The MG HS Plus EV is the first plug-in hybrid C-segment SUV under SAIC Motor's MG marque. Developed from the petrol-powered MG HS, it officially debuted at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2019. Marketed domestically in China as the "MG eHS" and badged as the "MG HS Plus EV" in overseas markets, it is positioned as a compact PHEV SUV, representing one of the earliest offerings in this segment from a Chinese domestic automaker.
The domestic MG eHS was offered in 3 variants, priced between RM189,800 and RM219,800 after subsidies. Dimensions stand at 4,574 mm in length, 1,876 mm in width, and 1,685 mm in height, with a 2,720 mm wheelbase in a 5-door, 5-seater layout. Manufactured at SAIC Motor's Ningde plant, the MG eHS was engineered to comply with stringent European regulations, making it one of China's first PHEV SUVs to simultaneously meet European regulatory standards including REACH, E-MARK, and ECE R100, underscoring its role as a global product.
The exterior styling of the MG eHS closely mirrors the petrol-powered HS, carrying over MG's signature family design language. The front fascia features a starry matrix grille flanked by "London Eye" LED daytime running lights that integrate seamlessly with the grille to accentuate visual width. The primary visual cues distinguishing it from the petrol variant include an AC charging port located on the right rear quarter panel, alongside dedicated "eHS" and "500T" badges at the rear.
In terms of paint options, the eHS introduces an exclusive "Copenhagen Blue" exterior finish, serving as the signature visual hue for this PHEV model. The cabin features extensive soft-touch upholstery and adds an exclusive "Monaco Blue" interior colourway, complementing the "Copenhagen Blue" exterior for a cohesive electrified aesthetic. Appointments include a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display, integrated sports seats, and a BOSE premium sound system, providing an overall cabin ambience superior to most PHEV rivals in its class.
The export-market MG HS Plus EV retains virtually identical exterior styling to the domestic eHS, differing only in badging and nomenclature.
The MG HS Plus EV is powered by SAIC's in-house developed "NetBlue" plug-in hybrid powertrain. The domestic MG eHS variant pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine producing 124 kW (169 PS) and 250 Nm of torque with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivering 90 kW (122 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. Total system output is rated at 214 kW (291 PS) and 480 Nm of torque, channeled through a 10-speed EDU Gen-2 intelligent electric drive transmission (AMT architecture) that provides ten simulated gear ratios for the parallel hybrid setup. The official 0–100 km/h acceleration time is 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h.
For energy storage, the domestic MG eHS is equipped with a 16.6 kWh ternary lithium battery pack with cells supplied by CATL-Yikon, delivering an NEDC pure electric driving range of 75 km. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.3 L/100 km under the NEDC cycle and 3.5 L/100 km under the WLTC cycle, with fuel consumption in battery-depleted charge-sustaining mode rated at 4.9 L/100 km.
Specifications for the overseas MG HS Plus EV are largely aligned with the domestic version, with minor market-specific variations. The Australian and New Zealand market variants deliver an NEDC pure electric range of 63 km, an NEDC combined fuel consumption of 1.7 L/100 km, an engine output of 119 kW, an electric motor output of 90 kW, and a combined output of 189 kW and 370 Nm.
The second-generation 2025 MG HS PHEV (already rolled out in select export markets) features a substantially upgraded powertrain. Battery capacity has been increased to 24.7 kWh (21.4 kWh in certain markets), providing a WLTP pure electric range of 100–121 km, an NEDC pure electric range of approximately 120 km, and a WLTC pure electric range of 100 km. The upgraded electric motor produces 135–154 kW (around 209 PS), paired with a 144 PS petrol engine to complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.
The MG HS Plus EV is built on a monocoque chassis utilizing a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. The suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear, reflecting the mainstream standard for C-segment SUVs. Braking is handled by disc brakes front and rear with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), complemented by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. It features an approach angle of 19°, a departure angle of 28°, and a fully laden ground clearance of 145 mm, offering solid drivability on urban and paved roads.
In terms of driving modes, a dedicated EV mode button is located next to the gear selector to prioritize pure electric driving. The vehicle also comes standard with MG's XDS cornering dynamic control system, which applies slight braking force to the inner wheels during cornering to enhance handling stability.
The chassis is tuned primarily for family-oriented ride comfort, with the rear multi-link independent suspension providing pliant bump absorption and handling performance superior to torsion-beam rivals in the same class. Below is a comparative overview of key specifications across variants:
| Model | Launch Year | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Pure Electric Range (Cycle) | Combined Output (kW/PS) | Combined Torque (Nm) | 0–100 km/h (s) | Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG eHS (Domestic) | 2019 | 16.6 | 75 km (NEDC) | 214 kW / 291 PS | 480 | 6.6 | 1.3 |
| MG HS Plus EV (Overseas) | 2022–2024 | 16.6 | 52–63 km (WLTC/NEDC) | 189 kW | 370–480 | 6.9 | 1.7–3.5 |
| MG HS PHEV (Gen 2) | 2025– | 21.4–24.7 | 100–121 km (WLTP) | Approx. 250 kW | Approx. 500 | 6.8 | Approx. 1.1 |
| MG HS Super Hybrid | 2025– | 24.7 | Approx. 120 km (WLTP) | 220 kW | 350 | — | 0.7 |
The MG eHS cabin prioritises a tech-focused and premium ambience, coming standard across the range with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen powered by the "Banma Zhixing 3.0" connected infotainment system. Jointly developed by Alibaba and SAIC Motor, the system supports voice control, online navigation, music streaming, and remote vehicle telematics, with complimentary lifetime basic services and data included across the range.
In terms of convenience and comfort, the front row features integrated sports seats, and audio is handled by a BOSE premium sound system. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, complete with rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports, alongside ample storage solutions for everyday use.
Overseas specifications see minor trim differences. In Australia and New Zealand, the entry-level Excite trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-start button, synthetic leather upholstery, a 6-speaker audio system, and rear air vents. The higher-spec Essence trim upgrades to 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, and additional kit. The infotainment unit supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity alongside satellite navigation.
For active safety, the MG eHS comes standard across all variants with the MG PILOT advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), incorporating Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Intelligent High Beam Assist.
On the passive safety front, 6 airbags are standard across the range (dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags). The body shell utilizes a high-strength cage structure reinforced with hot-stamped steel in critical structural zones.
Notable discrepancies exist regarding safety ratings: The petrol-powered MG HS earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019 based on Euro NCAP testing protocols (scoring 86% for Adult Occupant Protection, 85% for Child Occupant Protection, 64% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 64% for Safety Assist). However, as of 2024, Australasia's ANCAP has not conducted a standalone crash test on the plug-in hybrid HS Plus EV, carrying over ratings only from the petrol version. Similarly in China, the MG eHS has not undergone dedicated public C-NCAP crash testing for its PHEV configuration. Prospective buyers are advised to check the latest localized safety test publications before purchasing.
When the MG eHS entered China's new energy vehicle market in 2019, the compact PHEV SUV segment was largely dominated by the BYD Song Pro DM, while internal competition came from fellow SAIC offerings like the Roewe RX5 eMAX. The MG eHS established its distinctive value proposition by leveraging its "built-to-European-standards" global pedigree, a brisk 6.6-second 0–100 km/h acceleration time, and premium kit like the BOSE sound system.
In export markets, the MG HS Plus EV plugged an entry-level pricing void for mid-sized PHEV SUVs across Australia and New Zealand. Debuting in Australia in 2022 from AUD43,690, it became the most affordable PHEV in the market. Motoring media praised its 63 km pure electric range, spacious cabin, and 7-year unlimited-mileage warranty, though reviewers also noted a slightly coarse petrol engine note and less intuitive PHEV drive mode calibration.
In Europe, the HS ranked as MG's third best-selling model in the first half of 2024, with PHEV variants accounting for roughly 16% of total sales. In 2024, the second-generation HS PHEV launched in the UK with an attractive starting price of £31,495—roughly 35% lower than an entry-level Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV—giving it a substantial competitive price advantage.
Across 2024 and 2025, with the second-generation model rolling out in Europe and Australia featuring a substantially larger battery pack and a WLTP pure electric range exceeding 120 km, the model's market competitiveness improved markedly. Conversely in the Chinese domestic market, intensifying competition in the compact PHEV segment led to a slower update cadence for the MG eHS from 2024 onward, as MG's domestic electrification focus shifted towards dedicated battery electric vehicles (BEVs) like the MG4 EV and MG Cyberster.
By 2025, MG's global annual sales approached 920,000 units, with European and UK annual sales surpassing 300,000 units. As the pioneering plug-in hybrid model in MG's global portfolio, the MG eHS / MG HS Plus EV served as an instrumental stepping stone in expanding SAIC Motor's overseas new energy distribution footprint and driving international brand equity.
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