The 7-seater crossover market, which for years in Israel was dominated by gasoline models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Škoda Kodiaq, has undergone several upheavals in recent years. First, Chery launched the Tiggo 8 gasoline model in Israel, followed by the plug-in version, and later the larger Tiggo 9, already comparable in size to the Hyundai Santa Fe, yet costing almost NIS 100,000 less. In response, JAC introduced the cheaper twin model, the JAC 8.
Now the Chinese are completing their takeover of the category: MG has launched the S9 in Israel, competing with the Tiggo 9 (starting at NIS 245,000) and the JAC 8 (from NIS 230,000). It is also a plug-in, but slightly larger than them and significantly cheaper, with a base price of NIS 190,000 - similar to the much smaller Tiggo 8 Plug-in and the basic Mitsubishi Outlander, which is currently out of the market after massive purchases by the IDF, which replaced it with the Tiggo 8 leased previously due to the decision to stop using Chinese vehicles.
The private market, however, continues to buy Chinese cars. The S9 measures 4.98 meters in length, 1.97 meters in width, 1.79 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.92 meters. By comparison, the Tiggo 9 and JAC 8 are 17 cm shorter, 4 cm narrower, 5 cm lower, with a 12 cm shorter wheelbase, but are therefore less bulky when parking. This also allows the MG to offer a significantly larger trunk when all seats are in use: 332 liters versus 143 liters.
The design closely resembles the 5-seater MG HS. The interior is also intended to be more luxurious, with a third row large enough for adults. All three rows of seats have air conditioning vents.
Engine and Performance: A 1,500 cc turbo gasoline engine producing 143 hp combined with an electric motor producing 231 hp, for a total output of 272 hp. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes 9.6 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. A 24.7 kWh battery provides an electric range of 100 km, a combined fuel efficiency of 43.5 km per liter, and 15 km per liter in hybrid mode. Slow three-phase charging at 11 kW takes about three hours. The Chery and JAC models are equipped with significantly stronger drivetrains, reaching 100 km/h about 3.5 seconds faster, and their larger batteries provide a 40 km longer official electric range.
The lineup includes two trim levels:
Comfort (from NIS 190,000) includes 20-inch wheels, dual 12.3-inch screens for controls and multimedia as well as the instrument cluster, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats with electric adjustment, an electric tailgate, panoramic sunroof, roof rails, and 360-degree cameras.
Luxury (from NIS 200,000) adds a head-up display, LED headlights and fog lights, a wireless phone charging pad, a BOSE sound system with 12 speakers, foot-activated tailgate opening and closing, 4-way lumbar support electric adjustment for front seats, ventilated front seats with massage function, and gray or beige leather upholstery for the seats.
Both models offer a metallic paint option for an additional NIS 1,900 and light-colored upholstery for NIS 1,555. Returning MG customers receive a 1,500 shekel discount.
Safety: 5 out of 5 stars in the European crash test (2025). Seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking forward and backward, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping and deviation correction.
Warranty: 7 years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years or 150,000 km for the battery. Service once a year or every 15,000 km.