2023 MG 7 sedan previewed, not for Australia

MG has teased a new flagship sedan for China ahead of its reveal on August 17, with no current plans for an Australian launch.

Instead, local buyers will receive the smaller MG 5 sedan and MG 4 electric hatch.

Slotting above the current MG 6, the 2023 MG 7 fastback sedan will become the Chinese brand’s flagship model, debuting the prestige ‘Black Label’ nameplate.

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The internal-combustion model advances MG’s latest design language, first seen on the MG 4 electric hatchback, with a sharp front end, sweeping body and prominent shoulders, in a similar fashion to European vehicles, such as the Audi A7.

It also features quad exhaust pipes, an active ducktail spoiler akin to the Porsche Panamera, and a rear light bar.

Dimensionally, the MG 7 is around the same size as the mid-size Audi A5 Sportback, emphasising rear legroom and a traditional sedan boot lid for the Chinese market.

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MG has yet to showcase the car’s interior; however, it is expected to feature a large centre infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster, as seen on the MG 4 and MG 5 Scorpio.

In addition, the marque has yet to detail technical specifications, but information published on social media site Weibo indicates a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will be offered.

The 405 TGI rear badging suggests the petrol mill could be slightly more potent than the 168kW and 360Nm unit fitted to the HS medium SUV locally, which is badged 400 TGI in the domestic market.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is expected, with power likely to be exclusively sent to the front wheels.

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Plug-in hybrid and less-powerful 1.5-litre turbo variants are tipped to feature alongside the flagship petrol grade, and no all-electric powertrain, at least initially.

While sedans remain popular in China, the mainstream mid-size segment is declining in Australia. Sales are down 15.3 per cent in 2022 compared to the same period last year.

Most manufacturers have departed the segment – including Subaru, Kia and Ford – with the Toyota Camry having a 73.2 per cent market share year-to-date.

MG Australia will instead launch the smaller, petrol-powered MG 5 sedan in 2023, with the 4675mm-long vehicle aimed at the more-popular Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3 and Skoda Octavia sedans.