MG X-Motion SUV seen in exclusive spy shots

MG offered an early glimpse of their new SUV model that's due out later this year with the reveal of the X-Motion concept at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2018. The concept is to inspire a production car that’s due for launch first in China. The latter was recently spotted on test by our spies in the Scandinavian winter.

Beneath its body, the X-Motion is based on the same underpinnings and running gear as the Roewe RX8, which is a largely a China-only SUV produced by a SAIC-owned brand born from the ashes of Rover. The RX8 is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 221bhp, suggesting the MG model could also be offered with this unit.

Following its introduction to the Chinese market, the X-Motion will likely be offered elsewhere as part of MG’s global growth ambitions. It will sit above the ZS and the GS in the brand's SUV line-up.

Since its rebirth under the ownership of Chinese automotive company SAIC, MG, which still has a design centre in its old home in Longbridge, UK, has produced several models for China first before introducing them elsewhere. An upcoming example of that is the updated MG 3, which is due on European soil since last year.

The marque’s ZS small SUV was launched 2017 and is expected to become its best-seller. It introduced an all-new dashboard design with a new infotainment system, which is expected to be rolled out across the MG range as each model is updated.