MG HS PHEV tops test of 59 Plug-in Hybrids

19th May 2026

Once again, another of Britain’s leading motoring media has named the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) as the top choice for anyone looking for an efficient PHEV combining a petrol engine and electric motor with a decent all-electric range.

In a 59 car megatest by Auto Express magazine, the MG HS PHEV was declared the number one plug-in hybrid, concluding that it is: “The best plug-in hybrid you can buy right now.”

This recognition adds to the MG HS PHEV’s multi award-winning success of being named What Car? magazine’s Best Plug-in Hybrid of the Year 2025 and 2026.

“Being named the best plug-in hybrid by two of the UK’s most popular car magazines is seriously credible independent recognition for the MG HS PHEV,”said Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director, MG Motor UK.“Coming top of 59 PHEV cars available in the UK and retaining the What Car? Plug-in Hybrid of the Year title for two consecutive years is an achievement everyone at MG is incredibly proud of. It is also a tribute to MG’s commitment to delivering advanced technology and great value for everyone,”he added.

Combining the best of petrol and electric power, the MG HS PHEV offers a smooth, efficient drive ideal for both daily commutes and longer journeys. With a 24.7kWh battery, it delivers up to 75 miles of pure electric range - perfect for everyday driving, with lower emissions and running costs.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and premium, featuring dual 12.3” screens for an intuitive, connected experience. Heated front seats come as standard, and optional tan leather-style upholstery adds a touch of luxury. Blending performance, practicality, and elegance, the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid is built for modern drivers who want more.

MG HS PHEV tops test of 59 Plug-in Hybrids

Auto Express PHEV Megatest: First Place from 59 Cars
In its landmark PHEV megatest published on 14 May 2026, Auto Express subjected 16 well-known plug-in hybrid drivetrains - representing every option available across 59 UK-market cars - to three days of rigorous real-world evaluation. Testing covered pure electric range, hybrid fuel economy, dynamics, refinement and everyday usability.

Claiming first place, Auto Express praised the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid’s exceptional real-world electric range of 68 miles - the furthest of any car tested - achieved despite six rivals carrying larger batteries. At £32,495 (on-the-road), the MG HS PHEV also undercut every other car in the top five by a substantial margin. The test also noted monthly lease costs for the MGHS PHEV were up to £200 less per month compared with the car in second place.

Auto Express described the MG HS as “a decent car, at a terrific price” and concluded that it is “the best plug-in hybrid you can buy right now.” The magazine also highlighted the MG’s 295bhp powertrain, efficient hybrid system, relaxed driving character and logical, user-friendly digital interfaces as key strengths, which it says put it on par with a popular German competitor.

The MG HS also placed in the 7% Benefit-in-Kind tax band - one of only five cars in the test to do so - making it an strong proposition for company car drivers as well as private buyers.

What Car? Plug-in Hybrid of the Year: Back-to-Back Wins in 2025 and 2026
The Auto Express victory builds on the MG HS PHEV’s already impressive award record. At the What Car? Car of the Year Awards, the MG HS PHEV was named Plug-in Hybrid of the Year in both 2025 and 2026 - making it the only car to have claimed that title in consecutive years.

What Car? praised the MG HS PHEV for the value it offers and its combination of: an official electric range of up to 75 miles, a powerful 295bhp output, plus a spacious and well-appointed interior, making it a strong choice as a private buy as well as a fleet choice.

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