MG Motor has begun taking orders for its largest model yet in the UK: the S9 plug-in hybrid SUV. Starting at £34,205, the seven-seater offers a competitive price point alongside a 62-mile electric range and low company car tax bracket (9%).
Pricing and Competitors
The S9 undercuts key rivals such as the Chery Tiggo 9, which starts at £43,105. It also provides a more affordable alternative to premium SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90. This aggressive pricing positions MG as a strong contender in the growing PHEV SUV market.
Powertrain and Performance
The S9 uses the same plug-in hybrid system found in the smaller MG HS. This includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 24.7kWh battery. While the HS supports only 7kW AC charging (no DC fast charging), MG has not confirmed whether the S9 will receive similar limitations.
Space and Interior
The S9 offers 332 liters of boot space with all seats in use, expandable to over 1,000 liters with the rear rows folded down. Though MG has not yet fully revealed the interior, it’s expected to closely resemble the HS, featuring dual large displays for instruments and infotainment. Notably, the S9 distinguishes itself with physical controls for climate and infotainment functions, which many drivers prefer over purely touchscreen-based interfaces.
What This Means
The launch of the MG S9 highlights a broader trend: Chinese automakers are challenging established brands with aggressively priced EVs and PHEVs. The S9’s affordability makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking space and efficiency without a premium price tag. As MG expands its UK presence, expect more competition in the family SUV segment.
Full technical specifications will be released alongside the first UK showroom deliveries in the coming weeks.
