Test Drive Report MG HS Plug-in Hybrid: More Streamlined Than Ever

MG massively upgrades – especially in terms of haptics and range: The new HS plug-in runs up to 100 kilometers electrically and impresses with a comprehensive package of performance, space, and technology. The most attractive factor is the base price: 27,990 euros for the gasoline model and 39,990 euros for the plug-in hybrid - an offer that undercuts many European manufacturers.

The plug-in hybrid of the MG HS combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 143 hp and an electric motor with 184 hp. Together they produce a system output of 272 hp. This power brings the SUV to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and allows a top speed of 190 km/h. On the road, the two engines harmonize well. The electric drive provides powerful thrust, while the gasoline engine efficiently handles long-distance travel.

Up to 100 kilometers purely electric – according to WLTP

The electric range of up to 100 kilometers according to WLTP is a real advantage in everyday urban traffic. The standard consumption with a full battery is 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Even with an empty battery, the HS impressed in the test with a consumption of around six liters - an acceptable value for a vehicle weighing just under 1.9 tons. A downside: the charging power is limited to a maximum of 6.6 kW. The battery with a capacity of 21.4 kWh takes around three hours to fully charge at a wall box. Fast charging is unfortunately not possible.

In driving operation, the MG HS scores with comfort.

The suspension effectively absorbs bumps, but remains on the softer side: Although the design of the hybrid SUV suggests sporty driving, the HS remains a glider: calm, relaxed, and focused on comfort. Even at highway speeds, the interior noise remains pleasantly low, which further enhances long-distance comfort.

However, the drive shows slight weaknesses in spontaneous acceleration: Especially on the highway, the transmission shifts back too sluggishly before the desired power is delivered. Thus, the MG is more designed for relaxed travel rather than dynamic performance.

Spacious interior with average trunk volume

At 4.67 meters in length, the MG HS offers generous space. Driver, front passenger, and passengers enjoy plenty of freedom of movement. The trunk is also convincing: the plug-in version offers a rather average volume of 441 liters, expandable to 1,291 liters with the rear seats folded down. Importantly and well resolved: the loading surface is flat and the loading edge is pleasantly low.

The haptics made a great leap forward

The interior shows a significant development compared to previous models. High-quality materials such as soft plastics, chrome accents, and piano lacquer surfaces give the vehicle a valuable impression. The cockpit impresses with a modern, digital display concept, consisting of a 12.3-inch speedometer display and an equally large touchscreen. The menus are clearly structured, although, inexplicably, the volume adjustment of the radio is only possible via steering wheel buttons and not the screen. MG should make improvements in driver monitoring – it reacts very oversensitively – and the speed limit detection was not always correct.