MG S6 EV makes an unplanned debut in Euro NCAP listing

Automakers tend to spend millions on dramatic reveals. They use smoke machines, laser shows, elaborate social media campaigns and celebrity endorsements to introduce their latest models. Then there's MG. The company took the "accidental" unveiling to a whole new level as images of its new electric SUV, the MG S6 EV, showed it being subjected to a series of crash tests.

The photos were released by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), and pictured the car in various states of destruction. Not the most glamorous debut for sure, but it certainly got people talking. And, as it turns out, the MG S6 EV has a lot to offer, starting with its impressive safety.

The images, though focused on crumpled metal and deployed airbags, give us a good look at the MG S6 EV's design. The front end shares some DNA with the smaller MG S5, featuring a clean look with a small, split grille located low on the bumper. The headlights are housed in bold, triangular casings, separated from the sleek LED daytime running lights above them. This gives the S6 EV a modern and slightly aggressive face.

The rear of the car is just as stylish, with a full-width light bar and taillights that might remind some of the Mercedes-Benz EQA. However, MG has added its own complex lighting signature to make it stand out. A blacked-out bumper and a sporty-looking diffuser complete the look.

While we don't have a full interior reveal yet, the crash test photos offered a few glimpses inside the MG S6 EV. Peeking past the crash-test dummies, we can spot a modern and driver-focused cockpit. A squared-off steering wheel, a popular trend in many new EVs, sits in front of the driver. Dominating the dashboard is a large, central infotainment screen, which will likely control most of the car's functions.

Above the main instrument cluster, a head-up display is sitting on the dashboard, allowing the driver to see key information without taking their eyes off the road. This combination of features suggests that MG is going for a high-tech and user-friendly experience for its new electric SUV.

An unconventional reveal is one thing, but the reason for the reveal is where the MG S6 EV truly shines. The SUV earned a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, the highest possible score. This is a big achievement and a major selling point for any vehicle, especially one aimed at families.

The MG S6 EV received 92 percent for adult occupant protection and 85 percent for child occupant protection. This means the car's structure and safety systems do an excellent job of protecting passengers in a crash. It also scored well in other areas, with 84 percent for the protection of vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, and 78 percent for its safety assist systems.

MG has confirmed that both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions will be available. The two-wheel-drive model is expected to be rear-wheel drive, sharing its electric motor with the MG S5. This setup delivers 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This should provide plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising.

For those who want more performance or better traction in bad weather, the four-wheel-drive version will add a second electric motor to the front axle. This dual-motor configuration will obviously offer more power and possibly a broader appeal.

MG officials have confirmed that a proper launch for the S6 EV is scheduled for the end of November, and we should get the full details on pricing, battery size, and driving range by then. For now, the MG S6 EV has made a strong, if a bit unconventional, first impression.

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