MG Motor has made a bold statement in India’s SUV segment with the launch of the MG Gloster, a full-sized, premium SUV that blends luxury, power, and advanced technology. As MG’s flagship offering in the Indian market, the Gloster aims to compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour (now discontinued), and even entry-level luxury SUVs from German brands. We took the Gloster for a spin to find out whether it lives up to the hype. Here’s our first drive impression.
Bold and Commanding Design
From the first glance, the MG Gloster exudes confidence and road presence. Its large octagonal grille with chrome surrounds, LED projector headlamps with DRLs, and bold ‘GLOSTER’ badging across the tailgate all make a statement. The SUV sits high and wide, giving it a dominating road presence, especially with its 19-inch alloy wheels and muscular lines.
The large footprint (it’s over 5 meters long) makes it one of the biggest in its class. The design is not flashy but elegant, appealing to buyers who want sophistication with a touch of aggressiveness.
Luxurious Interiors That Rival German SUVs
Step inside the Gloster, and the first impression is of plush comfort. The SUV is loaded with high-quality materials like soft-touch leatherette, brushed aluminum finishes, and fine stitching. The dashboard is neatly laid out with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s a massive panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker audio system, and a premium feel all around. The second-row captain seats offer business-class comfort, while the third row, although slightly tight for adults, is decent for short trips.
Highlights include:
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Wireless charging
- Powered tailgate
- Powered front seats with memory function
- Driver fatigue reminder system
Powertrain and Performance
The Gloster comes with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, delivering 218 hp and 480 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, this engine provides smooth power delivery, though there is a slight turbo lag at lower RPMs.
Despite being over 2.5 tons, the Gloster doesn’t feel sluggish. Once past the initial lag, it picks up speed quickly and offers effortless cruising on highways. The engine is refined, and the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are impressively low for a diesel.
The SUV comes with four driving modes – Eco, Sport, Auto, and Snow – and also offers Terrain modes like Sand, Rock, and Mud when you go off-road. The intelligent 4WD system ensures confident driving even in tricky conditions.
Ride and Handling
For a large body-on-frame SUV, the ride quality is surprisingly smooth. The Gloster glides over bumps and potholes without unsettling occupants. It uses an independent front and rear suspension setup, contributing to its composed dynamics.
While cornering, some body roll is noticeable – expected from an SUV of this size – but it’s well-controlled. The steering is light at low speeds and gains decent weight as you go faster, making urban and highway drives comfortable.
Safety and Autonomous Features
One of the most talked-about features in the Gloster is its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), making it one of the few in its segment to offer Level 1 autonomous capabilities.
Key features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Detection
- Auto Park Assist
These features, usually reserved for much more expensive vehicles, work effectively and are a major highlight of the Gloster.
Additionally, it gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold and descent control, and a 360-degree camera.
Infotainment and Tech
The i-SMART connected car technology in the Gloster is a standout. With over 70 features, it includes voice commands, remote engine start/stop, geofencing, real-time vehicle tracking, and more.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, though slightly laggy at times. The 8-inch digital instrument cluster adds to the tech-savvy appeal.
Fuel Efficiency
Being a large SUV with a twin-turbo engine and 4WD, don’t expect high mileage. The Gloster delivers around 11-12 km/l under mixed driving conditions. While not best-in-class, it is acceptable for the performance and weight it carries.
Variants and Pricing
The Gloster is available in Super, Smart, Sharp, and Savvy variants. The top-end Savvy variant comes fully loaded with all the bells and whistles, including ADAS.
Prices start from ₹38 lakh and go up to ₹43 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top model. While this may seem steep, considering the features and space on offer, it’s competitively priced against rivals.
Verdict: Should You Buy the MG Gloster?
The MG Gloster isn’t just a feature-rich SUV – it’s a proper luxury experience with impressive performance and serious tech. If you want a powerful, spacious, and smart SUV that delivers value at a price lower than entry-level German luxury SUVs, the Gloster fits the bill.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Twin-turbo diesel with good performance
- Segment-first ADAS features
- Premium interiors and features
Cons:
- Turbo lag at low speeds
- Slightly expensive top variant
- MG’s relatively new brand presence in India
The MG Gloster is a bold move in the premium SUV market – one that offers more for less. Whether it’s about pampering yourself with luxury or enjoying highway drives with confidence, the Gloster is a compelling choice.