2024 MG HS +EV Review

Based on the company’s HS midsize SUV platform, the HS Plus EV adds a plug-in hybrid beating heart to trim down fuel bills without sacrificing practicality - or taking a massive hit to the back pocket.

How well does the 2024 MG HS Plus EV stack up against its rivals in the emerging PHEV world, and is it worth upgrading over the standing HS? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

MG HS Plus EV Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Drive-away prices for the MG HS Plus EV range kick off from $43,690 for the entry-level MG HS Plus EV Excite.

Stepping up to the range-topping HS Plus EV Essence brings the drive-away price to $46,690.

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MG HS +EV Excite Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the MG HS Plus EV Have?

The entry-level MG HS Plus EV Excite comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives, adaptive cruise control, a powered boot lift, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors.

Moving to the range-topping Essence variant adds Michelin tyres, LED head & tail lights, a surround-view camera, heated front sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, LED ambient lighting, power-adjustable front seats and welcome lighting.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

All members of the HS Plus EV range come packaged with a substantial 10.1-inch infotainment system sitting atop the dashboard which is paired with a six-speaker sound system.

The audio quality is solid, though the user experience of MG’s current-gen infotainment system can prove laggy and unintuitive at times, feeling in need of an upgrade.

The display itself is bright, though the underlying hardware can be a bit overwhelmed by quick navigation through the menus; this is more than likely a key priority for the upcoming HS replacement arriving later this year.

Does the MG HS Plus EV Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

While the MG HS Plus EV does offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, it misses out on wireless smartphone mirroring.

Instead, you’ll be required to connect your iPhone or Android device via a USB-A port sitting behind the gear lever.

The absence of wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto does, at least, mean your connection to MG’s infotainment system is more consistent and avoids the at-times glitchy nature of a wireless connection.

Is the MG HS Plus EV Comfortable to Drive?

Behind the wheel, the MG HS Plus EV is pretty well-mannered, though the plug-in hybrid unit seems to need a little calibrating to help out efficiency.

Under the bonnet, the HS Plus EV picks up a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a very decent 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The system produces a combined 189kW of power and 370Nm of torque which gives the HS Plus EV some spirited acceleration off the line.

Typically, the electric motor does most of the legwork in lifting you from a standstill, with the petrol unit kicking into life to supply additional power, with the battery topped up by power recaptured during braking.

MG’s powertrain actually leans on the petrol unit more than you might expect for a plug-in hybrid setup, which means it’s not the most fuel-efficient PHEV on the market.

The handover between the electric motor and petrol engine isn’t quite as smooth as its key rivals, though it’s done in a way that isn’t too noticeable on the road.

When the battery is topped up, there’s a tonne of acceleration on offer, while the amount of pick-up definitely takes a hint when the 16.6kWh battery is dry.

Around town, the MG HS Plus EV picks up the same featherweight steering that doesn’t offer a tonne of feedback at lower speeds, but does make for effortless steering in tight spaces and while parking.

The suspension package is capable, considering it’s lugging around an added 200kg over the standard HS package, doing well to iron out small and moderate bumps around town.

Pick up the pace and hit a country road and the HS Plus EV isn’t the most confident on rougher surfaces, but it does remain stable and offers an impressive amount of grip in the corners when pushed.

An AWD version would be a particularly welcomed addition to the Australian market for buyers living outside of the city.

On the highway, the HS Plus EV is nice and comfortable, with immediate overtaking abilities thanks to the instant torque hit from the electric motor - if you have enough battery - that makes it a very competent long-distance cruiser.

All up, the MG HS Plus EV doesn’t lead the segment in terms of driving comfort, though it’s got most of the fundamentals covered and is creeping steadily closer to the biggest names in the midsize SUV segment.

How Far Can the MG HS Plus EV Drive on Electric Power Alone?

With the help of its sizable 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the HS Plus EV offers very decent and attainable driving figures on electric power alone.

MG says you can drive up to 63km on electric power alone.

The MG HS Plus EV’s 16.6kWh battery pack can be charged in around five hours with the help of a 7kW AC wall box at your home or office, while using a standard 240V outlet at home means you’ll have to leave it overnight to top-up the pack.

Is the MG HS Plus EV Fuel Efficient?

Not particularly… especially considering this is a plug-in hybrid designed with fuel efficiency as a top priority.

Officially, the MG HS Plus EV is rated at a super-efficient 1.7L per 100km on a combined cycle, though these figures require a fully charged battery and also point to some flaws in how we currently measure fuel efficiency for PHEV powertrains.

In the real world, you can expect to see fuel economy figures hovering between 5 - 6L/100km, depending on your drive.

For reference, on a city consumption test, the HS Plus EV is rated at 5.8L/100km.

While it’s not hugely thirsty, it’s worth mentioning that conventional hybrid rivals offer comparative, if not superior fuel economy figures and that’s without the added heft, complexity and cost of a PHEV powertrain.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The current MG HS Plus EV interior offers a healthy amount of space and practical touches, though some aspects are beginning to show signs of age.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to a decent amount of headroom and width in the cockpit, while the adjustable driving position helps cater to a range of shapes and sizes.

The presentation itself is great, with MG offering a very premium design for its respective price tag.

There’s a mix of leatherette and faux suede upholstery with silver trim pieces and red stitching for a surprisingly premium and sporty design inside, with a digital instrument cluster making things feel a bit more high-tech in the driver’s seat.

MG’s 10.1-inch display sits atop the dashboard, with just a handful of physical buttons below the air vents that act as shortcuts for things like the home page, media and climate controls; you’ll still need to use the touchscreen to make quick climate adjustments on the fly.

All up, the design of the MG HS Plus EV’s cabin is impressive, while practical touches make it almost faultless - putting our gripe about the infotainment system aside.

The front cabin picks up a retractable storage area behind the gear lever, a pair of cupholders and narrow storage tray in the centre console, added storage inside the folding armrest and large bottle holders on either door.

Move to the rear and the HS Plus EV doesn’t disappoint when it comes to rear accommodation.

With acres of legroom and a decent amount of headroom, even with the panoramic sunroof in place, it’s unphased when put to the family challenge and stays competitive with even the best in the midsize SUV segment.

The rear seats recline for added comfort, while amenities like two USB charging ports, air vents, LED lighting and a trick centre armrest that offers storage for valuables and cupholders will surely keep the kids happy.

On the topic of kids, the MG HS Plus EV picks up two ISOFIX anchors in the second row, with three top tether mounts hiding behind the seatbacks.

All up, the HS Plus EV does not disappoint when it comes to space and practicality inside the cabin, making for a very family-friendly package filled with premium touches without an excessive price tag attached.

How Big is the MG HS Plus EV’s Boot?

With the rear seats standing, the MG HS Plus EV has a boot measuring 451L, which is a healthy amount that lacks that of the best cargo-moving dimensions in the midsize SUV segment.

The HS Plus EV’s 451L boot is slightly down on the regular HS petrol, which has a 463L boot.

Fold the second row down and you’ll unlock 1,275L of boot space when it’s time to lug around bulky cargo, with some added storage under the floor to hide your charging cables.

Is it Safe?

The MG HS Plus EV range comes fitted with a decent list of active safety gear.

Headlining the list is an autonomous emergency braking system, lane-keep assist with lane-centring, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert system and traffic jam assist.

A surround-view monitor is bundled into the range-topping Essence variant.

Does the MG HS Plus EV Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

Unfortunately, the MG HS Plus EV is yet to be tested by ANCAP, though the rest of the HS petrol lineup has actually received the five-star safety tick.

For reference, the standard MG HS lineup received its five-star ANCAP safety rating after scoring the following marks though, as a reminder, these scores do not apply to the HS Plus EV range.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 92%

• Child Occupant Protection: 83%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 64%

• Safety Assist: 77% 

What Warranty Does the MG HS Plus EV Come With?

One area the MG HS Plus EV definitely doesn’t disappoint is the long-term ownership program, which is headlined by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty for the vehicle, battery pack and high-voltage components.

Buyers also pick up a seven-year roadside assist package when serviced within the MG dealer network.

MG offers ten years of capped-price servicing for the HS range, including the HS Plus EV, which totals $5,002 over the course of ten scheduled services.

Service intervals for the HS Plus EV stand at a comparatively short 12-months or 10,000-kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the MG HS Plus EV Worth it?

While it’s not the most well-rounded or efficient plug-in hybrid on the market, it’s hard to ignore the HG Plus EV as a family-friendly value proposition.

With healthy electric driving figures from its large battery pack, the HS Plus EV offers real-world usability for drivers looking for a smooth and often silent commuter, though keep in mind the hit to economy figures when the battery is flat.

All up, the HS Plus EV provides buyers outstanding value for money in the family-friendly PHEV segment and offers a well-appointed, spacious interior and a long ownership program that is sure to keep owners happy down the line.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can take the stress out of the process and find you the best possible price.

Five MG HS Plus EV Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, includes battery and e-motor

2. Ten-years capped-price servicing available

3. No ANCAP safety rating (petrol HS receives five-star rating)

4. 63km all-electric range from 16.6kWh battery pack

5. Front-wheel drive only, ten-speed automatic transmission