Review: 2025 MG QS Essence AWD

Are you looking for a seven-seat SUV that's big on space, easy on the budget, and packed with thoughtful features?

The 2025 MG QS Essence AWD is MG's most refined SUV yet - and a real contender for families looking for comfort, flexibility, and value.

We test drove the top-spec Essence model right here on Brisbane's southside - tackling highway runs, school pickups, and suburban errands. Here's what we thought.

Driving Experience

Under the bonnet of the QS range is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 153kW paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. That AWD setup is exclusive to the Essence, while the entry-level Excite settles for a front-wheel drive setup.

The drive is refined and composed, made even better by the electronically controlled adjustable suspension on the Essence, which helps smooth out bumps and sharpens handling across.

We found it handled great both in the suburbs around Moorooka as well as through some winding roads in the Sunny Coast hinterland.

There were a couple of minor quirks: the gearbox can hold lower gears longer than expected, keeping revs lower than feels natural at times, and the engine start-stop system is a bit slow to re-engage when stopped at lights.

Certainly not dealbreakers, but something to note.

Standout Features

Rain-sensing wipers are standard, kicking in automatically when the weather turns, and the electrically adjustable, folding, and heated side mirrors add both convenience and visibility, especially during those foggy morning starts.

One feature that really stood out during night driving was the static cornering light, exclusive to the Essence. It kicks in at low speeds when turning, lighting up the side of the road, and crawling through our tight townhouse complex late at night. It made a noticeable difference in visibility. The intelligent headlamp control is a bonus too, automatically adjusting to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.

Premium Practicality

Inside, the QS Essence steps things up with premium finishes and clever design.

There's dark timber trim across the dash, brushed metal climate controls, soft-touch surfaces throughout, and for that extra touch of luxury, an electronic panoramic sunroof and ambient interior lighting are standard on all variants.

The front seats are heated and ventilated, and super adjustable - ideal for long drives or quick commutes.

While the climate system itself isn't overloaded with settings, there's noticeably more control than in past MG models, especially in terms of seat comfort.

No Tech Left Behind

Technology is another strong point. A standout feature is the sat-nav map display behind the instrument cluster - a great use of otherwise blank space. Even when you're running Apple Maps or Waze through CarPlay, it's helpful to have route info displayed directly in front of you.

There's also a 360-degree camera system and tyre pressure monitoring as standard across the range - two features you don't always see in this price bracket, and both genuinely useful in day-to-day driving.

Add in a wireless phone charger, extra storage underneath, a deep centre console, and the only complaint we had was the volume control for the touchscreen being hidden in a swipe-down menu - a small issue mostly affecting passengers, as drivers can still use the steering wheel buttons.

Seven Seats, Done Properly

This is a genuine three-row SUV, and MG's made sure it works in the real world.

The third row folds flat easily, giving you extra boot space when you need it, and the second row slides and reclines for added flexibility.

The powered tailgate is perfect for when your hands are full, and there are hooks in the boot that keep grocery bags from sliding around - a small detail, but one that families will definitely appreciate.

There's enough room for kids or adults in all three rows, and the cabin layout keeps things feeling airy and spacious, not cramped.

For family life, school runs, weekend sport, and road trips, the QS is ready to handle it all.

Value for Money: A Big Win for MG

The 2025 MG QS starts from $42,990 drive-away for the Excite (FWD) variant, and steps up to $50,990 drive-away for the Essence AWD.

For that price, you get features like seven seats, a panoramic sunroof, 360 camera, ambient lighting, adjustable suspension, cornering lights, and a full suite of safety tech - a package that's hard to beat, even compared to rivals thousands of dollars more expensive.

MG continues to show that "value" doesn't mean "compromise." This is a well-built, well-equipped SUV that feels genuinely competitive. And with MG's seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped-price servicing, it makes a strong case for being your next family SUV.

A Seven Seater for the Real World

If you're comparing seven-seat SUVs in Brisbane - especially ones like the Kluger or Santa Fe - the MG QS deserves a close look. The Essence AWD, in particular, delivers a premium feel at a smart price, with real-world practicality that suits growing families.

Want to see if it fits your family? Come see us at Motorama MG on Brisbane's southside. Our team is ready to show you both variants, answer your questions, and get you behind the wheel for a proper test drive.

Book your test drive online or drop by - we'd love to help.