MG RX9

Model Overview

The MG RX9 is a mid-to-large 7-seater SUV developed by SAIC Motor's MG marque for overseas export markets, sharing its underlying platform as a sister model to China's Roewe RX9. The vehicle made its global premiere at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia in October 2024, debuting first in the Middle East. From the second half of 2025 onwards, the RX9 was progressively introduced across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as well as Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. Leveraging the MG brand's globalised image, the SUV targets the family 7-seater segment with high value for money, expansive cabin room, and generous equipment as its core selling propositions. The Middle East-spec RX9 is available in three variants, with a starting price excluding VAT of approximately RM26,000, retailing between RM99,000 and RM121,000 in the UAE, and roughly RM124,300 to RM145,900 in Saudi Arabia. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,983 mm long, 1,967 mm wide, and 1,786 mm tall, with a 2,915 mm wheelbase. Positioned as a mid-to-large SUV, its primary rivals include similarly priced multi-seater SUVs such as the Haval H9, Geely Haoyue, and Jetour X90.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the MG RX9 is adapted from the Roewe RX9 with market-specific touches. Up front, it sports the signature 'Star Burst' radiator grille flanked by intricate headlamps incorporating up to 245 laser-etched LED lighting units, delivering a distinct and modern light signature. Its 1,967 mm wide-body stance is the widest in its class, lending the vehicle an imposing and planted road presence. Along the sides, sleek and muscular shoulder lines are paired with 21-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and flush electric pop-out door handles, while the front windscreen features acoustic laminated glass to improve NVH insulation. Round the back, full-width LED taillights are complemented by dual exhaust finishers on both sides, combining an athletic look with upscale flair. A selection of six nature-inspired exterior colours is available. The interior mirrors the Roewe RX9's layout, featuring a wraparound cockpit with generous soft-touch padded surfaces, genuine leather upholstery, and wood grain trim to create an executive and refined cabin ambience.

Powertrain Performance

Under the bonnet, the MG RX9 is powered by SAIC's proprietary Net Blue 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, featuring market-dependent states of tune: the Middle East version delivers approximately 204 hp (150 kW) and 350 Nm of torque, while markets such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait receive a higher-output tune producing around 235 hp and 392 Nm. Power is sent through a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission (9AT) with tuning input from ZF. Drivetrain options include front-wheel drive (FWD) and on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD). Calibrated to run on RON 92 petrol, the vehicle's fuel consumption remains well within mainstream standards for its segment. The powertrain is tuned for smooth and linear output, effortlessly handling urban commuting and long-haul highway cruising while providing ample pulling power under full passenger and cargo loads.

Chassis and Handling

Built on a monocoque platform, the MG RX9 is underpinned by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, engineered to achieve a balance between dynamic stability and ride comfort. Higher-spec variants add Continuous Damping Control (CDC) electronic variable damping to the conventional suspension, which continuously monitors road surfaces and driving conditions to adjust damping rates in real time, delivering an optimal balance of ride suppleness and handling precision across varying terrains. The drivetrain is split into FWD and on-demand AWD configurations, with the AWD setup automatically switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive according to grip levels for enhanced multi-terrain capability. Braking duties are handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), riding on 255/45 R21 tyres.

Cabin and Features

In terms of cockpit technology, the MG RX9 adopts the Roewe RX9's digital interface, headlined by a dual-screen arrangement comprising a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system features 4G-based telematics, voice command functionality, and connected online navigation. The interior adopts a standard 2-3-2 seven-seater layout, where the second-row seats offer fore-and-aft sliding adjustments, and the third-row seats can be folded flat to expand cargo capacity. Comfort and convenience features include tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a powered tailgate. Audio is delivered through a standard 6-speaker setup or a premium branded sound system on higher trims. The boot offers an official capacity of 1,026 litres, expanding to over 2,000 litres with both rear rows folded flat, complemented by multiple practical storage compartments throughout the cabin.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For occupant safety, the MG RX9 is constructed around a high-tensile steel safety cage, with critical structural sections reinforced with hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel to optimise crash energy dissipation and cabin integrity. The entire lineup comes standard with 6 airbags, comprising dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags for comprehensive passive protection. Active safety equipment includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), alongside a 360-degree surround-view camera to eliminate parking blind spots. High-spec grades further add advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as all-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Market Performance and Reception

Prioritising overseas markets for the MG RX9's launch represents a key strategic step in MG's diversified global product rollout. In the first half of 2025, the MG brand recorded cumulative sales of 39,623 units across the Middle East, with the RX9 establishing itself as a key pillar in the regional SUV lineup. In full-year 2024, MG Middle East reached an all-time record of over 70,033 deliveries, registering 10% overall sales growth across the GCC; the RX9's core value proposition of high value for money, generous cabin space, and comprehensive specifications has been well received locally. In Israel, where MG delivered 8,473 units in 2025, the RX9 plays an important role catering to strong family vehicle demand as a 7-seater mid-to-large crossover SUV. Having not been launched in the Chinese domestic market, the model serves as a dedicated export offering spearheading MG's expansion into international multi-seater SUV segments. Overall, with its spacious 7-seater interior, robust powertrain options, and extensive safety and comfort equipment, the MG RX9 presents a compelling and distinctive proposition in the overseas family SUV market, marking an important step in SAIC Motor's global expansion strategy for the MG marque.