The MG S5 EV has arrived, and by golly has it made an impression.
Not a lot due to its look, which is arguably a contact too generic, however as a result of it gives one of many most cost-effective entry-points into an electrical SUV… for the reason that outdated ZS EV, which this automobile primarily replaces.
With assertive pricing for the entry-level variant and spectacular ranges of apparatus for those who spend somewhat extra, we received an opportunity to see if the 49kWh model in Essence trim is perhaps the candy spot for city-dwellers.
And I’ve gotta say, that is most likely probably the most agreeable electrical crossover I’ve pushed but. I’ll let you know why on this assessment.
How a lot does the MG S5 EV value?
Now, you is perhaps considering to your self, “doesn’t the BYD Atto 3 begin at lower than forty grand?”, and also you’d be bang on the cash, so to talk.
| Mannequin | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| MGS5 EV Excite 49 | $40,490 |
| MGS5 EV Essence 49 | $42,990 |
| MGS5 EV Excite 62 | $44,990 |
| MGS5 EV Essence 62 | $47,990 |
However that doesn’t embody on-road prices. Whereas MG’s native pricing for the MG S5 EV does embody that, so regardless of the place you purchase it throughout the nation, the value is similar.
Whereas the ZS EV has been cheaper over its time, that mannequin was outdated and never so subtle. This one, nonetheless, is a critical contender.
MG is understood for enjoying round loads with its drive-away offers, so right here’s what the value record appears like at launch in Might 2025. Just a few scrolls down you’ll see the main points on what you get for those who spend the additional cash to get into the Essence over the Excite, and I feel it’s cash effectively spent.
For those who’re eager to get in on the motion early, the model will embody a free 7kW MG Cost Hub valued at $1199 (restricted to the primary 500 clients who place a refundable $500 deposit at their native MG dealership).
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
What’s the MG S5 EV like on the within?
It’s as if MG truly listened to each main level of criticism concerning the inside of a few of its earlier EV fashions, as a result of it is a seismic enchancment when it comes to cabin design and value.
The Essence grade examined has a extra upmarket design than the entry model, with totally different trim on the seats (that are heated), a leather-lined steering wheel (additionally heated), and a panoramic glass roof to let much more gentle into the cabin.
And fortunately it has a lighter cabin design than loads of the rivals, with a multi-grey color palette that makes it considerably extra fascinating than the MG 4 hatch, which I’ve recurrently described as having an austere cabin.
That is extra opulent, extra upmarket and extra gratifying to sit down in, and albeit loads simpler to reside with.
The principle purpose is the introduction of some bodily controls for the local weather system, together with a temperature dial, fan velocity and path toggles, and there’s additionally a quantity knob.
Above these, on the infotainment, you’ll discover icons for seat heating and steering wheel heating when on the principle display (they disappear whenever you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring).
The menus on the principle show are very easy to familiarize yourself with too, with related providers providing you a glimpse on the climate, and for those who select the Essence, the second web page has accessible apps like TikTok and YouTube (when parked).
There are menus upon menus within the settings and controls for the automobile, however it’s higher organised than most info-rich screens, and you’re going to get used to them fairly shortly. And if you wish to simply use CarPlay wirelessly, it’ll seamlessly join up every time you get again in.
The S5 EV may use your telephone as a key through Bluetooth – just like the Leapmotor C10. When you’ve received all of it arrange you’ll be able to merely stroll as much as unlock (and stroll away to lock) the automobile.
There’s an everyday key, however it doesn’t have some other type of proximity unlocking. And there may be the iSmart app accessible as effectively, which is able to make residing with it loads simpler. Some vehicles double the value (Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan) don’t even have absolutely related tech like this automobile. Hell, even the $120k-plus Cadillac Lyriq doesn’t!
One different plus of the CarPlay setup is that you could nonetheless use the swipe-down menu to get entry to fast controls. Another techniques don’t allow you to do this whenever you’re smartphone mirroring.
Different parts of the cabin are effectively thought-about, too. There’s a driver data display that has some simple performance to it, and you may keep watch over vitals like tyre strain on there, too. There’s an enormous digital speedo, and you may configure the gauge cluster to a level as effectively.
The steering wheel has cruise controls on the left, and the proper aspect manages media and data controls. There are stalks for wipers and lights, however the blinkers are on the ‘mistaken’ (left) aspect.
Console storage features a pair of cupholders, somewhat slot in your key, a wi-fi telephone charging pad (which was somewhat temperamental with my iPhone 13 Professional), and a lined centre bin with USB-C ports. There’s additionally a further stowage space beneath the ‘bridge’ of the console, whereas the doorways have sizeable bottle holders and there’s a glovebox that’ll match extra than simply gloves.
The entrance passenger has manually adjustable seating, whereas the driving force will get an electrical seat setup on this spec, however with out reminiscence settings.
The seat trim is a pretend leather-based and fabric combo, and it appears terrific, plus it feels good in your pores and skin. The seats are comfortable and straightforward to regulate, and naturally the driving force will get attain and rake modify for the steering wheel too.
Again seat house in all fairness good for a smallish SUV like this – I had about 5 centimetres (roughly two inches) of house in entrance of my knees when sitting behind my very own driving place (I’m 182cm/6’0”), to not point out sufficient house to wiggle my measurement 12s, and a handspan of house above my head, too.
Suffice to say, this one will likely be tremendous for these with rising youngsters or taller teenagers, and whereas it is going to be comfier for 2 occupants, there’s a risk you’d be capable to match three throughout at a pinch. Seat consolation is superb too.
After all there are ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors within the outboard seats plus three top-tethers, and people within the again get a pair of directional air-vents and a USB-C port. Simply the one. And for those who select the bottom model you don’t get map pockets or a flip-down centre armrest with cupholders, that are customary within the Essence.
The boot is a good measurement, with 453 litres of cargo capability on supply. There’s an adjustable flooring part, with an area beneath it to deal with your charging cables – and below that flooring is an area marked TOOLS in your tyre restore package. There’s no spare.
However you do get buying bag hooks both aspect, a lightweight within the again, and a parcel shelf.
Take away that and drop the rear seats down and there’s 1441L of usable house within the again.
| Dimensions | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Size | 4476mm |
| Width | 1849mm |
| Peak | 1621mm |
| Wheelbase | 2730mm |
| Cargo capability | 453L-1441L |
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
There’s no frunk, regardless of the MG S5 being a rear-motor EV.
| Specs | MG S5 EV Essence 49 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 49kWh LFP |
| Energy | 125kW |
| Torque | 250Nm |
| Drive sort | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1680kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.2 seconds |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 16.9kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 335km (WLTP) |
| Max AC cost fee | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 120kW |
In comparison with some rivals the AC charging is a bit low, however not less than the CCS Kind 2 charging port is conveniently positioned on the rear passenger aspect of the car, so street-parkers needs to be blissful.
Whereas the claimed vary appears first rate, and also you would possibly be capable to get nearer to it for those who spend a whole lot of time in max-regen mode in site visitors snarls, that wasn’t what I did for this assessment.
On take a look at – throughout a mixture of driving, together with some enthusiastic cornering and boring commuting, plus city working and freeway driving – I noticed a displayed return of 17.1kWh per 100km, which means a theoretical full-charge driving vary of 286km from the 49kWh battery.
That’s not terrific, and doubtless purpose sufficient to think about the bigger-battery model until you’re the type of one who will drive to the airport moderately than go for a long-distance street journey.
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
How does the MG S5 EV drive?
It drives actually, rather well. For those who’ve learn any evaluations of the MG 4 – notably the 51kWh variant – you’ll perceive the idea is analogous right here. Not probably the most energy and torque, not probably the most excessive degree of efficiency.
However that’s okay. In actual fact, that’s nice.
As a result of it means this gives a purer driving expertise. Rear-wheel drive, a pokey powertrain and a frankly pleasant driving expertise make this a much more interesting choice than the Atto 3 for individuals who prefer to drive.
This model weighs about 1680kg, so it’s not fairly as gentle because the MG 4, however it’s a extra sensible package deal and nonetheless makes you smile whenever you push it a bit.
The steering is nice, providing nice responsiveness and turnability in twisty bits, and it’s additionally simple to park round city, too. The surround-view digital camera within the Essence grade is an enormous plus, however it’s a disgrace there aren’t any entrance parking sensors.
And the suspension could be very effectively calibrated, too. It has a European really feel to it, with suppleness to the experience and an ideal degree of physique management which means it handles bumps and corners admirably, and whereas sharp edges might be felt within the cabin, it is extremely planted and managed.
You received’t break any land velocity data in it, however it doesn’t really feel sluggish or gutless. There’s quantity of shove whenever you plant your foot, be that from a standstill or whereas rolling.
It has a number of settings for drive modes, and naturally for those who select sport mode it makes it really feel much more sprightly.
You too can configure the regenerative braking system, together with selecting a single-pedal driving mode which is able to come to a whole cease. And for those who choose to pedal the brake, it has progressive really feel to it.
It’s additionally fairly quiet inside, too. It was raining throughout my testing and the drops on the glass have been noisy, however there wasn’t an extreme quantity of wind or tyre roar, even over coarser surfaces.
So, it’s a peach of a factor to drive, and all the ‘precise’ driving impressions apart, it’s the driving know-how stuff that actually impresses.
You may configure the protection techniques so that you’ve got a easy ‘customized mode’ choice to disable lively annoyances like driver monitoring and velocity signal recognition bing-bongs. Simply swipe down from the highest of the display, faucet one icon, and it’ll all go away.
Ahhhh. What a aid.
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
The MG S5 EV has a low worth, however an extended record of ordinary gear throughout all grades. Right here’s the rundown.
2025 MG S5 EV Excite (49kWh and 62kWh)gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with aero covers
- LED lighting entrance and rear
- Material inside trim
- Guide seat adjustment
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi smartphone mirroring
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- iSmart related app providers
- Local weather management with rear air vents
- Cell Bluetooth key
- Keyless entry
- AC charging cable
- Car-to-load (V2L) performance
- Mode 2 AC charging cable
Essence variants add:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with aero covers
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Panoramic sunroof
- Energy tailgate
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Artificial leather-based/material trim
- Heated entrance seats
- Energy-adjustable driver’s seat
- Six-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Voice management
- Rear centre console
- Rear seat lighting
- On-line leisure (YouTube, TIkTok)
- Encompass-view digital camera system
To me, the step as much as the Essence isn’t simply an funding in higher stuff – it’ll be a greater resale proposition, too.
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
Is the MG S5 EV protected?
The MG S5 EV has simply been awarded the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking, with strong outcomes throughout the strictest standards to this point.
| Class | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Susceptible street person safety | 82 per cent |
| Security help | 79 per cent |
As customary it comes with the next security know-how and gear for all variations:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian
- Bike owner
- Junction
- Automotive
- Motorcyclist
- Reverse
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Blind-spot digital camera (kerb aspect)
- Rear cross-traffic alert with braking
- Driver monitoring system
- Lane-keep Help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Protected exit warning
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
Essence variants add:
The very best bit concerning the security tech within the MG ZS EV is that it’s so a lot less complicated than many rivals in the case of customising the stuff you don’t need on, and setting that as a fast motion on the media display drop-down menu.
So for those who get aggravated with velocity alerts and driver monitoring cameras that consistently get it mistaken, this automobile could possibly be a walk-up begin for you. I discovered it so spectacular to have the ability to tailor parts of the drive with out diving deep into sub-menus every time I drove the automobile, as is the case in one thing like a Kia EV3 (which takes a dozen display presses simply to get it how I would like it!).
There are seven airbags within the S5 EV, together with twin entrance, entrance aspect, entrance centre, and curtains for each rows of seats.
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the MG S5 EV value to run?
MG has a stellar 10-year, 250,000km guarantee for its mannequin vary for personal (non-commercial) consumers, and the battery even scores the identical degree of canopy. That’s proper, a decade of backing for the battery – no different model gives that in our market.
| Servicing and Guarantee | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 10 years, 250,000km |
| Roadside help | 10 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual service value (5 years) | $393.40 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $1967 |
For those who’re curious, the guarantee for industrial consumers is seven years or 160,000km for each the automobile and the battery.
Personal consumers get entry to 10 years of roadside help included, regardless of whether or not the upkeep is carried out with MG or some other licensed workshop.
The MG S5 EV has a five-year capped-price servicing plan, with upkeep due each 12 months or 25,000km.
For those who’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG S5 EV
I’m satisfied that is the very best inexpensive EV available on the market.
There’s much less compromise in the case of the tech and security techniques, it feels primo inside in Essence type, and the value is best than aggressive. The mega guarantee? Simply the cherry on high.
It drives nice, is straightforward to reside with and spacious sufficient for a younger household. Other than missing driving vary within the entry-level variant, there’s not an entire lot to dislike concerning the MG S5 EV.
Inquisitive about shopping for a MG S5 EV? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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