The Chinese-owned car manufacturer MG Motor has in recent years built a strong reputation in Europe for delivering electrified cars at a reasonable price. In Denmark, we have mainly seen their plug-in hybrids, where models such as the EHS and later the HS have been popular choices. Unfortunately, the Danish tax system has effectively put a stop to this type of sale. Still, it is worth taking a look at what we could have had: MG’s first seven seater model, the MG S9.
Large SUV at a relatively low price
In the United Kingdom, the new model starts at around £34,205, which places it well below several established competitors in the segment. By comparison, plug in hybrid versions of both the Volkswagen Tayron and the Skoda Kodiaq cost significantly more, and neither offers both plug in hybrid technology and seven seats at a comparable price.
The new MG S9 is a large car. It measures around five meters in length and is therefore approximately 33 centimeters longer than the five seat MG HS PHEV, which is no longer sold in Denmark.
The powertrain is familiar from the MG HS PHEV. It combines a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a relatively large 23.2 kWh battery. The total output is expected to be around 300 horsepower and 350 Nm, delivering solid performance for a large family SUV. For comparison, the HS PHEV accelerates from 0–100 km/h in about 6.8 seconds, and the larger S9 will likely be slightly slower.
Lots of equipment in the cabin
The cabin features a modern setup with two digital displays integrated into one unit. At the same time, MG has chosen to retain physical buttons for key functions. The equipment list is also noteworthy considering the price.
Panoramic glass roof
Three zone climate control
Seats with heating, ventilation & massage
Up to 16 driver assistance systems as standard
Five star Euro NCAP rating
332 liters luggage (all 7 seats in use)
1,000+ liters with third row folded
Dual integrated digital displays
Large plug in hybrid SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in Europe
Plug in hybrids were once a popular choice in Denmark when taxes were lower. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case, and sales have almost disappeared. Outside Denmark and Norway however, the story is quite different, with sales of these models continuing to grow in markets such as Sweden.
Chinese manufacturers in particular have found their way into the European market. We saw this ourselves last year in Denmark with Navor, while brands such as Omoda 9 and Leapmotor are selling these types of vehicles in large numbers in the key European markets like Germany, France and Italy.
Unfortunately, many Danish and Scandiniavian buyers would still appreciate the opportunity to enjoy these types of cars at a reasonable price.
