MG Majestor SUV Spied Off-Roading Ahead of Feb 12th Launch: The “Fortuner Killer” Gets Serious

The battle for the full-size SUV segment in India is about to get bloody. For years, the Toyota Fortuner has sat comfortably on the throne, unchallenged by price hikes or feature deletions. But a new challenger is storming the gates, and this one isn’t just bringing luxury—it’s bringing serious artillery. New Toyota Fortuner Rival Coming In 2026
The MG Majestor, the brand’s upcoming flagship SUV, has been spied undergoing rigorous off-road testing in the rugged trails of Coorg, Karnataka, just weeks ahead of its official launch on February 12, 2026. While we knew the Majestor (essentially a heavy facelift/rebrand of the Gloster based on the Maxus Lingdi) was coming, the latest spy shots reveal a critical detail: this SUV is engineered to dominate the rough stuff.
At MotorCarVerse, we have analyzed the spy shots and insider reports to bring you an exclusive preview of why the MG Majestor might just be the most capable SUV in its segment.
Spied in the Wild: Off-Road Capabilities Verified
The most exciting takeaway from the recent sightings in Coorg is the mechanical hardware the Majestor is packing. Unlike the current Gloster, which is a capable soft-roader, the Majestor is positioning itself as a hardcore off-roader.
The “3 Locking Differentials” Advantage
Sources suggest that the top-spec Majestor will feature Three Locking Differentials (Front, Center, and Rear).
- Why this matters: Most rivals, including the Fortuner and Scorpio-N, offer only a rear locking differential (or brake-locking diffs). Having three lockers puts the Majestor in the league of the Mercedes G-Wagon, allowing it to crawl out of situations where only one wheel has traction.
Terrain Management System
The spy shots show the SUV tackling steep inclines and slush with ease. This is powered by an advanced BorgWarner 4WD system with multiple terrain modes:
- Sand Mode: For desert dunes.
- Mud Mode: For the slushy trails of Coorg.
- Rock Mode: For technical crawling.
- Snow Mode: For low-traction surfaces.
Exterior Design: Imposing & Aggressive
The MG Majestor is not a subtle vehicle. It is massive, measuring over 5 meters in length, and the new design language makes it look even more intimidating than the Gloster.
Front Profile
The front fascia has been completely redesigned.
- Grille: A colossal, upright octagon grille with horizontal slats finished in dark chrome dominates the face.
- Lighting: It adopts a split-headlamp setup. The sleek LED DRLs sit high up near the bonnet line, while the main Tri-LED Projector Headlamps are stacked vertically in the bumper.
- Bumper: The lower bumper features a chunky skid plate and red tow hooks, emphasizing its off-road intent.
Side & Rear Profile
- Wheels: The test mule was seen riding on new 19-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres.
- Cladding: Thick plastic cladding runs across the wheel arches and side skirts, protecting the bodywork during off-roading.
- Rear: The rear gets a modern makeover with Connected LED Tail Lamps that span the width of the tailgate. The “MAJESTOR” lettering is spaced out boldly across the boot lid, ensuring everyone knows what you are driving.
Interior & Luxury: Business Class on Wheels
While the exterior is rugged, the interior is pure opulence. MG is known for offering segment-leading features, and the Majestor takes it a notch higher.
Key Interior Highlights:
- Dashboard: A redesigned dashboard featuring soft-touch leather materials and brushed aluminium accents.
- Screens: A dual-screen setup is expected—a 12.3-inch Digital Driver Display and a massive 12.3-inch Infotainment System running on a faster OS.
- Seating: The Majestor will be available in 6-seater (Captain Seats) and 7-seater configurations. The driver’s seat is expected to offer Massage, Heating, and Ventilation functions.
- Rear Comfort: Second-row passengers in the 6-seater variant will likely get their own wireless charging pads, headrest cushions, and dedicated climate zones.
Engine & Performance: Twin-Turbo Power
Under the hood, the Majestor retains the crown jewel of the Gloster—the powerful diesel engine—but with refined tuning for better durability and efficiency.
Powertrain Specifications
| Specification | 2.0L Turbo Diesel (Base) | 2.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel (Top) |
| Power | 161 PS | 216 PS |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 2WD (Rear Wheel Drive) | 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) |
| Differentials | Open | 3 Locking Differentials |
The 480 Nm of torque is available from low RPMs, which was evident in the spy video as the SUV climbed rocky gradients without needing aggressive throttle inputs. The 8-speed automatic gearbox from ZF ensures smooth shifts, whether you are crawling rocks or cruising at 120 km/h on the expressway.
Safety: The MG Shield
MG has always prioritized safety, and the Majestor will be loaded to the gills with active and passive safety tech.
- ADAS Level 2: The Majestor will feature an upgraded ADAS suite including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
- 360-Degree Camera: A high-definition “transparent hood” feature might be included, allowing off-roaders to see exactly where the front wheels are placed.
- Airbags: 6 to 9 Airbags depending on the variant.
- Build Quality: Built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, the Majestor is expected to score high in crash tests.
MG Majestor vs. The Rivals
The Majestor enters a segment dominated by loyalists. Here is how it stacks up against the competition.
| Feature | MG Majestor | Toyota Fortuner | Jeep Meridian |
| Engine | 2.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel | 2.8L Diesel | 2.0L Diesel |
| Power/Torque | 216 PS / 480 Nm | 204 PS / 500 Nm | 170 PS / 350 Nm |
| Diff Locks | 3 (Front, Center, Rear) | 1 (Rear) | Brake Lock Diff |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | None | Panoramic |
| ADAS | Level 2 | None | Level 2 (Select Variants) |
Verdict: On paper, the Majestor destroys the Fortuner in terms of features and off-road hardware. The Fortuner’s only advantage remains its larger 2.8L engine displacement and Toyota’s legendary resale value.
Price & Launch Timeline
- Launch Date: February 12, 2026
- Bookings: Expected to open by the first week of February.
- Estimated Price:
- Base 2WD: ₹ 39.00 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
- Top 4WD: ₹ 46.00 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
While this price puts it in the premium bracket, it still undercuts the top-spec Fortuner GR-S, which costs over ₹ 50 Lakh.
Conclusion: The New King of the Jungle?
The MG Majestor is shaping up to be more than just a facelift; it is a statement of intent. By equipping it with three locking differentials and testing it rigorously in Indian off-road conditions, MG is proving that luxury and capability can coexist.
If you are a Toyota Fortuner buyer tired of the bare-bones interior, or a Jeep buyer wanting more space, the Majestor demands your attention. Mark your calendars for February 12—the jungle is about to get a new predator.
Disclaimer: Specifications mentioned are based on spy shots and global models (Maxus Territory). Final India-spec details will be confirmed at launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the MG Majestor launching in India?
The MG Majestor SUV is confirmed to launch in India on February 12, 2026.
2. Is the MG Majestor better than the Toyota Fortuner for off-roading?
Ideally, yes. The top-spec MG Majestor is expected to feature Three Locking Differentials (Front, Center, Rear) and multiple terrain modes, giving it superior traction in extreme conditions compared to the Fortuner’s single rear locking differential.
3. What engine does the MG Majestor use?
The MG Majestor is powered by a 2.0-litre Twin-Turbo Diesel engine that produces approximately 216 PS of power and 480 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
4. Does the MG Majestor have a sunroof?
Yes, unlike the Toyota Fortuner, the MG Majestor features a massive Panoramic Sunroof as standard on the higher variants.
5. What is the expected price of the MG Majestor?
The MG Majestor is expected to be priced between ₹ 40 Lakh to ₹ 46 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), positioning it as a premium alternative to the Gloster and a direct rival to the Fortuner Legender.
