Positioned above the HS and S5 EV in MG’s UK line-up, the S9 targets buyers who need three rows of seating but are not yet ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle.
Recently, we spent some time exploring the vehicle in a global specification, and here’s what it feels like:
Design
The MG S9 adopts a conventional SUV shape with a tall roofline, upright rear section and large glasshouse designed to maximise interior space.
At the front, the S9 features a large grille, slim LED lighting units and vertically oriented bumper elements. Full-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED rear lights are standard across the range, while the Premium trim adds front fog lights and memory-equipped exterior mirrors.
Along the sides, the S9 features silver roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels and a relatively long rear quarter section to accommodate the third-row seating area. The large rear doors improve access to the second row, while the rear overhang allows for useful luggage capacity even with all seven seats in use.
Interior
Inside, the MG S9 features a three-row, seven-seat layout with a sliding second-row bench that allows occupants to prioritise either legroom or luggage space depending on requirements.
The dashboard is centred around dual 12.3-inch displays, comprising a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB+ radio and MG’s iSMART connected-car system.
Both trims come with tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic opening glass roof, heated front seats and five USB ports spread across all three rows.
The Premium trim adds leather-style upholstery, a beige dual-tone interior theme with wood-effect trim, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a 12-speaker BOSE audio system, wireless smartphone charging and a hands-free smart tailgate.
Boot capacity stands at 332 litres with all seven seats in place, increasing to 1,026 litres with the third row folded and 2,093 litres with both rear rows folded.
Experience in the MG S9 PHEV
I spent time in the MG S9 PHEV, and it immediately feels like a much more luxurious MG than the smaller ZS or HS. The flush door handles deploy out before tucking back into the doors, which gives it a more upmarket first impression.
Getting into the front was easy, and the seat comfort stood out straight away. The front seats are slightly on the firmer side, but back support is good, shoulder support is very good, and under-thigh support is good, though not excellent.
The dead pedal worked well with my UK size 11.5 shoes, and I had more than 10 cm of headroom to the headliner. Outward visibility was fine for an SUV of this size, though the A-pillar base is a little thick.
The cabin feels like a step forward from smaller MG models such as the ZS and HS. I liked the grippy steering wheel with perforated sections, the curved single display, spring-loaded drive mode selector dial, old-school centre gear selector, two wireless phone chargers, concealed cupholders and physical piano-style HVAC keys.
The front sunroof opens partly, which brings in extra air and light. Storage under the centre console is useful, though not tall enough for a handbag.
Rear access is easy, although the step-in height is a little higher than in smaller MG models. The second-row seats offer very good under-thigh support and very good back support. They can slide forward and backward, but they do not recline, which is a surprising miss in a large SUV.
I had more than 10 cm of knee room, and my shoes partly slid under the front seat. The almost-flat floor, three adjustable headrests and wider body mean three people can fit, though the centre passenger will not be as comfortable.
Rear amenities are strong, with automatic climate control, roof-mounted air vents, a wide centre armrest with concealed cupholders and a fixed panoramic glass roof. The third row gets reclining seats, cupholders and USB ports, but knee room is limited, so it is mainly for children.
Specifications
The MG S9 measures 4,983 mm in length, 1,967 mm in width and 1,778 mm in height, while the wheelbase spans 2,915 mm.
Power comes from a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. The petrol engine develops 142 PS and 230 Nm of torque, while the electric motor produces 231 PS and 390 Nm. The combined system output is 299 PS.
Energy is supplied by a 24.7 kWh LFP battery pack, which delivers a WLTP electric-only driving range of up to 62 miles (100 km). MG also quotes an urban EV range of up to 104 miles (168 km).
Charging is supported via an 11 kW onboard AC charger. Using a 7 kW wallbox, a 0-100% charge takes approximately four hours, while charging from a 2.2 kW domestic socket takes around 12.5 hours. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality is fitted as standard across the range.
The S9 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.6 seconds, reaches a top speed of 124 mph, is front-wheel drive, and offers a braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg.
Pricing
Priced from £34,205 OTR for the Comfort and £36,945 OTR for the Premium, the MG S9 PHEV undercuts established seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUVs such as the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV and Peugeot 5008 PHEV.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
