MG Wins Big at the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2026
If you've been weighing up an electric or hybrid car, MG has just made the decision a little easier. At the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2026, three MG models were named the best in their class — the MG4 EV Urban, the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid, and the MGS9 PHEV — putting MG amongst the most decorated brands in this year's awards.
For us here at James Haugh, Dumfries's only authorised MG and Vauxhall dealer, that's three cars we already know inside out, now backed by one of the UK's most trusted independent car-buying authorities. Here's a closer look at each winner, and why they're worth a look if you're changing cars this September.
Why the What Car? Electric Car Awards matter
What Car? has spent decades helping British drivers cut through the marketing spin and buy the right car, and its annual Electric Car Awards are judged specifically on how electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles perform in the real world — not on a spec sheet. This year's judging panel tested the latest crop of electrified cars across 15 categories, comparing them on everything from range and running costs to ride comfort and everyday practicality, with each category winner named simply the best car you can buy for that job.
Winning one category is a good result. Winning three, across three very different types of car, says something about the breadth of a manufacturer's range — and that's exactly what MG has managed this year.
MG4 EV Urban — Best Electric Small Car
The MG4 EV Urban only arrived in showrooms this March, and it's already been named the UK's best electric small car. What Car? editor Steve Huntingford put it simply:
“While small hatchbacks make good urban runabouts, if passenger and luggage space matter to you, you've traditionally had to look elsewhere and increase your budget significantly. But not with the MG4 EV Urban — a compact car that's as accommodating as it is keenly priced.”
He also praised its accurate steering and comfortable ride compared with key rivals.
With Comfort and Premium trim levels, and a choice of standard or long-range batteries offering between 201 and 258 miles (WLTP combined), prices start from £23,495 — making it one of the most complete packages in the small electric car class, and a genuinely practical everyday option for getting around Dumfries or commuting further afield.
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid — Best Hybrid Family SUV
The MG HS PHEV has now held onto the Best Hybrid Family SUV title for a second year running — proof that this isn't a one-off, but a car that continues to lead its class. It's also become one of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in the UK, regularly appearing in the top ten sales charts, thanks to an electric-only range of up to 75 miles, a spacious and well-finished interior, and a generous standard specification.
“With its keen pricing and long electric range, the MG HS plug-in hybrid is a tempting choice for private buyers and company car drivers alike. What's more, it handles both corners and bumps well, and has a spacious, smartly finished interior. So, while it might draw you in with its impressive headline numbers, it's an incredibly well-rounded family SUV.”
Available in SE and Trophy trims from £32,495, it's an easy car to recommend to local families who want SUV space with hybrid running costs.
MGS9 PHEV — Best Hybrid 7-Seat SUV
The most striking result of the three: the MGS9 is MG's first-ever seven-seat car in the large SUV class, and it's gone straight to the top of that category since launching in the UK. What Car? didn't hold back in its praise:
“The phrase 'bargain of the century' might be overused, but it doesn't feel like an exaggeration when applied to the MGS9. This huge SUV undercuts rivals by many thousands of pounds. Yet it's a genuine seven-seater with a commanding driving position, a smart interior and hushed cruising manners.”
With an electric-only range of up to 62 miles for daily journeys, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine for longer trips, and 1,026 litres of boot space with the third row folded, the MGS9 is built for exactly the kind of family life and rural, longer-distance driving that's common across Dumfries and Galloway. Comfort and Premium trims are priced from £34,210.
The bigger picture: MG's electrification push
David Allison, MG Motor UK's Director of Product and Planning, pointed to the numbers behind these wins:
“Electrification is at the heart of MG's model range, with over 91% of our new car sales now having an electrified powertrain — either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric. This trio of awards proves that MG's advanced technology and strategy of designing and developing cars in Europe for Europe is creating class-leading cars for our customers to enjoy.”
It's a sign of how quickly MG has moved from being a value-focused newcomer to a brand genuinely setting the pace in electrified motoring — while keeping prices well within reach of ordinary buyers.
Why this matters in Dumfries and Galloway
Electric and plug-in hybrid ownership looks a little different out here than it does in a city. Journeys tend to be longer, more rural, and more likely to involve towing, family trips, or the school run from outside town — which is exactly where a strong electric-only range, genuine boot space, and honest pricing count for more, not less.
That's part of why these three award wins land so well for our customers. The MG4 EV Urban is a sensible, affordable step into electric motoring for anyone doing the daily commute into Dumfries. The MG HS PHEV suits families who want hybrid flexibility for longer runs across the region without the price tag of some rivals. And the MGS9 PHEV, as a genuine seven-seater with a decent electric-only range, is a strong option for larger families or those needing extra space for weekend trips through Galloway or over the border.
As a family-owned dealership that's been trading in Dumfries for over 50 years, we're proud to be the only place in town where you can see, and drive, all three award-winning MGs under one roof — alongside our full range of Vauxhall models. With the new September registration plate now available, there's never been a better time to make the switch.
We'll also have Motability specialists on hand if you're considering the MG HS or MGS9 through the scheme, and our finance team can talk you through PCP, PCH and hire purchase options tailored to your circumstances.
Ready to see what the fuss is about? Pop into our showroom at 2 St Mary's Street, Dumfries, or book a test drive online to try the MG4 EV Urban, MG HS Plug-in Hybrid or MGS9 PHEV for yourself.
