MG’s unveiling of its new MG07 fastback sedan was overshadowed by controversy after viewers accused the car of copying rival designs. The company’s brand operations head, Chen Cui, ended a livestream early following persistent comparisons to the Porsche Taycan and Xiaomi SU7. MG maintains that the MG07 draws on its own heritage, not competitors’ styling.
Livestream Halted After Viewer Backlash
On June 29, MG’s brand operations chief Chen Cui hosted a livestream to introduce the MG07 and discuss its design. However, the session was repeatedly interrupted by viewers claiming the new sedan resembled the Porsche Taycan and Xiaomi SU7. Despite Chen’s insistence that the MG07 ‘does not plagiarize a single detail,’ the criticism led to an emotional end to the broadcast.
MG Responds: Design Rooted in Brand History
Following the disrupted livestream, MG addressed the controversy at a media briefing. Chen Cui argued that the MG07’s styling is a modern evolution of classic MG design, referencing the 1965 MGB GT fastback as inspiration. According to Chen, ‘if the MG07 copied anything, it copied MG itself,’ emphasizing the brand’s longstanding design language.
Aerodynamics and the EV Design Debate
The MG07 features a low nose, smooth body sides, flush door handles, sweeping roofline, and a tapered fastback tail—elements common among modern EVs aiming for maximum efficiency. As carmakers pursue lower drag to improve range, similar shapes are becoming widespread across the industry.
While MG insists its design is original, some observers note that the MG07’s headlights and wheel designs bear a resemblance to those of Porsche, and its side profile evokes the Xiaomi SU7. These similarities highlight the challenge of creating distinctive EVs when aerodynamic demands push brands toward convergent styling.
Competitor Comparison
The MG07 enters a segment crowded with fastback electric sedans, including the Porsche Taycan and Xiaomi SU7—both of which were cited by viewers during the livestream. The Porsche Taycan is known for its performance and luxury positioning, while the Xiaomi SU7 has drawn attention for its own similarities to the Taycan. MG’s challenge is to distinguish the MG07 in a market where aerodynamic efficiency often leads to overlapping design cues.
Historical Context
MG has seen steady growth in recent years, selling 700,000 cars globally in 2023, a 5% year-over-year increase. In Europe, MG delivered more than 240,000 units in 2024, also reflecting a 5% rise. The company has set an ambitious target of reaching 1 million global sales in 2024, underscoring the importance of new models like the MG07 in its international strategy.
Why this matters
The MG07 controversy highlights a broader issue facing the EV industry: as manufacturers chase aerodynamic efficiency, design differentiation becomes more difficult. For MG, defending its design as rooted in brand heritage is crucial for maintaining identity in a competitive market. The incident also shows how quickly public perception can influence a new model’s launch.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering the MG07 should be aware of its position in a segment where styling similarities are increasingly common due to aerodynamic requirements. While the MG07 draws on MG’s historical design cues, shoppers may want to compare it directly with rivals like the Porsche Taycan and Xiaomi SU7 to determine which model best fits their preferences for both design and performance.
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For more on the MG07’s technical details and pricing, see NEW MG07 Gets 650km Range From Small Battery – Starts at $22,000!.
Key Specs
- Model: MG07
- Body Style: Fastback sedan
- Design Inspiration: 1965 MGB GT fastback
- Livestream Date: June 29, 2026
- Global Sales (2023): 700,000 units
- Europe Sales (2024): 240,000 units
Source
Images sourced from: carscoops.com, drive.com.au, ourautocity.com
