MG Enters the Electric Bus Market with iEV12 Concept Unveiled at Busworld 2025
MG, the iconic British automotive brand once synonymous with sporty roadsters, has officially entered the world of commercial transport. At Busworld 2025, MG unveiled its first-ever electric bus concept — the iEV12, a 12-metre all-electric city bus — alongside a new dedicated brand division, MG Commercial. This marks a major step for MG as it expands its mobility portfolio from passenger cars to sustainable public transport.
A New Chapter for MG
The introduction of MG Commercial signals the company’s ambition to play a larger role in the global electric mobility sector. Once known primarily for its classic sports cars, MG is now redefining its identity under the ownership of SAIC Motor, China’s largest automotive manufacturer.
Developed in collaboration with Shanghai Sunwin Bus Company, another SAIC subsidiary, the MG iEV12 concept represents a blend of European design sensibilities and Chinese engineering precision. MG’s UK-based design team played a key role in shaping the vehicle’s visual identity, giving the electric bus a distinctly modern yet recognisably MG character.
The MG iEV12: A Glimpse Into Electric Urban Mobility
The iEV12 is a 12-metre Class I electric city bus, designed to provide a smooth, quiet, and emission-free travel experience in urban environments. Built on the MG B12E electric chassis, the bus integrates Cell-to-Pack (CTP) battery technology, which eliminates traditional modules to maximise energy density and reduce weight.
Depending on the configuration, the iEV12 offers two battery capacity options — 417 kWh or 489 kWh — giving it flexible range potential for both short city routes and longer urban services. The 140 mm battery pack height ensures an optimal centre of gravity, improving stability and passenger comfort.
Charging versatility is another highlight of the iEV12. It supports both opportunity charging (rapid top-ups during service intervals) and conventional socket charging, providing fleet operators with greater flexibility in infrastructure planning.
Focus on Safety and Driver Assistance
MG has also introduced MG CITYGUARD, an advanced driver assistance and safety suite designed to improve awareness, reduce blind spots, and prevent collisions in busy city environments. The system combines intelligent sensors, cameras, and AI-based alerts to support drivers in navigating dense traffic safely.
This focus on safety and intelligent operation aligns with MG’s broader goal of integrating smart technology across its new generation of vehicles.
Concept Stage with European Market in View
While the iEV12 represents MG’s debut in the bus sector, the company emphasised that it remains a concept project for now. MG Commercial is currently evaluating the best business model for introducing the vehicle to the European market, including possible production and distribution strategies.
By debuting the bus at Busworld — the largest international exhibition for the bus and coach industry — MG aimed to gauge market response and demonstrate its technological readiness to enter the commercial EV arena.
Combining Heritage and Innovation
According to MG, the iEV12 embodies a “bold fusion of classic MG heritage and cutting-edge electric innovation.” The company sees this new chapter not just as a product expansion but as part of a larger evolution toward becoming a comprehensive mobility provider.
The move also reflects SAIC Motor’s wider global strategy to electrify all major vehicle categories — from cars and vans to buses — under different brand identities.
The Road Ahead
Although MG has not announced production timelines or pricing, its entry into the electric bus space could add new competition to an already fast-growing market segment dominated by brands such as BYD, Volvo, and Yutong.
If realised, the MG iEV12 could offer European cities a fresh alternative for sustainable public transport — one that combines MG’s historic charm with future-focused technology.
As the world’s urban centres push for greener mobility and lower emissions, MG’s entry into the electric bus segment signals both a rebirth for the brand and a reinforcement of global trends toward electrified public transport.