MG Majestor | Photo Credit: Ruman Devmane

How do you rival an SUV with an undying fanbase that exists for reasons beyond mere rationale? By drafting a simple-enough script and sticking to it. That’s exactly what MG appears to have done with the Majestor, an SUV that retains all that worked for the Gloster it replaces and improves what didn’t. 

It’s a handsome machine, for sure. Large yet contemporary and with enough muscle courtesy its imposing grille, matte body claddings and 19-inch wheels. There is a full-size spare wheel, too, mounted on the underside of the boot. The cabin, an all-black affair, features tasteful bits of trim (the BMW-grille style air-con vents feel so chunky!) and ergonomically, it feels well laid-out. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is slick enough, although it’s dwarfed by the cabin width, and the UI is decent in its responsiveness. The gear-selector stalk is mounted behind the steering wheel, which allows for an elaborate two-tier centre console featuring spacious wireless charging pads, a pair of cupholders and ample stowage. There’s Level 2 ADAS, too, and a comprehensive tech suite as you’d expect.

The mostly soft-touch materials add to the air of premiumness and quality is largely consistent. A more intent look, though, reveals questionable quality in some areas. On our test unit, the shroud behind the steering wheel, the removable cupholders and even the third-row seatback cladding appeared to be poorly assembled. I, for one, expect greater quality control for what is MG’s ICE flagship — especially one that’s set against the low-frills but hugely durable Fortuner. 

With my six-foot frame, I also struggled to enjoy the middle row of captain seats, thanks to the high-set floor. While the seats are nice (ventilation and massage function only in the front row), you sit noticeably knees-up, therefore denying yourself any underthigh support. For shorter passengers, this may perhaps be acceptable and, surely, the dual-pane panoramic sunroof (with an electronically retractable sunshade) does amplify the largesse of the cabin. The third row is best reserved for kids, needless to say. How about a dedicated four-seater variant with a really impressive rear row of seats, MG? 

driver first

On balance, the Majestor is more a driver-oriented SUV anyway. On that front, MG’s 212-bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers handsomely. It sure has the punch to hold its own on the highway and refinement levels are fairly decent, too. At expressway speeds, the Majestor feels relaxed and comfortably equipped for long driving distances. Low-speed driving isn’t the most sophisticated or linear experience, though, especially courtesy the smooth but somewhat slow 8-speed gearbox, but this eases out as you venture out onto the highway. A huge improvement over the Gloster is also the steering feel (there are three modes for this, too) and it now feels suitably well-weighted as opposed to its predecessor’s too-light mannerisms. 

A narrative the Majestor appears to want to dominate is off-roading. This explains why it has a pretty comprehensive off-road package, with a low-range transfer case, three differential locks, dedicated off-road driving modes and crawl control. In fact, MG also offers the Majestor with all-terrain tyres as an option. Over the curated off-road course MG had set up as part of the drive event, I figured the Majestor can tackle quite a high degree of off-road scenarios, although it will help if you know exactly what you’re doing. Relying on its tech alone should see you through most reasonably challenging situations, though. 

Why should you buy one? For its road presence, looks, front-row cabin experience, apparent ruggedness (durability is a long-term aspect which we can’t comment on at the moment) and if you’re the anti-incumbent type. Or, if Toyota’s wait-list for the Fortuner is too long for your liking. What the Majestor doesn’t command naturally is the credibility and peace of mind the Fortuner has earned through its years in service, and that’s something MG can only attempt to change if it stays on its toes and commits to this segment for long enough. 

@TheMotorGram

Published on May 1, 2026