2025 MG HS Tremendous Hybrid overview: Fast drive

I do know what you’re pondering – ‘what on Earth is a Tremendous Hybrid?!’

Automotive naming conventions and technical terminology continues to turn into extra various and little doubt complicated for the common client, however China’s MG is hoping to make plug-in hybrid (PHEV) possession easier.

As a result of arrive round September alongside the non-plug-in HS Hybrid+, the Tremendous Hybrid quotes a giant 120km of electric-only driving vary on the WLTP cycle, and a mixed gas declare of simply 0.42L/100km.

MG Australia has coined the time period ‘Tremendous Hybrid’ to stay on its new PHEV fashions which were tailor-made for the Australian market, beginning with the HS mid-size SUV.

Whereas on paper the {hardware} and basic specification of the 2025 MG HS Tremendous Hybrid seems to align with the HS Plug-in Hybrid supplied within the UK, MG’s native division has tailor-made the drivetrain’s software program to behave extra like a traditional hybrid with a long-range battery, slightly than prioritising EV mode like most PHEVs.

WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2025 MG HS 1.5T

The rationale? MG Australia says it hopes native patrons will discover this type of PHEV simpler, given it figures out essentially the most environment friendly approach to attract upon its dual-power system and obtain hyper-miler mixed driving vary of over 1000km on a full cost and tank of gas.

We joined a pre-production street drive in Sydney to see if MG Australia’s fettled plug-in hybrid SUV has what it takes to duke it out with the likes of the top-selling BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.

How a lot does the MG HS price?

Pricing and specs for the brand new MG HS Tremendous Hybrid hasn’t been introduced, however the model’s native division has indicated the plug-in HS can be obtainable throughout a number of trim ranges.

We’re additionally but to listen to particulars on pricing for the HS Hybrid+, which is able to sit between the Tremendous Hybrid and the usual turbocharged petrol vary.

At the moment, the HS 1.5T begins from a fairly sharp $33,990 drive-away for the bottom Vibe, with the flagship Essence topping out at $40,990 drive-away.

The previous-generation HS Plus EV was Australia’s most reasonably priced plug-in hybrid, and for a time period was additionally the preferred. It commanded a circa-$14,000 premium over the equal petrol HS.

CarExpert is anticipating the HS Tremendous Hybrid can be obtainable in mid-range Excite and flagship Essence grades, doubtless commanding round a $10,000 upcharge over the equal HS 1.5T and round $5000 greater than the Hybrid+.

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

What’s the MG HS like on the within?

The pre-production automobiles have been a mixture of specs largely aligned with the petrol-powered Excite and Essence grades. Nothing is absolutely new right here.

Huge screens, minimal bodily switchgear and a usually upmarket presentation headline the cabin. MG’s newest era of merchandise are exhibiting the Chinese language model’s huge positive aspects in constructing strong, premium-feeling automobiles.

Tremendous Hybrid-specific options are restricted to particular graphics and readouts within the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

The latter can also be the place you toggle issues like HEV/EV modes and regenerative braking depth, until you set one of many two ‘star’ configurable shortcut buttons to flick by means of settings on the fly.

I’ll admit the touchscreen-heavy methodology to toggle settings can get a bit convoluted and fiddly if you happen to’re additionally utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – although there are arduous shortcut buttons for choose capabilities beneath the display screen.

MG says the HS Tremendous Hybrid will arrive with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the prototypes on take a look at solely had a wired connection like the present petrol vary.

The digital instrument cluster is clear although doesn’t supply a complete lot by way of customisation aside from three distinct views, with essentially the most detailed being the navigation map view.

It’s a disgrace there’s no more subtle graphics and menus past the switchable left and proper widgets – I’d favor nicer dial-type readouts that take up extra of the show actual property.

Forward of the motive force there’s additionally a color head-up show that initiatives onto the windscreen, exhibiting automobile velocity, help programs in addition to turn-by-turn navigation prompts the place relevant.

Pictured is the inside of an Essence-spec automobile with the non-compulsory tan leather-based, which might not be to all tastes however provides a pleasant pop of contrasting color and texture to the cabin.

Being nearly similar to the petrol-powered MG HS inside, there’s good house within the second row for lanky youngsters and above average-sized adults, although it doesn’t really feel fairly as huge as one thing like an Outlander PHEV.

MG hasn’t absolutely detailed the inside dimensions of the HS Tremendous Hybrid, nevertheless it seems the PHEV retains its 507-litre boot from the petrol mannequin in line with UK specs, increasing to 1484 litres with the rear bench folded.

The petrol HS will get an area saver spare wheel in Australia, although it’s unclear whether or not the PHEV will get the identical or a tyre restore equipment – for reference, the large hybrid battery is positioned within the ground plan like an EV, slightly than below the boot.

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

What’s below the bonnet?

The HS Tremendous Hybrid attracts upon a 1.5-litre turbocharged PHEV system largely shared with the equal HS Plug-in Hybrid bought within the UK – which means the bigger 24.7kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.

MG says the “built-in two-speed ratio transmission” simulates a nine-speed automated, shifting between the turbocharged petrol engine and the “G3” water-cooled traction motor. There’s additionally a brand new 61kW motor-generator.

Not like previous-generation PHEVs, which might nearly absolutely deplete the battery pack to maximise EV vary, the MG HS Tremendous Hybrid will retain round 20 per cent state of cost (SoC) when exhibiting 0km of usable EV vary to proceed working effectively as a traditional hybrid – therefore the 4.5-5.0L/100km declare with a depleted battery.

With a completely charged battery and the 55-litre gas tank stuffed (with 95 RON premium juice), MG reckons you’ll recover from 1000km of complete driving vary – which means the 875km journey from Melbourne to Sydney ought to be no stress in any respect.

The MG HS Hybrid+, in the meantime, is powered by a 165kW/340Nm petrol-electric hybrid system, good for mixed gas economic system of 5.2L/100km. For reference, the top-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid makes use of a claimed 4.7 litres per 100km.

Just like the smaller ZS Hybrid+, the HS Hybrid+ incorporates a a lot smaller 1.83kWh battery pack which is charged solely by the engine, slightly than providing the power to be plugged in like within the Tremendous Hybrid.

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

How does the MG HS drive?

The previous-generation HS Plus EV wasn’t actually my favorite PHEV to drive because of its at occasions disjointed drivetrain and common dynamics – this new one is a revelation by comparability.

Our drive program began at MG Australia’s technical coaching centre in Alexandria, Sydney; and took us out to Camden south-west of the NSW capital (after which again) – all up, this journey was over 200 kilometres.

The model’s crew ensured we received a mixture of inner-city and suburban streets, highways in addition to 110km/h open freeway to essentially take a look at the Tremendous Hybrid system’s adaptability to Australia’s big selection of roads and situations.

Now let’s clarify the Australian tackle MG’s PHEV system earlier than we transfer on as merely as we are able to. Basically, MG Australia’s crew has tuned the Tremendous Hybrid to default to HEV or ‘Hybrid’ mode in contrast to the UK model, although it’ll drive as an EV beneath 80km/h which is most day by day commuting eventualities for most individuals.

The HS Tremendous Hybrid will draw upon its turbocharged petrol engine when most acceleration is required by way of throttle inputs, or when the automobile exceeds 80km/h akin to on the freeway – when the ICE unit can be working at its most effective.

Driving out of Alexandria and in direction of the freeway, the HS very fortunately putted alongside utilizing solely the 135kW/340Nm electrical traction motor. It has loads of shove for these eventualities, and is greater than able to getting the HS as much as freeway speeds if you happen to lock it in EV mode.

We simply left the automotive in HEV mode to essentially take a look at out MG’s claims, and from the get-go we have been fairly impressed. The cluster confirmed over 120km of electrical vary on a full cost, and was dipping below 20kWh/100km in stop-start driving with petrol use in any respect.

By way of Sydney’s community of tunnels the HS Tremendous Hybrid sat properly at 90km/h shuffling between energy sources, which noticed the gas consumption readout slowly climb to about 2-3L/100km. The HS’s cabin is so effectively insulated that you just don’t even know when the engine is working or taking up – the transition between engines is seamless.

Total it’s a really calm place to spend time, save for a little bit of tyre noise over rougher surfaces. You may really feel the added weight of the massive battery pack, nevertheless it roughly lends a extra strong and safe street really feel slightly than feeling lumpy and cumbersome.

If something it rides a bit more durable than the petrol HS, because the suspension has been tuned to take care of the added weight of the electrified componentry.

Like the usual HS, the Tremendous Hybrid presents very impartial and predictable dealing with and response to driver inputs. The steering is mild, and the brake really feel is mostly fairly progressive at the same time as you shift between regen and mechanical braking.

It could actually really feel a bit top-heavy if you happen to take a nook too rapidly, however there’s good grip from the Bridgestone Alenza tyres fitted to the pre-production prototypes driving on bigger 19-inch alloy wheels, and this was additional evident on our windy second drive leg by means of a really moist and gloomy nationwide park.

In reality, the climate was nothing wanting horrible all day, with bouts of torrential rain and patches of flash-flooding alongside our two drive legs. Fortunately, the HS Tremendous Hybrid wasn’t phased regardless of being solely front-wheel drive, solely spinning its wheels when requested to do a full-throttle dash up a freeway on-ramp to check its acceleration – spoiler alert, it’s fairly darn fast.

Efficiency typically is fairly good no matter whether or not you’re utilizing the e-motor, petrol engine, or a mixture of each. The built-in two-speed transmission doesn’t act like a CVT, nor can you actually really feel its 9 simulated ‘steps’ on the transfer – regardless, it’s a really clean drivetrain that’s fairly environment friendly.

After driving to and from Camden on a mixture of roads, the HS Tremendous Hybrid was nonetheless exhibiting 5km of usable electrical vary and an indicated gas consumption of two.4L/100km. Indicated complete driving vary was round 900km… not dangerous.

A big portion of the return leg – after the moist and wild ‘nasho’ run – was spent on high-speed freeway heading again to MG’s Alexandria base, the place the plug-in SUV very fortunately sat at 110km/h with its MG Pilot help tech doing the heavy lifting when climate permitted.

Whereas I’ve discovered plenty of Chinese language-branded vehicles are sometimes twitchy and overzealous with their driver help execution, the HS did a fairly good job of protecting on the straight and slim with out wrestling management of the automobile out of my fingers.

The one factor that wanted to be switched off was the annoying overspeed audio alerts which chime when the velocity restrict adjustments and in addition when the indicated velocity exceeds mentioned signed restrict – very like automobiles from Hyundai and Kia.

It’s in any other case fairly intuitive and consumer pleasant, centring the HS inside its lane and protecting a secure distance from the automobile in entrance. On a few events, nonetheless, the array of cameras and sensors would lose observe of lane markings in artificially lit tunnels.

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

What do you get?

Whereas MG Australia hasn’t confirmed specs for the Tremendous Hybrid vary, we are able to use the usual petrol HS vary as a information.

2025 MG HS Vibe gear highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Computerized LED headlights
• LED daytime working lights
• LED tail-lights
• Rear fog lights
• Silver roof rails
• Glass printed antenna
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Electronically adjustable heated aspect mirrors
• Polyurethane steering wheel
• Leather-based gear selector
• Material upholstery
• 6-way powered driver’s seat
• 4-way handbook passenger seat
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment show
• Rear air-conditioning
• 6-speaker sound system
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4 x USB ports (2 x entrance, 2 x rear)
• Sort-A to Sort-C USB adaptor
• Keyless entry, push-button begin

HS Excite provides:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Entrance fog lights
• Navigation on cluster
• PVC upholstery
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 12-month MG iSmart entry

HS Essence provides:

• Energy folding aspect mirrors with reminiscence perform
• Rear privateness glass
• Driver’s seat reminiscence perform
• 4-way powered passenger seat
• Heated entrance seats
• Computerized dual-zone air-conditioning
• Energy tailgate
• 8-speaker sound system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Sun shades field
• Wi-fi telephone charger

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

Is the MG HS secure?

The brand new MG HS wears a 2024-stamped five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on Euro NCAP exams – this ranking presently solely covers petrol fashions, not the hybrids.

Commonplace security options on all MG HS variants embrace:

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre
• Adaptive cruise management
• Clever cruise help
• Visitors jam help
• Lively Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Lane change help
• Lane hold help
• Lane departure warning system
• Entrance and rear collision warning
• Entrance and rear cross visitors alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digicam
• Tyre strain monitoring

Excite and above add:

• Entrance parking sensors
• Encompass-view digicam with clear chassis

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

How a lot does the MG HS price to run?

MG Australia covers its vary with a really lengthy 10 12 months, 250,000km guarantee (together with EV and hybrid batteries) with as much as 10 years of roadside help offered you service throughout the model’s vendor community.

Given the HS Tremendous Hybrid remains to be some months away from occurring sale in Australia, we’re nonetheless ready on full particulars round service pricing. Keep tuned for an replace within the lead-up to its market arrival.

To see how the MG HS traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software

CarExpert’s Tackle the MG HS

Primarily based purely on driving these pre-production automobiles, there’s plenty of promise from MG’s new mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV – it’s not simply ‘good for a Chinese language automotive’, it’s superb full cease.

Whereas we don’t know something about its value positioning or native specification in the mean time, the MG HS Tremendous Hybrid is an extremely environment friendly mid-size SUV with hypermiler vary between fills and costs, which drives effectively in addition.

Even higher, it seems to be and feels similar to an everyday HS, which is already a powerful and robust worth providing in its personal proper on the base stage. If the HS was already arguably the choose of MG Australia’s lineup, this new Tremendous Hybrid might show to be the most effective of the bunch ought to the Chinese language model get the value proper.

With a clean, seamless and refined drivetrain, mature on-road manners and respectable, if not exemplary, dealing with traits, the MG HS Tremendous Hybrid could possibly be a wonderful different to common hybrid choices from the standard suspects like Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.

PHEV gross sales proceed to develop in Australia as extra choices arrive on our shores and, whereas the federal authorities’s tax incentives could have vanished for plug-in hybrids, there’s nonetheless a robust case to be made for this sort of automobile ought to it match a client’s particular person life-style wants.

You would theoretically drive this HS for weeks with out utilizing gas, and hold the battery juiced by plugging it into a traditional wall socket for round 10 hours in a single day. While you want it, the petrol engine can take you additional, and the intelligent hybrid system will hold gas use to the same stage to that of standard hybrids too.

Ought to pricing land the place we anticipate it to, the HS Tremendous Hybrid will supply higher electric-only and mixed vary than the BYD Sealion 6, whereas nonetheless being considerably cheaper than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Throw in that 10-year guarantee, roadside help and capped-price service program, and MG could possibly be onto a winner.

For now, we’ll want to sit down tight and await last pricing and specs earlier than we make a name on its worth proposition, after which we’ll must drive last production-spec automobiles in September to see if any enhancements are made to the drivetrain.

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