MG S9 Ultimate – seventh heaven

IN these cash-strapped days of high prices and reduced value it’s a rare treat indeed to find a genuine big car bargain without scraping the basement floor.

The now Chinese-owned former icon of the British sports car scene, MG, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years resulting in no less than 10 models currently on offer in the UK, comprising hatchbacks, SUVs, a roadster and premium electric vehicles.

Among the latest, and most impressive, to be launched is the brand’s first-ever seven-seater plug-in hybrid SUV, offering more than 60 miles of electric-only range, the MG S9 PHEV.

It’s big verging on massive, comes well equipped with standard kit, is stylishly designed, enjoys a long warranty – and punches well above its weight when it comes to value for money.

Launched during the spring, the MG S9 comes with just a single engine offering, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit and hybrid set-up also found in the smaller MG HS PHEV model.

Producing 295bhp in total, it can deliver fair performance for a large vehicle with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.6 seconds and potential top speed of 124mph.

With its 24.7kWh battery the S9 can deliver a fully electric range of up to 62 miles, making it ideal for commuting and school runs and when the battery runs out the automatic switch to petrol power is seamless – and still ensures near enough 40 miles per gallon.

And while rapid charging isn’t supported, the car’s 7kW onboard charger can at least replenish the battery at home in around four hours.

But where the MG scores big time is with its space, equipment, towing capability and overall value. With a starting price of £34,210 the offer is compelling, while an extra £2,740 takes you to the flagship Ultimate trim level of our tested model.

In what is the most ambitious vehicle MG has produced for the UK market, the S9’s interior puts the emphasis on practicality and families.

All trim grades get a pair of 12.3-inch high definition screens in the shape of a digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment set-up. The latter isn’t especially intuitive but there are shortcut buttons to operate the climate control, airflow speed and for returning to the homescreen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard.

Acres of space up front doesn’t impact the second row, in which there’s a sliding bench and room to swing the proverbial cat, while the third row with its full size individual seats is genuinely designed to accommodate two adults rather than being an afterthought.

Fold down the rear seats and the luggage space becomes vast and even with all seven seats in use you can fit assorted sports gear plus the weekly shop into the 332-litre boot.

Oddment space is also well catered for, with the likes of deep door bins, a stowage area below the centre armrest, a wireless phone charging pad, under-dash storage, four built-in cup holders and a glovebox.

As for towing, you can cart up to 2,000kg and there’s standard Vehicle-to-Load capability which converts the car’s direct current so you can plug in appliances and tools direct from the vehicle.

Out on the road the emphasis is on comfort, refinement and ease of use, so there are no pretensions regarding outright performance even though the S9 is anything but sluggish.

It’s certainly relaxing to drive, has good all round visibility thanks to a raised driving position and a good over-shoulder view enhanced by huge rear windows – even parking such a big vehicle is made easier due to front and rear sensors plus a 360-degree parking camera.

All models come well equipped to include a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels and ambient lighting, while our tested range-topper adds goodies like leather-style upholstery with ventilated and massaging front seats, four-way lumbar support for the driver, front fog lights, a 12-speaker BOSE sound system and an electronic tailgate.

With its impressive practicality, long electric range and amount of standard kit, backed up by a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, the MG S9 is an exceptional choice for families seeking a smart, spacious and value for money hybrid seven-seater.