On first impressions, the S9 looks to be another MG that significantly undercuts the competition.
The new MG S9 is a plug-in hybrid seven-seat SUV that’s the largest model MG has launched in the UK.
MG promises seven adult-sized seats, and third-row legroom that ‘doesn’t require a hidden talent for acrobatics’.
Even with all seats up, the S9 offers 332 litres of boot space, which is almost as much as the MG4 family hatchback offers. Fold the rearmost seats down, and the boot capacity rises to a whopping 1,026 litres.
All of this space comes from its large dimensions – the S9 is a fraction under five metres long and has a near-three-metre-long wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels).
At the front, you get a pair of 12.3-inch screens, plus leather-effect upholstery and a row of piano keys for easy adjustment of climate control functions.
Upgrading to the Premium trim adds a powered bootlid, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and front seats that are heated, cooled and massaging.
The S9 uses the same powertrain as the MG HS PHEV – a 1.5-litre petrol engine joined by a large 24.7kWh battery. With a full battery, you can drive for up to 62 miles without waking the petrol engine.
Unlike some rivals, the S9 doesn’t offer fast-charging, so you’ll need to top up the battery from a home wallbox or a destination charger.
Given the size and space on offer, you might expect the MG to be quite expensive. But that isn’t the case. Prices start from £34,205 and rise to £36,945 before any options such as metallic paint are added. That means that even the top-spec S9 doesn’t get close to the luxury car tax, so your road tax will be charged at the standard rate.
For context, the Peugeot 5008 Plug-in Hybrid costs £42,610, which is close to the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron PHEVs – but the VW and Skoda only offer five seats. The BYD Seal U is close to the MG on price, but this doesn’t have seven seats either.
The only exact rival to the S9 is the Chery Tiggo 8, which starts from £33,545 for seven seats and a hybrid engine, but the MG promises more practicality.
The MG S9 PHEV is available to order now, with first cars arriving in showrooms later this month.
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Can’t wait for the new MG S9 PHEV? Shop used MG cars for sale, or read our guide to the best 7-seater SUVs to buy this year.
