MG returns to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle space with they new-generation HS 'Super Hybrid' that promises a Sydney to Melbourne trip without stopping.
Family Cars
MG Motor Australia is pitching its 2025 MG HS ‘Super Hybrid’ as one of the most affordable mid-size plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in Australia, positioned at $52,990 drive-away in Excite form and $55,990 for the top-spec Essence.
This puts it above the BYD Sealion 6 (from $42,990 before on-road costs) and Jaecoo J7 PHEV ($47,990 drive-away), but undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander (from $57,290 before on-road costs).
Powering the MG HS PHEV, marketed as ‘Super Hybrid’, is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 220kW/350Nm.
Also part of the high-voltage system is a 24.7kWh battery, which is rated to allow all-electric driving of 135km under less-stringent NEDC testing.
However, with the petrol engine coming into play, “drivers can expect to achieve a 1000km range”, according to MG’s internal testing that has seen the brand travel from Sydney to Melbourne with 100km of range remaining.
MG Motor Australia is touting a 5.0 litre per 100km “real-world” fuel consumption figure, higher than the claimed – and lab-tested – numbers of the Sealion 6 (1.1L/100km) and J7 (1L/100km).
This is partly due to the system keeping some charge in reserve to operate as a hybrid vehicle like those in the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson when away from a charger, similar to what BYD and Mitsubishi can do with their respective Sealion 6 and Outlander models.
MG is yet to confirm specification details on the HS PHEV, but if the ‘Super Hybrid’ mirrors its petrol-powered HS siblings, expect a high-level of equipment for both variants.
Highlights in the Excite grade include 19-inch wheels, a surround-view monitor, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a full safety suite including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and front and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Petrol-powered HS Essence grades add a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, heated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and more.
If the HS 'Super Hybrid' shares the same equipment list as its stablemates, the plug-in hybrid system will command a $16,000 and $15,000 premium in Excite and Essence forms respectively.
Full specifications will be revealed closer to its September arrival date.
Family Cars Guide
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
