Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the MG RAKAN for a comprehensive drive in the UAE.

With seven-seat versatility, four-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, RAKAN brings a distinctly off-road-oriented character to MG’s growing SUV portfolio.

The RAKAN is also significant for MG from a regional perspective. It is the first MG model to carry an Arabic name as its official model designation, with the name derived from the Arabic word “Rukn”, referring to a pillar or foundation and conveying ideas of strength and stability. MG describes RAKAN as a globally produced vehicle that has been engineered to meet the demands of the Middle East, from desert driving and rugged journeys to everyday use. Kuwait was selected as its first regional market, before the model began expanding across the Middle East.

Visually, the RAKAN makes its intentions clear. Its broad proportions, upright stance and substantial bodywork give it the presence expected from a traditional 4x4, while the three-dimensional grille, LED lighting, integrated roof rails and 20-inch wheels add a more contemporary touch. The design balances the visual toughness associated with an off-road SUV with details that allow it to feel equally at home on city streets and highways. MG itself positions the model around this combination of capability and everyday versatility.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 247 hp and 410 Nm of torque in the current Kuwait specification. It is paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system. Those figures give RAKAN a useful spread of power and torque, particularly when moving a large seven-seat SUV over loose surfaces or carrying passengers and equipment.

The drivetrain is where the RAKAN becomes particularly relevant to the Middle Eastern market. Four-wheel drive and multiple terrain modes allow the SUV to adapt to surfaces such as sand, mud and rocky terrain, while its mechanical approach gives the driver a more traditional 4x4 experience than many modern SUVs that are primarily designed for paved roads. MG has positioned RAKAN specifically around this ability to move between highways, dunes and uneven terrain.

On the road, the eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to a smoother driving experience, allowing the turbocharged engine to deliver its torque without making the RAKAN feel unnecessarily aggressive. Its size is noticeable, as expected from a full-size three-row SUV, but the elevated driving position and substantial body give the driver a clear view of the road ahead. For long-distance driving, the combination of a relaxed automatic transmission and a spacious cabin suits the role of a family-oriented SUV.

Once the pavement gives way to sand, the RAKAN's hardware becomes more relevant. The four-wheel-drive system provides additional traction, while the available terrain modes allow the vehicle to be adapted to changing surfaces. In the UAE, where desert driving can range from relatively firm tracks to soft dunes, that flexibility is useful. Rather than presenting itself simply as a large SUV with an adventurous appearance, RAKAN has been given the mechanical equipment to make off-road driving a genuine part of its intended use.

The cabin takes a different approach from the exterior. Rather than being stripped back in the traditional 4x4 fashion, it incorporates a range of comfort and technology features intended to make the vehicle suitable for daily driving. The seven-seat layout provides the practicality expected from a family SUV, while ventilated seating and a spacious interior help make longer journeys more comfortable. MG also highlights flexible cargo space, with more than 1,350 liters of boot capacity listed for the Kuwait model.

Technology is another area where RAKAN moves beyond the traditional rugged-SUV formula. The dashboard features dual 12.3-inch digital displays, bringing the instrument cluster and infotainment functions into a modern digital interface. Wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless charging add convenience, while a 12-speaker JBL audio system provides a more premium atmosphere inside the cabin.

Safety and driver assistance have also been incorporated into the package. The Kuwait specification includes Level 2 ADAS, active lane-keeping assistance, a 540-degree camera system and six or more airbags. These features are particularly useful in a vehicle of this size, helping bridge the gap between its traditional 4x4 character and the expectations of a contemporary family SUV.

The RAKAN's regional identity is perhaps most evident in the way MG has positioned the vehicle. The company has not presented it simply as another SUV in a global portfolio; instead, the Arabic name and its emphasis on desert and off-road use give it a clear connection with the Middle Eastern market. At the same time, the vehicle itself remains part of a broader global product strategy, making the regional identity an important part of its positioning rather than suggesting that it exists exclusively for the Middle East.

For UAE drivers, this combination makes sense. A large SUV can be expected to handle everything from daily commuting and school runs to long highway journeys and weekend trips into the desert. RAKAN's seven seats and technology equipment address the first part of that equation, while its 4WD system and terrain-focused hardware address the second.

After our drive, the MG RAKAN comes across as a traditional 4x4 interpreted through a more contemporary lens. Its appeal is not based on outright performance, but on the balance between usable power, genuine four-wheel-drive capability, passenger space and modern comfort. It retains the substantial presence and mechanical character expected from a serious SUV while giving occupants the technology and convenience associated with a newer generation of vehicles.

With its Arabic name, seven-seat configuration, 247 hp turbocharged engine, 410 Nm of torque, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD system, the MG RAKAN occupies an interesting position within MG's portfolio. It combines global vehicle engineering with a strong regional identity, while its ability to move between urban roads and desert terrain gives it a broad range of uses.

For drivers looking for a large SUV with genuine off-road credentials without giving up everyday comfort and technology, RAKAN presents a considered and distinctive proposition.