MG S9 PHEV Review: 7 Seats, 100 km Electric Range – Photos & Details

MG Motor has launched its first seven-seat SUV, the MG S9 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), targeting the growing family-oriented SUV market with a focus on practicality and electric-only driving range.

The MG S9 PHEV is positioned as a spacious alternative in the seven-seat segment, measuring nearly five metres in length and standing over 1.7 metres tall, offering interior space comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe while maintaining a competitive price point.

Under the bonnet, the vehicle uses the same 295bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and hybrid system found in the MG HS PHEV, which has been recognised as Plug-in Hybrid of the Year for two consecutive years by What Car? awards.

Despite sharing its powertrain with the smaller HS PHEV, the increased size and weight of the S9 result in a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.6 seconds, which is approximately three seconds slower than its sibling model and behind several competitors including the Chery Tiggo 8, Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, and Peugeot 5008 PHEV.

What Car? highlights the S9’s strengths as including a longer electric-only range than many rivals, ample power for everyday driving, and low levels of wind and road noise contributing to a refined cabin environment.

However, the publication notes areas where the S9 falls short of leading competitors, including less refined ride comfort, inconsistent brake feel under certain conditions, and slower charging capabilities compared to some alternatives in the segment.

Autocar confirms the S9 is offered exclusively with the PHEV powertrain and marks MG’s first model to feature seven seats, describing it as the brand’s new flagship SUV with an official electric range of 62 miles and a starting price of approximately £34,000 in the UK market.

The vehicle’s launch reflects MG’s accelerated product expansion, which has seen its model range double in size over two years as the company seeks to cover multiple market niches, including the increasingly popular seven-seat SUV category.

While the S9 does not lead in outright performance or charging speed among plug-in hybrid seven-seaters, its combination of generous interior dimensions, established hybrid technology, and accessible pricing aims to appeal to buyers prioritising space and electric capability for daily commutes.

As of March 2026, the MG S9 PHEV is available for purchase in right-hand drive markets including the UK, with reviews focusing on its real-world usability as a family vehicle capable of completing typical school runs and short trips on electric power alone.