T high version offers better comfort and configuration. But don’t forget, the 2.0T features a powerful NGP advanced driving system under 200,000. It offers richer options for users. MG7, with its coupe-like design, prioritizes performance. The 2.0T+9AT “Double Ten Best” powertrain delivers impressive power. It sets a new benchmark for intelligence, featuring P2P memory parking with active memory for 10 routes and silent memory for 100 routes, along with the NGP advanced driving system.
To discuss benchmarks, we can offer users unseen standards. For example, the MG7 2025 model uses eco-friendly materials and processes for its interior. The emission levels of eight types of benzene compounds far exceed national standards. Our body structure includes up to 84% high-strength steel. These qualities may be invisible, but they represent a new form of benchmarks. Q: As a woman, can you share why female users like the MG7? Yang Yijun: Modern women value self-pleasure and immediate enjoyment. This resonates with MG’s “always YOUNG” concept. Specifically, women prefer attractive items that provide a sense of security. Whether it’s ease of handling, space utilization, or attention to detail, these factors can impress them. Fun to drive isn’t just for men; women also want to enjoy the thrill and romance of driving.
Q: What are the difficulties of “intelligent integration of fuel and electric vehicles”? Zhu Yong: The challenges of smart fuel vehicles include low integration of electronic and electrical architecture. Achieving computational synergy and cross-domain integration is tough. The response speed and control precision of internal combustion engines lag behind electric motors. Electric motors react faster and are more sensitive than traditional engines. Engines rely on clutches and brake systems, complicating coordination. The MG7 matches the intelligence of new energy models due to SAIC’s strong technological foundation. We develop our engines and transmissions. We integrate the entire communication and pre-control logic ourselves. This technical expertise is crucial. Q: MG has branded itself as intelligent. What about developments in chips? Zhu Yong: The core of chip technology involves two aspects: manufacturing and research. Chips are foundational. Understanding instruction sets like 486 and 586 is essential, as is the ability to control them. High programming efficiency maximizes functionality. SAIC focuses on software and collaborates well with one or two chip suppliers. Knowing the chip’s fundamentals, instructions, and optimal efficiency points is crucial. Smart vehicles depend on a complete understanding of chips and control functions for better application.
Q: How can we avoid a situation where a user’s car is still in good condition after three years, but the car’s system fails to function? Zhu Yong: It depends on the chip level and how we provide upgrade options for users. Our answer is clear. From MG7 to MG ES5, we can directly upgrade older models through OTA. We ensure space for updates, allowing old customers to feel ongoing improvements. Additionally, automotive-grade chips resist aging and have long lifespans. With strong computing power, including smart cockpit, smart driving, and traditional engine control, we will continue to provide upgrades if the control logic is solid.