This is called a strong start. Less than a year ago, MG returned to our market with an electric SUV, the ZS EV. To end the year, the British-Chinese brand unveils its new plug-in hybrid: the EHS Plug-in Hybrid.
We don’t need to tell you the MG story again. In short: the Chinese group SAIC bought the rights to the MG brand, gave it a second life in China and in the historic homeland of Great Britain, and since this year it has ventured once again to continental Europe. With success, since the MG ZS EV democratizes electric SUVs.
This is also the ambition of this MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid, but for the plug-in hybrid SUV market. An extremely popular segment, especially in the business world. It is therefore not surprising that this EHS Plug-in Hybrid is one size larger than the ZS EV: at 4.57 meters, it targets the C segment. Indeed, it comes to attack the Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008 .
Mundane exterior, interesting interior
Ambition is not lacking, but isn’t MG setting itself the bar too high? In terms of exterior design perhaps. The design is that of a classic, Asian-inspired SUV, where even some European influences creep in. The rear looks Mercedes-inspired, if you look at the C-pillar you won’t be mad if you say there’s Renault Kadjar in there. Either way, MG is happy to go again for a remarkably large grille with a prominent logo to strengthen family ties with the smaller ZS EV.
Inside, MG more than makes up for its versatile exterior. What a leap forward: a slim and cleverly designed horizontal instrument panel with a large 10.1-inch infotainment screen and used cars for sale in japan, piano keys and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The set is also nicely finished and well put together, if you don’t go into too much detail. There are still starting issues, however, in the form of ominous warning sounds, a slow-responding infotainment system, and a battery carelessly tucked away in the trunk.
So, at 448 liters, the trunk isn’t as big as you might think, but luckily there’s head and leg room everywhere. Front and rear, even with the panoramic roof. MG has certainly paid enough attention to comfort on board and that for the whole family.
Electrical experience
In terms of driving comfort, this EHS Plug-in Hybrid unfortunately loses a few points and this is mainly due to its high weight of 1.8 tonnes. The suspension does not always know how to handle the pounds and it is especially noticeable on the worst surfaces of the road in the nervous reactions. Unfortunately, one also cannot miss the moment when the combustion engine comes to the rescue of the electric motor.
Speaking of the powertrain, this is a 1.5 cylinder turbo petrol engine with 162 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It is connected to an electric motor of 122 hp and 230 Nm, which gives this MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid a combined output of 258 hp and 370 Nm. The combustion engine is linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox. , the electric motor gets four. MG therefore speaks of a ten-speed automatic. Electric current, in turn, is stored in a 16.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, and you get 52 kilometers of fully electric range on the WLTP cycle.
We should no longer explain to the Chinese how to make a good electric, and it shows. The EHS Plug-in Hybrid shines in electric mode and is not afraid of energy. But don’t let the 0 to 100 km / h 6.9 seconds to 100 km / h get you down: this MG doesn’t like being kicked. We notice it by the reactions of the auto gearbox, moreover. In the end, this MG seems to use its energy efficiently: during our test on a cold autumn day, it still approached the 52 km announced by the brand. We have already seen worse among European competitors …
Price
Like the ZS EV, this MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid is available in two versions: Comfort and Luxury. Even the base version is generously equipped as standard (heated seats, navigation and digital instrument panel), so the option list only includes the metallic color. You then pay around 34,000 euros. If you still want leather seats, an electric tailgate and the panoramic roof, then you will have to pay around 37,000 euros for the Luxury version.
Conclusion
With this EHS Plug-in Hybrid, MG has here a second strong product after the ZS EV. A plug-in hybrid SUV, spacious and well-equipped, which costs less than its European competitors and which recently offered a 7-year warranty. MG has become a brand to take into account.
