Mat Watson reviews the new MG S9: German quality, Chinese price

Last year, I awarded the Chery Tiggo 8 Carwow’s Car of the Year Award because it offers loads of space, equipment and luxury features for a bargain price. Now though, there’s a new car which could be fighting for its crown.

After spending a week with the MG S9, I reckon this is the best-value big SUV on sale today. Let me explain why.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

New MG S9 prices and deals

Let’s start with the price, because I can’t believe just how affordable the new MG S9 is.

It’s only offered as a plug-in hybrid, and prices start from £34,210, rising to £36,950 for the range-topping version. However, you can save over £3,500 on an S9 through Carwow, bringing the price of a top-spec car to just £33,450.

That’s the same price as a top-of-the-range Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV through Carwow, and the MG comes with just as much kit as standard. All S9s come with an opening panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. Going for the top-spec car adds massage and ventilation functions to the seats, a 12-speaker Bose stereo and a hands-free tailgate.

So you’re certainly getting a lot of kit for your money, but what’s it like inside?

New MG S9 interior and practicality

When you climb aboard, you’d never guess that this is a budget car. The MG S9’s interior feels impressively posh, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door tops and solid build quality.

There are a few areas which feel a bit hollow if you tap on them, but all the switchgear is nicely damped. I’m also grateful for the row of physical climate control buttons, which are much easier to use on the move than the touchscreen-based system you get in a Tiggo 8.

Every S9 gets two 12.3-inch screens inside with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some of the menus are a bit confusing to navigate. Switching off all the annoying beeps and bongs requires a few too many taps for my liking.

I’m also not a huge fan of the wireless charging pad. It’s an awkward shape, and your phone can also fly out of it when you accelerate. Other than that, storage in this car is decent. You get a massive cubby under the centre console, big door bins and an average-sized glovebox.

Moving to the middle row, it’s palatial. This has to be one of the most spacious SUVs I’ve ever tested, offering acres of knee room and plenty of head space. It’s even quite roomy with three in the back, however there are only two ISOFIX anchor points in this car and they’re quite awkward to get to.

I was also impressed by the amount of space on offer in the very back. Your knees do sit quite high, but even with a tall adult in front of me I had enough legroom to get comfortable. This S9 is brilliant for carrying passengers.

The boot is equally impressive. With all seven seats in place there’s 322 litres of space, 205 litres more than you get in a Chery Tiggo 8, and with the third row folded down you get a whopping 1,026 litres. Not even the cavernous Skoda Kodiaq comes close to that.

New MG S9 engine and driving

The MG S9 is only available with one engine, and it’s a 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid with 299hp. That’s almost 100hp more than the equivalent Chery Tiggo 8, and the MG can do eight more miles on electric power alone as well, topping out at 62 miles.

I was really impressed with how quiet and relaxing the MG felt on the motorway. Wind and road noise is kept to a minimum, and it’s almost as refined as a German luxury car. I kept forgetting that this thing costs just over £30,000.

And the comfort wasn’t the only thing I noticed. Around town, the visibility is really good as well. You sit nice and high, the windows are big and the 360-degree cameras really help you out in tight spaces. You might think a car this big would feel intimidating in town, but it doesn’t.

On a twisty road, the MG S9 isn’t a huge amount of fun but it’s competent enough. The steering is pretty accurate and it goes where you point it, although big bumps do send a nasty thud through the cabin.

For a car at this price point, I’m really impressed with the driving experience.

Mat’s final verdict: should you buy the MG S9?

In my opinion, there is no new car which is as good value as the new MG S9. It’s really spacious, well-equipped and it’s decent to drive, so if you’re looking for a posh-feeling seven-seater on a budget, go right ahead and buy the MG S9.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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