Test drive of the MG EHS: the furore of electric driving at a bargain price

With the electrification of mobility taking on an increasingly important role, brands such as MG are trying to gain market share with models that are affordable for every budget. But the low price is not the only virtue promised by the models of the British brand, which has had Chinese ownership since its return a couple of years ago, and we have taken the wheel of the MG EHS to see whether this plug-in hybrid SUV lives up to everything it promises.

First point in its favour: value for money

Let’s start with the price. The MG EHS, like all MG models, displays an economic aggressiveness within reach of very few, and its starting price of 27,599 euros (including the Plan Moves III discounts) makes it the cheapest plug-in hybrid in the compact SUV segment. A first mini-point for the Chinese crossover, which also offers another trim, Luxury, with more complete equipment and an equally competitive starting price: 30,290 euros including discounts.

A genuinely attractive first calling card, since it puts it ahead of other options in the segment such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, the Citroën C5 AirCross Hybrid or the Opel Grandland Hybrid. All of them have dimensions similar to those of the MG EHS, which measures 4.57 m in length, 1.87 m in width and 1.66 m in height. These dimensions come with good interior space, including the rear seats, and a spacious boot with a capacity of 448 litres, which grows to 1,375 litres with the rear seats folded down. Figures in line with the competition, with some rivals ahead and others behind.

Where the EHS really stands out is in its equipment and the apparent quality of its finish. The exterior design, without startling the senses, is elegant and stands out for its front grille, with an eye-catching radiator surround housing the imposing octagonal MG logo. Once inside the cabin, the perceived quality and interior fit and finish feel good, with solutions that are more than appropriate for a plug-in hybrid at this price, which again earns it mini-points for its vertical-level presence.

This trend continues when we look at the level of equipment MG has fitted to the EHS. Bearing in mind that we tested the most complete trim, Luxury, we found a main 10.1-inch touchscreen, connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sat-nav, dual-zone climate control and a 3D sound system that, while not a masterpiece, sounds surprisingly good. The cockpit is also virtual and offers all the necessary information to monitor every parameter of the journey on its 12.3-inch screen, which has very good visibility from the driver’s seat.

And if we add to the infotainment section standard driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning (we’ll come back to it), blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking or 360º view for the parking assistant, it is time to award another mini-point to this EHS.

At the wheel: MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid 1.5T GDI Luxury

Time to take the controls and see whether the EHS performs just as well once the engine is running. The first question we need to answer clearly is what the plug-in hybrid SUV from MG was designed for. This is a practical car, useful for everyday life and perfectly capable on long journeys. You will not find a sporty feel… because that is not what you should be looking for in this car.

With that clear, during our various journeys we found that the EHS is, broadly speaking, a good car. It is comfortable, capable and driven in a way that makes everyday life easy. It is true that its almost 1,800 kilos of weight make themselves felt if we drive more enthusiastically, and the suspension, though soft, does not absorb bumps as it should. Two “buts” for an otherwise well-sorted car that is ideal for getting around both on the motorway and in town, and for comfortable driving in all kinds of situations.

In short, the 258 CV and 370 Nm of the powertrain (combining a turbocharged 1.5 petrol engine producing 162 CV and 250 Nm of torque with a 122 CV electric motor and 230 Nm) make a more than notable unit for the EHS, which accelerates and pulls away with ease at all times. The engine is paired with an automatic gearbox, electrically actuated, with 10 speeds (6 for the combustion engine and 4 for the electric motor). Perhaps too many, given that you cannot “play” with the gears, since the EHS’s gearbox behaves like a typical electric car’s, with no sequential shifting or steering-wheel paddles, though it changes gear very smoothly and progressively. In other words, a very refined gearbox focused, one hundred percent, on increasing driving comfort.

Beyond the ease of driving the EHS gave us, there are two aspects we encourage the people at MG to improve. The first is the excessive prominence of the regenerative braking system when we lift off the accelerator. If the system could be adjusted, it would be more effective. The second aspect is more of a nuisance, but it stops being one once you switch the feature off. We are talking about Keep Line Assist, which becomes excessively intrusive while driving and, despite having three levels of operation, we were grateful to be able to turn it off.

Electric performance: the key to success

But if the MG EHS is one of the great options on the market, it is because of its positioning among electrified options. Here, 52 kilometres of electric range is a bonus for medium-distance daily trips or urban outings. In addition, regenerative braking (although we have already commented on how prominent it is) does its job and is capable of adding a couple of kilometres to the battery when we are driving on the open road. We also have the option of recharging the battery with a system whereby the petrol engine recharges the electric battery while we drive. This is useful in cities such as Madrid, which, in addition to its restricted traffic zones, frequently activates high-pollution protocols. Here, emissions-free driving is an ace up the sleeve.

We stress the options for maximising electric range because it is one of the keys to getting the most out of the MG EHS, which below 35-40 km/h, and in town, almost always operates in EV mode. On the open road, the electric motor only comes into play when we demand extra acceleration or if we force the car, using the button next to the gear selector, to use only emissions-free propulsion. Apart from this option, the SUV manages the energy at all times, and does so perfectly, keeping the electric range intact for use when we return to the city.

Its petrol tank holds just 37 litres, so the combined range is only just over 500 kilometres. That is why using private or public charging points will extend the life of the electric driving and allow us to improve everyday range without visiting the petrol station too often. The 16.6 kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in about 4 hours at a public charging point, using the 3.7 kWh onboard charger.

The best way to offset the car’s consumption, which exceeds 7.5 litres per 100 km in petrol mode, is with ease. Meanwhile, in 100% electric driving, we averaged above 15 kWh/100 km without realising it. In combined driving, slightly above the 1.8 l/100 km homologated by the manufacturer on the WLTP combined cycle, but without reaching outlandish consumption figures.

Conclusion: a smart purchase

In short, having weighed the pros and cons of the MG EHS, we can say it is one of the smartest options in its segment. Its entry-level version, which we have seen costs less than 28,000 euros, saves you several thousand euros compared with, for example, the Ford Kuga FHEV Titanium with 190 CV or the Mitsubishi PHEV SUVs, such as the Outlander or the Eclipse Cross. Meanwhile, its better-equipped version adds extra equipment, giving you a more complete vehicle that remains cheaper than established rivals such as the Opel Grandland hybrid (which costs around 40,000 euros) or the new Hyundai Tucson HEV (which, with offers included, barely drops below 35,000 euros in its most basic version).

So, as Alonso Caparrós would say, “a mini-point and a point, for the MG team”. Because the furore of electric driving, which in many cases cools off due to the price of new models, needs the boost of options such as the MH EHS, capable of offering a lot for “little” money while meeting the quality standards every good driver should demand from their vehicle. Well done to the new MG, a historic brand that in its new life seems determined to live up to its #ElectricForEveryone slogan and bring electrified driving within reach of every budget.