Britain’s motoring press can’t stop applauding the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), which has just been named the nation’s top pick for drivers seeking cutting-edge efficiency, unrivalled versatility, and a truly impressive all-electric range.
Auto Express magazine recently put 59 cars through their paces in a show-stopping megatest, and the MG HS PHEV surged ahead to clinch the coveted number one spot. The verdict? “The best plug-in hybrid you can buy right now,” according to the experts at Auto Express.
This victory adds yet another feather in the MG HS PHEV’s cap, following its back-to-back triumphs as What Car? magazine’s Best Plug-in Hybrid of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.
Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK, beams with pride: “Being named the best plug-in hybrid by two of the UK’s most influential car magazines is powerful, independent recognition for the MG HS PHEV. Coming top out of 59 PHEVs and retaining the What Car? title for two years running is a huge achievement for everyone at MG. This is a testament to our relentless drive to deliver advanced technology and unbeatable value to all our customers..”
The Power of Two Worlds: Petrol Meets Electric
The MG HS PHEV expertly blends petrol and electric power for a ride that’s as smooth as it is efficient—perfect for everything from the daily commute to weekend getaways. Its robust 24.7kWh battery unlocks up to 75 miles of pure electric driving, slashing both your emissions and your running costs.
Step Inside: Luxurious Comfort Awaits
Slip into a spacious, premium cabin where technology and comfort take centre stage. Dual 12.3” screens create an intuitive, high-tech driving experience, while heated front seats and optional tan leather-style upholstery add a dash of luxury. The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid is a seamless blend of performance, practicality, and modern elegance—tailored for today’s discerning driver.
Auto Express PHEV Megatest: Outshining the Competition
Auto Express’s landmark PHEV megatest, published on 14 May 2026, took 16 leading plug-in hybrid drivetrains—spanning every available option across 59 UK-market cars—through three days of intense, real-world testing. Judges scrutinised everything from pure electric range and fuel economy to driving dynamics, refinement, and daily usability.
Soaring to first place, the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid wowed judges with a real-world electric range of 68 miles—the best in the entire test—even outpacing six competitors with larger batteries. With a price tag of just £32,495 (on-the-road), it undercut every other top-five contender by a significant margin. What’s more, monthly lease costs for the MG HS PHEV were up to £200 less than those of its closest rival.
Auto Express didn’t hold back in its praise, calling the MG HS “a decent car, at a terrific price” and emphatically declaring it “the best plug-in hybrid you can buy right now.” The magazine spotlighted the MG’s punchy 295bhp powertrain, ultra-efficient hybrid system, relaxed driving manners, and smart, user-friendly digital interfaces—features that place it shoulder to shoulder with the best from Germany.
The MG HS also shines in the 7% Benefit-in-Kind tax band—one of just five cars in the entire test to achieve this—making it an irresistible choice for both company car drivers and private buyers alike.
What Car? Plug-in Hybrid of the Year: Double Glory in 2025 & 2026
This Auto Express accolade cements the MG HS PHEV’s reputation as an awards juggernaut. At the What Car? Car of the Year Awards, it made history as the only car to win Plug-in Hybrid of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.
What Car? heaped praise on the MG HS PHEV for delivering outstanding value, a class-leading official electric range of up to 75 miles, a powerful 295bhp punch, and a spacious, well-equipped interior—making it a star performer for both private owners and fleet buyers.
- Full details of the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid can be found at http://www.mg.co.uk.
