In Brief
The MG S9 PHEV 2026 marks MG’s entry into the realm of large family SUVs with seven genuine seats, a sharp pricing strategy, and a 299-horsepower plug‑in hybrid powertrain. Its real-world electric range reaches about 80 km (roughly 50 miles) and it comes with a high level of standard equipment. Despite rear-seat flexibility that isn’t flawless and a few driving quirks, it stands out as a compelling option for large families seeking space and savings in daily use. With a starting price under $40,000 before incentives, it clearly differentiates itself from its direct rivals—and MG typically sweetens the deal with a $4,000 launch discount, though time will tell if the price holds up in the long run.
La marque MG poursuit sa conquête du marché français, et se
jette pour la toute première fois dans le bain des SUV familiaux à
7 places. Celui-là même qui est devenu, par défaut depuis la
disparition des monospaces et la raréfaction des ludospaces, la
seule vraie option pour les familles nombreuses.
Quitte, bien souvent, à devoir y mettre le prix : un Peugeot 5008
hybride rechargeable coûte au minimum 45 000 €, un Renault Espace
plus de 46 000 €, un Skoda Kodiaq 48 000 €… contre
moins de 40 000 € pour ce nouveau MGS9 PHEV ! Et ce, sans compter
l’habituelle remise de 4000 € appliquée par MG dès le lancement du
SUV. Reste à savoir s’il s’agit là d’un mirage…
MG S9 PHEV (2026): 80 km Real-World Electric Range
The MG S9 borrows a large portion of the technical DNA from its smaller sibling, the EHS. Of course, size has grown, and the vehicle now sits close to 5 meters in length and around 2 meters in width. Not exactly the easiest to park or maneuver on narrow Norman roads during our test route.
Under the hood, you’ll find a plug‑in hybrid setup rated at 299 hp, the only powertrain offered. It’s engineered to avoid the CO2 tax… But the weight of the batteries pushes the vehicle over 2.2 tons, which in European markets triggers a weight-based penalty (about €9,080).
Bear in mind that with three kids in tow, you can often recover this penalty on your taxes. A 143 hp inline-four petrol engine is paired with a 231 hp electric motor. It’s the electric motor that does the bulk of the work in daily driving.
When the battery is full, you can expect roughly 50 miles (about 80 km) of real-world electric range on a mixed route. For long trips, the hybrid system tends to hold the battery at around 50% capacity, resulting in overall fuel consumption around 7 L/100 km (about 33-34 mpg in hybrid mode).
Quite respectable given the S9’s size. The driver mainly appreciates the overall smoothness and the quiet operation. Transitions between electric and petrol are nearly seamless, and there’s no jerkiness at acceleration since the single‑gear automatic transmission links the four-cylinder to the wheels. Performance remains perfectly adequate for everyday use.
MG S9 PHEV (2026): Not a Kid‑Glittering Show‑Off
That said, this chunky SUV isn’t really built to dazzle. The front end can feel a little vague, and body roll is noticeable as pace picks up. Positioning the car with precision isn’t always easy when you accelerate harder, even though the S9 remains reassuring in all conditions.
If you’re prioritizing comfort, a slightly more forgiving suspension would have been welcome, particularly in urban driving. The interior finish at the front is well done, and practicality is strong. The equipment level is impressive for the price (power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and even massaging seats, among other features), and the driving position—high and commanding thanks to the tall stance—is excellent.
However, as is often the case with MG, the central touchscreen dominates the user experience and is a source of frustration. It’s slow and clumsy to operate; adjusting climate controls requires multiple steps, even with physical controls located beneath the screen.
MG now offers a customizable driver-assistance profile designed to deactivate intrusive and unnecessary alerts, but it’s still not as user‑friendly as competing systems.
The bigger story is at the rear. The second row slides, and with the bench moved back, the available space is enormous. It’s possible to stretch your legs even if you’re over 1.80 m tall. Passengers can adjust their own climate and enjoy the large, panoramic glass roof that comes as standard.
MG S9 PHEV (2026): Limited Modularity
When it comes to practicality, die‑hard minivan fans may lament the limited modularity. The rear bench splits only into two parts and lacks a ski hatch.
However, rear access is fairly easy, especially on the right side where a button folds the seat quickly. Once seated, occupants tend to sit quite low due to the raised floor in the cabin. Space isn’t scarce, particularly if the second-row passengers concede some room to free up leg space. And with the third row folded, the cargo area remains usable, unlike some rivals. The MG S9 does deliver on its promise.
Yes, there are cheaper 7‑seat models like the Dacia Jogger or the Citroën C3 Aircross, but none of them match this MG for space, comfort, and equipment. And beyond that, the plug‑in hybrid drivetrain promises meaningful everyday savings for those who routinely plug in.
MG S9 PHEV 299 hp Premium: The Upsides
- Seven genuine seats
- Attractive starting price
- Smooth driving experience
MG S9 PHEV 299 hp Premium: The Downsides
- Imprecise chassis
- Digital interfaces could be better
- A tad firm in urban driving
L’avis de l’Auto-Journal: 4/5
The MG S9 warmly welcomes large families and isn’t shy about offering strong performance and high equipment at an accessible price. Its few drawbacks are easy to overlook given the value it delivers.
MG S9 PHEV 299 ch Premium: In Practice
Find our first MG S9 test in
Auto-Journal issue 1209, dated May 13, 2026.
Comparison Table
| Model | Starting Price | Power | Electric Range | Hybrid Fuel Consumption | Weight | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG S9 PHEV | From under $40,000 | 299 hp | 80 km | ≈ 7 L/100 km | › 2.2 t | 7 |
| Peugeot 5008 Hybrid | From $45,000 | – | – | – | – | 7 |
| Renault Espace | From $46,000 | – | – | – | – | 7 |
| Skoda Kodiaq | From $48,000 | – | – | – | – | 7 |
Key Takeaways
- The MG S9 PHEV is MG’s first seven-seat family SUV, designed for large families.
- It stands out with a highly attractive starting price compared with hybrids and plug‑ins.
- Its powertrain delivers 299 hp and a real-world electric range of around 80 km.
- The rear space is generous, and the equipment level is very high for this price segment.
- Modularity is limited versus some older minivans, but the cargo area remains usable with seven seats in place.
- Main drawbacks include a chassis that isn’t perfectly precise and a user interface that could be better.
FAQ
What is the MG S9 PHEV’s real-world electric range?
The MG S9 PHEV offers about 50 miles (roughly 80 km) of real-world electric range on mixed driving.
How does the MG S9 PHEV compare on price to its rivals?
The MG S9 PHEV starts from under $40,000, making it notably more affordable than rivals like the Peugeot 5008, Renault Espace, or Skoda Kodiaq.
What are the main advantages of the MG S9 PHEV for families?
Seven real seats, generous rear space, a high equipment level, and exceptionally smooth driving.
What are the notable downsides of the MG S9 PHEV?
An imprecise chassis, imperfect digital interfaces, and a relatively firm ride in city driving.
Is the third row comfortable in the MG S9 PHEV?
Yes—access is fairly easy and the space is reasonable, especially if the second-row passengers adjust their seating to open up legroom.
