The Indian automotive landscape has always been a “trial by fire” for premium automakers. Just when we thought the full-size SUV segment was a settled hierarchy, MG Motor India has thrown a massive wrench into the works. The curtains have finally been raised on the MG Majestor, a hulking, body-on-frame flagship that effectively shuffles the Gloster down the pecking order.
As per my knowledge of the current market trajectory, MG isn’t just looking for a slice of the pie; they are trying to bake a bigger one. With bookings already open at a token amount of Rs. 41,000, and a formal price announcement slated for April 2026, the anticipation at local dealerships is palpable. However, as a seasoned observer of this industry, I find myself hovering between genuine excitement and a touch of skepticism regarding the timing and the “bigger is better” philosophy.
Gemini said
MG Majestor Takes the Stage: A Calculated Gamble in India’s High-Stakes SUV Arena
The Indian automotive landscape has always been a “trial by fire” for premium automakers. Just when we thought the full-size SUV segment was a settled hierarchy, MG Motor India has thrown a massive wrench into the works. The curtains have finally been raised on the MG Majestor, a hulking, body-on-frame flagship that effectively shuffles the Gloster down the pecking order.
As per my knowledge of the current market trajectory, MG isn’t just looking for a slice of the pie; they are trying to bake a bigger one. With bookings already open at a token amount of Rs. 41,000, and a formal price announcement slated for April 2026, the anticipation at local dealerships is palpable. However, as a seasoned observer of this industry, I find myself hovering between genuine excitement and a touch of skepticism regarding the timing and the “bigger is better” philosophy.
The DNA of a Giant: Engineering and Assembly
From a manufacturing standpoint, the Majestor is an imposing piece of kit. It shares its fundamental chassis architecture with the global Maxus D90, measuring a gargantuan 5,046 mm in length. In my opinion, this isn’t just a car; it’s a statement of terrestrial dominance.
Under the hood lies the heart of the beast: a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. Now, I would advise potential buyers to pay close attention to the output—215 HP and 478 Nm of torque. While these numbers look solid on paper, I am curious to see how the 8-speed automatic transmission handles the sheer mass of this vehicle during high-speed acceleration.
For the off-road enthusiasts, the on-demand four-wheel-drive system is managed by what MG calls ‘M-Hub’ software. It includes a low-speed ‘M-Crawl’ function and differential locks. From my personal experience with heavy ladder-frame SUVs, these electronic aids are great, but the suspension tuning will be the real deciding factor in whether this feels like a refined cruiser or a bouncy boat on Indian highways.
Evolution of the Species: Majestor vs. The Outgoing Gloster
To understand where we are going, we must look at where we’ve been. The Gloster was MG’s first assertive attempt to dethrone the “king of the hill” (the Fortuner). The Majestor feels like the R&D team took every critique of the Gloster and dialed it up to eleven.
| Feature | MG Gloster (Previous Flagship) | MG Majestor (New Flagship) |
| Length | 4,985 mm | 5,046 mm |
| Wading Depth | ~550 mm | 810 mm |
| Tech Stack | Basic ADAS / i-Smart | Level 2 ADAS / M-Hub Software |
| Wheels | 18-inch Alloys | 19-inch ‘Mosaic Matrix’ Alloys |
| Audio | Standard Premium | 12-Speaker JBL System |
My Take: The Gloster always felt like a value-for-money luxury alternative. The Majestor, however, seems to be chasing a more “rugged-premium” marque identity. The increase in water-wading capacity to 810mm suggests MG is serious about the “go-anywhere” capability, likely targeting those who find the current competition a bit too “urban.”
The Battleground: Segment Comparison
The Majestor enters a crowded body shop of competitors. It doesn’t just face the old-school ruggedness of the Toyota Fortuner; it also has to fend off the sophisticated monocoque manners of the Skoda Kodiaq and the Jeep Meridian.
| Specification | MG Majestor | Toyota Fortuner (4×4) | Skoda Kodiaq |
| Powertrain | 2.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel | 2.8L Turbo Diesel | 2.0L TSI Petrol |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Torque Conv. | 6-Speed Torque Conv. | 7-Speed DSG |
| Torque | 478 Nm | 500 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Wheelbase | 2,950 mm | 2,745 mm | 2,791 mm |
| Seating | 6/7 Seater | 7 Seater | 7 Seater |
Critical Analysis: The Challenges Ahead
While the spec sheet is impressive, I have some lingering concerns. First, the supply chain for high-end electronic components remains a volatile variable. MG has promised deliveries in May 2026, but any hiccup in the quality control (SPC) processes could lead to the dreaded “waiting period” fatigue that plagues the Indian automaker sector.
Furthermore, the interior—while lavish with its 12.3-inch touchscreen and massaging seats—uses “imitation leather.” In a segment where customers are shelling out significant financing, there is a certain tactile expectation for genuine hides and cold-to-the-touch metals.
I would advise MG to ensure their after-sales service and repair shop network is fully briefed on the ‘M-Hub’ software. Complex electronics in a vehicle designed for 810mm of water can be a recipe for technical headaches if the catalytic converter or electrical axle sensors aren’t perfectly sealed.
Final Thoughts
The MG Majestor is a calculated tactical maneuver. It offers more space than a Kodiaq and more “bling” than a Fortuner. If MG nails the pricing in April—keeping it competitive yet aspirational—they might just disrupt the sales charts. However, as per my opinion, the true test won’t be the launch day hype, but how these massive machines hold up after 50,000 kilometers of Indian “road-less” driving.
