In a significant reshuffle, JSW MG Motor India is set to phase out the MG Gloster, marking the end of the road for the brand’s long-standing flagship ICE SUV. The move comes after the launch of the MG Majestor.
Fresh developments now confirm that the Majestor will fully replace the Gloster, rather than slot in above it.
End of the Gloster era
Launched in 2020, the Gloster entered the premium full-size SUV space as a direct challenger to the Toyota Fortuner and the then-on-sale Ford Endeavour. It made headlines for undercutting rivals while offering segment-first features such as advanced driver assistance systems and a twin-turbo diesel engine.
Initial demand was encouraging. However, sustaining that momentum proved difficult. Monthly volumes gradually tapered off, slipping into triple digits and eventually dwindling to single-digit dispatches toward the end of its lifecycle. Special editions like the Blackstorm variant provided only a brief uptick in interest.
With rivals such as the Isuzu MU-X competing in the same body-on-frame category, and monocoque SUVs like the Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq targeting overlapping price bands, the Gloster found itself squeezed from multiple directions.
Majestor: Evolution, not revolution
The Majestor is not an all-new product from the ground up but a heavily reworked iteration based on the Gloster’s architecture. Visually, it adopts a more imposing stance with a redesigned front fascia, updated tail section and a stronger road presence. Interior revisions and added features aim to deliver a more contemporary cabin experience.
Under the hood, the familiar 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine continues. However, MG has strengthened the SUV’s off-road credentials. The Majestor now features three locking differentials, a rare offering in this segment along with low-range gearing and dedicated terrain management modes, positioning it as a more serious off-roader than before.
Strategic reset in a stable segment
The premium three-row SUV segment, which sees annual volumes of roughly 35,000–40,000 units, remains largely controlled by the Fortuner and its Legender derivative. While the category has not witnessed explosive growth, it continues to deliver strong margins and brand-building value for manufacturers.
By replacing rather than repositioning the Gloster, MG appears to be aiming for a clearer identity at the top end of its internal combustion portfolio. Production capacity for the Majestor is being readied at over 1,000 units per month, signalling the company’s intent to compete more aggressively this time around.
The Majestor is slated for launch in April 2026, with deliveries expected to begin in May. Prices are anticipated to start north of Rs 40-50 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it squarely in contention with established players.
With the Majestor stepping in as the new standard-bearer, MG is betting on a sharper design, enhanced hardware and stronger positioning to regain ground in one of India’s most aspirational SUV segments.
