7 Seats, Zero Fuss: MG’s MGS9 PHEV Takes on the Big SUV Market
MG has thrown its hat firmly into the big-family SUV ring with the new MGS9 PHEV - its first ever seven-seater - and it’s aiming straight at buyers who want space, practicality and a touch of luxury without the premium price tag.
At just under five metres long, this is a proper full-size SUV with three rows of seats and the kind of flexibility that’ll appeal to families, adventurers and anyone who regularly finds themselves playing taxi. Fold the third row flat and you’re rewarded with a very useful 1,026 litres of boot space – more than enough for camping kit, dogs, or a week’s worth of overpacking.
Under the bonnet, MG has paired a 1.5litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 24.7kWh battery, delivering a claimed electric-only range of up to 62 miles. That’s a realistic distance for most daily runs - school drops, commutes, errands - meaning many drivers could barely touch the fuel tank during the week. When longer trips call, a 65-litre petrol tank keeps range anxiety firmly off the agenda.
For those with towing in mind – and let’s face it, plenty in the 4x4 and outdoor crowd will be – the MGS9 PHEV can pull up to 2,000kg (braked). That makes it a viable option for hauling caravans, trailers or even a boat for a weekend escape.
Inside, MG has focused on comfort and usability. There’s plenty of head, leg and shoulder room across all three rows, and the seating layout is flexible, with individually folding third-row seats and a 60:40 split in the second row. Whether it’s passengers or payload, you can mix and match to suit the job at hand.
Tech-wise, things are bang up to date. A pair of 12.3-inch screens – one for infotainment and one for the driver display – dominate the dashboard, while thankfully retaining physical buttons for key controls like climate settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, along with a panoramic glass roof, tri-zone climate control and ambient lighting to keep things airy and comfortable.
There are two trims on offer – Comfort and Premium – but even the entry-level version is generously equipped. Heated seats, electric adjustment, 20-inch alloys and a 360-degree camera are all included. Step up to Premium and you’ll get leather-style upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats, a Bose sound system and a few extra creature comforts that nudge things into near-luxury territory.
Safety hasn’t been overlooked either. The MGS9 PHEV carries a full five-star Euro NCAP rating and comes with a suite of up to 16 driver assistance systems. MG’s “Pilot Custom” feature is a neat touch too, allowing drivers to tailor and save their preferred assistance settings.
With prices starting at £34,205 for the Comfort and £36,945 for the Premium, the MGS9 PHEV undercuts many rivals while offering serious space, strong hybrid efficiency and a healthy dose of kit. Backed by MG’s 7 year/80,000 mile warranty, it’s a compelling option for anyone in need of a versatile, family-friendly SUV that won’t break the bank.
In short, if your lifestyle involves muddy boots, long road trips or simply too many passengers, the MGS9 PHEV looks ready for the job.