One SUV, three ways to power it
MG HS Petrol vs Hybrid+ vs Plug-in Hybrid
Every MG HS offers generous family space, dual-screen technology and strong value. The important difference is how each version produces its power—and how well that suits your everyday driving.
Choose straightforward petrol, self-charging Hybrid+ or a Plug-in Hybrid capable of travelling up to 75 miles on electric power.[1]
Quick comparison
Which MG HS Fits Your Driving?
The right version depends less on the vehicle itself—the body, cabin and core technology are closely related—and more on your journey pattern, access to charging and preferred transmission.
| Comparison | MG HS Petrol | MG HS Hybrid+ | MG HS Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK price from | £26,495 OTR | £29,495 OTR | £32,495 OTR |
| Power | 169 PS | 225 PS | Approximately 299 PS |
| 0–62mph | 9.4 seconds | 7.9 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT | 2-speed automatic | 2-speed automatic |
| External charging | No | No | Yes |
| Battery | Not applicable | 1.83kWh hybrid battery | 24.7kWh plug-in battery |
| Electric-only range | Not applicable | Short low-speed operation as managed by the car | Up to 75 miles WLTP |
| Official combined economy | Varies by gearbox | 51.3mpg | Best when charged regularly |
| Best suited to | Simple ownership and longer journeys | Mixed driving without charging | Regular charging and electric commuting |
Powertrain guide
Three Different Ways to Drive the Same Family SUV
All three versions share the same practical foundations, but their performance and ownership experience are noticeably different.
Traditional and Straightforward
The Petrol is the simplest route into the MG HS range. Its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine produces 169 PS and 275 Nm, with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available.[2]
- From £26,495 OTR
- 169 PS and 275 Nm
- 0–62mph in 9.4 seconds
- Manual or DCT automatic
- No charging or hybrid system to manage
Hybrid Efficiency Without a Plug
Hybrid+ combines a petrol engine, electric motor and 1.83kWh battery. The car manages EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive modes automatically, while regenerative braking recovers energy as you slow down.[3]
- From £29,495 OTR
- 225 PS combined output
- 0–62mph in 7.9 seconds
- 51.3mpg WLTP combined
- 126g/km of CO₂
Maximum Electric Driving
The Plug-in Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a larger 24.7kWh battery and electric motor. Current UK models provide up to 75 miles of electric-only range and reach 62mph in 6.8 seconds.[4]
- From £32,495 OTR
- Approximately 299 PS
- 0–62mph in 6.8 seconds
- Up to 75 miles electric range
- Vehicle-to-Load capability
The simplest decision
Choose Based on How You Actually Drive
The lowest fuel-use figure is not automatically the right answer. A plug-in hybrid only delivers its strongest benefit when it is charged regularly, while a conventional hybrid can be more convenient for drivers without charging access.
Choose Petrol If...
You want the lowest starting price, cover a lot of longer journeys, prefer a manual option or simply want a conventional SUV with no charging routine.
Choose Hybrid+ If...
You drive a mixture of urban and longer routes, want an automatic and would benefit from hybrid efficiency without ever plugging the car in.
Choose Plug-in Hybrid If...
You have reliable home or workplace charging and your regular journeys fit comfortably within the 75-mile official electric range.
SE or Trophy?
MG HS Trim-Level Differences
The same two grades are offered across the range. SE already includes the main infotainment, navigation and safety technology; Trophy adds the features most guests associate with a more premium specification.[1]
SE
The value-focused specification with dual digital displays, navigation, MG Pilot, reversing camera, six-speaker audio and an electrically adjustable driver's seat.
Trophy
Adds heated leather-style seating, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, an upgraded audio system and a powered tailgate.
| Feature | SE | Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| Dual 12.3-inch displays | Standard | Standard |
| Satellite navigation | Standard | Live services added |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Standard | Standard; wireless on Hybrid+ |
| MG Pilot safety technology | Standard | Standard |
| Parking camera | Rear camera and sensors | 360-degree HD camera |
| Front seats | Cloth; driver's six-way electric adjustment | Heated leather-style; electric passenger adjustment |
| Driver's memory and easy access | Not included | Included |
| Air conditioning | Standard climate system | Dual-zone automatic |
| Audio | Six speakers | Eight speakers |
| Wireless phone charging | Not included | Included |
| Tailgate | Manual | Powered; hands-free on Hybrid+ and PHEV |
| Keyless entry and start | Standard | Standard |
| Interior choice | Cloth | Black or optional tan leather-style |
Current UK recognition
The Plug-in Hybrid’s Award Record
The PHEV has become the most independently recognised member of the current HS family, particularly for electric range, practicality and value.
What Car? Best Plug-in Hybrid
The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid retained the What Car? Plug-in Hybrid of the Year title for 2026 after also winning in 2025. MG reports that the judges highlighted its space, electric range, practicality and accessible pricing.[7]
Read the official award newsTop of 59 Plug-in Hybrids
In a 2026 Auto Express comparison covering 59 UK-market plug-in hybrids, the HS placed first. The test recorded 68 miles of real-world electric driving and praised its value and user-friendly cabin.[6]
Read the official test summaryCompare the range in person
Explore the MG HS at Invicta Motors
A test drive is the clearest way to understand the difference between conventional petrol, self-charging Hybrid+ and plug-in hybrid driving. Check current stock and demonstrator availability with Invicta MG.
Frequently asked questions
MG HS Powertrains Explained
Answers to common questions about charging, performance, pricing, practicality and trim levels.
What is the difference between the MG HS Petrol, Hybrid+ and Plug-in Hybrid?
The Petrol uses only a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and requires no charging. Hybrid+ combines petrol and electric power but charges itself while driving. The Plug-in Hybrid has a larger battery that can be charged externally and provides up to 75 miles of electric-only range.
Which MG HS is cheapest?
At the time of publication, the MG HS Petrol SE manual starts from £26,495 OTR, the MG HS Hybrid+ starts from £29,495 OTR and the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid starts from £32,495 OTR.
Which MG HS is most powerful?
The Plug-in Hybrid is the most powerful version, with approximately 299 PS and a 0–62mph time of 6.8 seconds. Hybrid+ produces 225 PS, while the Petrol produces 169 PS.
Does the MG HS Hybrid+ need to be plugged in?
No. Hybrid+ is a self-charging hybrid. It recovers energy while slowing down and can switch automatically between electric, hybrid and petrol driving modes.
How far can the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid travel on electric power?
The current UK MG HS Plug-in Hybrid has an official WLTP electric-only range of up to 75 miles from its 24.7kWh battery. Real-world range varies with temperature, speed, route and vehicle load.
Which MG HS is best for motorway driving?
The Petrol is the simplest option for drivers who mainly cover longer journeys and do not want to charge. Hybrid+ can also suit mixed motorway and urban use, while the Plug-in Hybrid works best when it can be charged regularly.
Which MG HS is best for town driving?
Hybrid+ is particularly well suited to stop-start traffic because it can use electric power at low speeds without requiring external charging. The Plug-in Hybrid can cover many urban journeys entirely on electricity when charged.
Do all MG HS versions have the same boot space?
The MG HS range offers up to 507 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place and up to 1,484 litres with them folded, although underfloor packaging may differ between powertrains.
What is the difference between SE and Trophy?
SE includes dual 12.3-inch displays, satellite navigation, smartphone connectivity, MG Pilot and an electrically adjustable driver's seat. Trophy adds features including a 360-degree camera, heated front seats, leather-style upholstery, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, an upgraded audio system and a powered tailgate.
Where can I test drive an MG HS at Invicta Motors?
Guests can explore the MG HS range through Invicta MG Canterbury, Invicta MG Maidstone and Invicta MG Croydon, subject to current model and demonstrator availability.
References
Sources and Further Reading
The comparison has been updated using MG Motor UK's July 2026 range information and current Invicta Motors model pages.
- 1
MG HS range brochure — July 2026 MG Motor UK
- 2
MG HS petrol official UK model page MG Motor UK
- 3
MG HS Hybrid+ official UK model page MG Motor UK
- 4
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid official UK model page MG Motor UK
- 5
- 6
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid tops test of 59 PHEVs MG Motor UK
- 7
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid retains What Car? title MG Motor UK
- 8
MG HS petrol at Invicta Motors Invicta Motors
- 9
MG HS Hybrid+ at Invicta Motors Invicta Motors
- 10
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid at Invicta Motors Invicta Motors
Find your MG HS
Which Powertrain Is Right for You?
Explore current MG HS stock and offers or speak with Invicta MG about comparing Petrol, Hybrid+ and Plug-in Hybrid on a test drive.