Quick look
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At almost 5 metres in length, the S9 PHEV is MG’s longest-ever model and also the brand’s first-ever 3-row, 7-seater.
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MG’s pricing strategy in the UK market places the SUV against turbodiesel and HEV rivals to reach a broader group of buyers.
Historically, MG is remembered for its sportscars like the TD/TF, Midget, MGB and 1100/1300. In the 1980s and 1990, there was the modern range like the Metro, Maestro and Montego. These were cars with lengths under 4 metres – small by today’s standards. The only exception was the ZA/ZB Magnette sedan produced between 1953 and 1958 which was 4293 mm.
The 21st century range, mainly SUVs and crossovers, is significantly larger than the models of the 1950 – 1997 era (before China’s SAIC acquired the brand). While the 20th-century average was 3878 mm, the average length of the 2026 MG line-up has grown to 4417 mm. The increase in size over the past decade has been partly due to the shift towards SUVs (which accounted for 48% of global sales in 2023), which are generally larger than sedan.
Longest and largest ever
With the new MG S9 PHEV, the British (we still consider it British even though its owners are Chinese) brand gets its longest and largest ever model which is almost 5 metres in length (4983 mm to be exact). This is also its first-ever 7-seater with 3 rows of seats.
Variable 3-row interior
The exterior design follows the current MG design language with a large body that offers a spacious and versatile interior. The variable seat layout prioritises spatial volume and when the third-row backrests are folded down, the boot capacity expands to 1,026 litres, with a long flat load floor.
The seating variability allows for more people or more cargo, as well as accommodating those long items that one might buy from IKEA. Like other SUVs, the rear backrests are divided for individual folding, further enhancing flexibility.
The dashboard architecture is dominated by a dual-screen setup, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a secondary 12.3-inch infotainment display at the centre Despite an emphasis on digital interfaces, MG’s interior designers have noted the dislike for touch control and retained physical buttons for essential climate control functions. Technological integration includes wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
All versions come with ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and 20-inch wheels, powered tailgate and 360o camera display as standard. Depending on the version, there are also premium features like powered seats with massage function, a smart tailgate, wireless charging and 12-speaker Bose audio system.
A specific software feature called MG Pilot Custom has been introduced with the S9. This allows drivers to pre-select and save their preferred settings for various driver assistance systems. This functionality is intended to streamline the user experience by remembering specific safety systems or alerts the driver chooses to keep active or inactive.
100 kms on electric power
The plug-in hybrid electric drivetrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. The 220 kW (299 ps)/390 Nm motor is powered by a 24.7 kWh battery, which provides a claimed electric-only range of around 100 kms. This high-capacity battery is one of the larger units found in the current PHEV market, intended to cover the majority of daily driving without drawing on engine power.
No claimed consumption figure is given but the S9’s range with the 65-litre fuel tank can be expected to be on par with other PHEVs which nowadays can cover 1,000 kms or more. The battery can also be used to power external equipment through the V2L feature. In Europe, where there is also attention to CO2 emissions, the S9 is rated at 18 gms/km, which is considered notably low.
The S9 has already been assessed by Euro NCAP and scored a 5-star rating. This maximum rating is attributed to the extensive use of high-strength steel in the chassis construction. The vehicle is also equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) which has 16 active safety systems that monitor the road environment, vehicle movement and intervene if a potential collision is detected.
Bringing electrified vehicles to more people
With the launch of the S9, MG expands its PHEV portfolio beyond the smaller HS model. The shared powertrain technology between the two models suggests a focus on reliability through proven components. In the UK, the pricing strategy, starting from £34,205 (about RM180,000) positions the model at a lower price point than many of its diesel or HEV 3-row/7-seat rivals in that market. This strategy reflects MG’s ongoing effort to position high-specification electrified vehicles within reach of a broader group of buyers.
