MG S9 PHEV Review: Can This Seven-Seat Giant Disrupt the Family SUV Market?

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A New Titan Emerges

The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, but few brands have managed a resurgence quite as dramatic as MG. With the launch of the new MG S9, the company is officially planting its flag in the premium-adjacent seven-seat SUV segment. This vehicle isn’t just another addition to the lineup; it is a bold statement of intent for a brand that has spent years rebuilding its reputation for value and reliability.

Priced from £34,205, the S9 is positioned to undercut many of its established rivals from Korea and Japan. It manages to balance the needs of large families with the modern demand for electrified powertrains. By combining a 1.5-litre turbo engine with a robust electric motor, MG is aiming to capture buyers who need the practicality of a minivan but refuse to sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of an SUV.

Design and Exterior Presence

Stepping up to the S9, you immediately notice the sheer scale of the vehicle. This is comfortably the largest model MG has ever brought to the UK market. The design language is sharp, featuring a prominent front grille and aggressive LED lighting signatures that give it a sophisticated, road-hugging appearance despite its height.

The exterior has been crafted to hide its bulk, utilizing clever character lines that run from the front arches to the rear taillights. It is a design that feels both contemporary and functional, ensuring that the S9 doesn’t just look like a boxy utility vehicle. The aerodynamic profile is essential here, as it plays a crucial role in squeezing every possible mile of efficiency out of that 24.7kWh battery.

The Interior Experience

Inside, the S9 is a masterclass in space management. Being a seven-seat SUV, the primary concern is passenger comfort, and MG has clearly prioritized modularity. The middle row offers ample legroom, while the third row—often an afterthought in this class—is surprisingly usable for children and teenagers on shorter journeys.

The materials throughout the cabin feel significantly more premium than previous MG models. Soft-touch plastics, high-quality seat upholstery, and an intuitive layout suggest that MG is listening to feedback from its global customer base. The cabin is designed to be a sanctuary, with decent sound deadening to keep the 1.5-litre turbo engine noise at bay during motorway cruising.

Infotainment and Connectivity

In the modern age, a car is only as good as its digital interface. The S9 comes equipped with a central touchscreen infotainment system that serves as the command center for the vehicle. It supports seamless smartphone integration, allowing users to mirror their devices for navigation and music streaming.

The digital instrument cluster provides the driver with vital information, including electric-only range status and energy flow graphics. While the system is feature-rich, MG has kept the interface snappy and responsive, ensuring that you aren’t digging through endless menus to adjust the climate control or driving modes. It is a clean, user-friendly setup that fits perfectly with the car’s family-oriented mission.

Performance and Powertrain

The beating heart of the S9 is its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. By pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a punchy electric motor, the S9 offers a unique blend of performance and economy. The standout figure is the 62 miles of electric-only range, which is highly competitive for this segment.

For the daily commute, most owners will be able to operate the vehicle almost entirely on electricity, provided they have access to charging. When the battery is depleted, the internal combustion engine kicks in seamlessly. The drivetrain is tuned for smooth power delivery rather than outright sportiness, making it an ideal companion for the school run or long-distance family holidays.

Brand History and Context

MG has come a long way from its heritage as a maker of quintessentially British sports cars. Under its current ownership, the company has pivoted toward high-volume, high-tech SUVs that cater to the global market’s insatiable appetite for crossovers. The S9 is the culmination of this transition, proving that the brand can play in the big leagues alongside established giants like Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota.

The development of the S9 was clearly focused on the European market’s specific requirements, particularly regarding CO2 emissions and tax efficiency. By placing the vehicle in the 9% BIK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax bracket, MG has made the S9 a very attractive proposition for company car drivers who need a large, versatile vehicle without the associated financial headache.

Driving Dynamics

On the road, the S9 feels planted and secure. The suspension has been calibrated to handle the extra weight of the battery pack, resulting in a ride that is stable and composed over rough tarmac. While it is not a car you will take to a track day, the steering is weighted well, providing enough feedback to make the driver feel confident in tight urban environments or winding country lanes.

The transition between electric and petrol power is one of the smoothest in the current market, a testament to the refinement of the hybrid management system. It is clear that MG has invested heavily in software to ensure that the powertrain feels cohesive and reliable under various driving conditions.

Final Verdict

The MG S9 is a compelling option for those who need a large SUV but don’t want to break the bank. It hits the sweet spot between affordability, practicality, and electrification. While it faces stiff competition, its combination of a long electric range and a highly competitive price tag makes it a serious contender for the crown of the best-value seven-seater in the UK.

If you are in the market for a family hauler that helps you lower your carbon footprint while offering premium features at a mainstream price, the S9 deserves a spot on your shortlist.

MG is no longer just an alternative; it is setting the pace.