BYD Song Plus vs MG HS 2026 - PHEV vs Petrol SUV UAE

BYD Song Plus vs MG HS 2026 - PHEV vs Petrol SUV UAE

The BYD Song Plus wins on efficiency and range with its PHEV powertrain offering 197 hp, 1,200 km combined range, and 120 km pure electric range at 119,900 AED, while the MG HS wins on value with 162 hp, 700 km range, and a 463-litre boot at 79,900 AED. For eco-conscious buyers, the Song Plus's PHEV efficiency leads; for budget buyers, the HS saves 40,000 AED.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications, Cartea UAE market data, and industry sales reports.

Model Overview

BYD Song Plus

Price: 119,900 AED | Body: SUV | Powertrain: PHEV | Power: 197 hp | Warranty: 8 yr / 160,000 km

The BYD Song Plus is a standout in the Chinese suv segment in the UAE, delivering 197 hp and a range of 1,200 km combined. At 119,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.

Key Highlights:

• 1,200 km combined range
• 120 km pure electric range
• Blade Battery technology
• No range anxiety
• Dual-mode driving

Best For: Buyers wanting EV efficiency with petrol backup

MG HS

Price: 79,900 AED | Body: SUV | Powertrain: 1.5T Turbo | Power: 162 hp | Warranty: 7 yr / 200,000 km

The MG HS is a standout in the Chinese suv segment in the UAE, delivering 162 hp and a range of 700 km. At 79,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.

Key Highlights:

• Mid-size SUV value leader
• 162 hp turbo engine
• 7-year warranty
• Premium interior feel
• Large boot space

Best For: Families wanting mid-size SUV value

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the BYD Song Plus PHEV compare to the MG HS petrol in running costs?

The BYD Song Plus PHEV has lower running costs for daily commuting because its 120 km pure electric range covers most city driving on electricity alone, costing approximately 3 to 4 fils per km. The MG HS petrol engine costs approximately 8 to 10 fils per km. For a driver covering 20,000 km annually with daily charging, the Song Plus can save 1,500 to 2,000 AED per year in fuel. However, the Song Plus costs 40,000 AED more upfront, so the break-even point is several years away.

Which has more range: the BYD Song Plus or the MG HS?

The BYD Song Plus has dramatically more range: 1,200 km combined using both battery and petrol engine, versus the MG HS's 700 km from its petrol tank alone. The Song Plus can cover 120 km on pure electricity before the petrol engine kicks in, extending total range to 1,200 km. This eliminates range anxiety completely. The MG HS's 700 km range is still excellent for a petrol SUV and covers a full week of commuting. For inter-emirate road trips, the Song Plus's 1,200 km range provides maximum flexibility.

Is the BYD Song Plus worth 40,000 AED more than the MG HS?

For buyers who want to minimize fuel costs and emissions, the Song Plus PHEV at 119,900 AED is worth the premium over the MG HS at 79,900 AED if they drive high annual mileage and can charge regularly. The 120 km electric range covers most daily UAE commutes on electricity alone. However, for buyers who drive lower mileage or cannot charge at home, the MG HS at 79,900 AED is excellent value with strong performance and a 7-year warranty. The break-even depends on annual mileage and charging access.

Conclusion

In this PHEV vs petrol SUV comparison, the BYD Song Plus at 119,900 AED wins for eco-conscious buyers wanting 1,200 km range and electric-only commuting, while the MG HS at 79,900 AED wins for budget-focused buyers wanting proven petrol performance at 40,000 AED less. The choice depends on charging access and annual mileage.... For UAE buyers in 2026, Chinese cars deliver exceptional value, proven reliability, and advanced technology across every segment and price point.