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 presents one of many least expensive entry-points into an electrical SUV… for the reason that previous ZS EV, which this automobile basically replaces.
With assertive pricing for the entry-level variant and spectacular ranges of kit when you spend just a little extra, we obtained an opportunity to see if the 49kWh model in Essence trim may be the candy spot for city-dwellers.
And I’ve gotta say, that is in all probability essentially 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 price?
Now, you may be 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 embrace on-road prices. Whereas MG’s native pricing for the MG S5 EV does embrace 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Whereas the ZS EV has been cheaper over its time, that mannequin was outdated and never so refined. This one, nevertheless, is a critical contender.
MG is understood for enjoying round quite a bit with its drive-away offers, so right here’s what the value record appears like at launch in Could 2025. A couple of scrolls down you’ll see the small print on what you get when you spend the additional cash to get into the Essence over the Excite, and I feel it’s cash properly spent.
In case you’re eager to get in on the motion early, the model will embrace 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).
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
What’s the MG S5 EV like on the within?
It’s as if MG truly listened to each main level of criticism in regards to the inside of a few of its earlier EV fashions, as a result of this can be a seismic enchancment by way of cabin design and value.
The Essence grade examined has a extra upmarket design than the entry model, with completely different trim on the seats (that are heated), a leather-lined steering wheel (additionally heated), and a panoramic glass roof to let much more mild 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 pleasant to sit down in, and admittedly quite a bit simpler to dwell with.
The principle purpose is the introduction of some bodily controls for the local weather system, together with a temperature dial, fan velocity and course 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 screen (they disappear once you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring).
The menus on the principle show are very easy to familiarize yourself with too, with linked companies providing you a glimpse on the climate, and when you select the Essence, the second web page has out there 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’ll 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 also use your cellphone as a key by way of Bluetooth – just like the Leapmotor C10. When you’ve obtained all of it arrange you may merely stroll as much as unlock (and stroll away to lock) the automobile.
There’s a daily key, nevertheless it doesn’t have another type of proximity unlocking. And there’s the iSmart app out there as properly, which can make residing with it quite a bit simpler. Some vehicles double the value (Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan) don’t even have totally linked tech like this automobile. Hell, even the $120k-plus Cadillac Lyriq doesn’t!
One different plus of the CarPlay setup is which you can nonetheless use the swipe-down menu to get entry to fast controls. Another methods don’t allow you to do this once you’re smartphone mirroring.
Different components of the cabin are properly thought of, too. There’s a driver information display screen that has some simple performance to it, and you’ll keep watch over vitals like tyre stress on there, too. There’s a giant digital speedo, and you’ll configure the gauge cluster to a level as properly.
The steering wheel has cruise controls on the left, and the precise facet manages media and information controls. There are stalks for wipers and lights, however the blinkers are on the ‘fallacious’ (left) facet.
Console storage features a pair of cupholders, just a little slot in your key, a wi-fi cellphone charging pad (which was just a little temperamental with my iPhone 13 Professional), and a coated 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 motive force will get an electrical seat setup on this spec, however with out reminiscence settings.
The seat trim is a pretend leather-based and material 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 motive force will get attain and rake alter for the steering wheel too.
Again seat house is fairly 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 shall be tremendous for these with rising youngsters or taller teenagers, and whereas will probably be comfier for 2 occupants, there’s a chance you’d be capable to match three throughout at a pinch. Seat consolation is great 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 when you 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 provide. There’s an adjustable flooring part, with an area beneath it to deal with your charging cables – and underneath that flooring is an area marked TOOLS in your tyre restore package. There’s no spare.
However you do get buying bag hooks both facet, a light-weight 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 |
| Top | 1621mm |
| Wheelbase | 2730mm |
| Cargo capability | 453L-1441L |
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
What’s underneath 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 kind | 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 price | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost price | 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 facet of the automobile, so street-parkers must be joyful.
Whereas the claimed vary appears respectable, and also you may be capable to get nearer to it when you spend quite a lot of time in max-regen mode in site visitors snarls, that wasn’t what I did for this assessment.
On check – throughout a mixture of driving, together with some enthusiastic cornering and boring commuting, plus city operating 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 contemplate the bigger-battery model until you’re the kind of one who will drive to the airport reasonably than go for a long-distance street journey.
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
How does the MG S5 EV drive?
It drives actually, very well. In case you’ve learn any critiques of the MG 4 – significantly the 51kWh variant – you’ll perceive the idea is analogous right here. Not essentially the most energy and torque, not essentially the most excessive degree of efficiency.
However that’s okay. Actually, that’s nice.
As a result of it means this presents a purer driving expertise. Rear-wheel drive, a pokey powertrain and a frankly pleasant driving expertise make this a much more interesting possibility than the Atto 3 for individuals who wish to drive.
This model weighs about 1680kg, so it’s not fairly as mild because the MG 4, nevertheless it’s a extra sensible package deal and nonetheless makes you smile once you push it a bit.
The steering is good, providing nice responsiveness and turnability in twisty bits, and it’s additionally simple to park round city, too. The surround-view digicam within the Essence grade is a giant plus, nevertheless it’s a disgrace there aren’t any entrance parking sensors.
And the suspension could be very properly calibrated, too. It has a European really feel to it, with suppleness to the trip and an excellent 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, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel sluggish or gutless. There’s a very good quantity of shove once you plant your foot, be that from a standstill or whereas rolling.
It has just a few settings for drive modes, and naturally when you select sport mode it makes it really feel much more sprightly.
You may as well configure the regenerative braking system, together with selecting a single-pedal driving mode which can come to a whole cease. And when you choose to pedal the brake, it has a very good 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 the entire ‘precise’ driving impressions apart, it’s the driving know-how stuff that basically impresses.
You possibly can configure the security methods so that you’ve got a easy ‘customized mode’ choice to disable energetic annoyances like driver monitoring and velocity signal recognition bing-bongs. Simply swipe down from the highest of the display screen, faucet one icon, and it’ll all go away.
Ahhhh. What a reduction.
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
The MG S5 EV has a low value, however an extended record of normal 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 linked app companies
- 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/cloth trim
- Heated entrance seats
- Energy-adjustable driver’s seat
- Six-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Voice management
- Rear centre console
- Rear seat lighting
- On-line leisure (YouTube, TIkTok)
- Encompass-view digicam 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.
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
Is the MG S5 EV secure?
The MG S5 EV has simply been awarded the utmost five-star ANCAP security score, with strong outcomes throughout the strictest standards thus far.
| Class | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Susceptible street consumer 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
- Bicycle owner
- Junction
- Automobile
- Motorcyclist
- Reverse
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Blind-spot digicam (kerb facet)
- Rear cross-traffic alert with braking
- Driver monitoring system
- Lane-keep Help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Secure exit warning
- Reversing digicam
- Rear parking sensors
Essence variants add:
One of the best bit in regards to the security tech within the MG ZS EV is that it’s so a lot easier than many rivals in relation to customising the stuff you don’t need on, and setting that as a fast motion on the media display screen drop-down menu.
So when you get irritated with velocity alerts and driver monitoring cameras that always get it fallacious, this automobile may very well be a walk-up begin for you. I discovered it so spectacular to have the ability to tailor components 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 screen presses simply to get it how I would like it!).
There are seven airbags within the S5 EV, together with twin entrance, entrance facet, entrance centre, and curtains for each rows of seats.
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the MG S5 EV price 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 presents 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 price (5 years) | $393.40 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $1967 |
In case you’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 another licensed workshop.
The MG S5 EV has a five-year capped-price servicing plan, with upkeep due each 12 months or 25,000km.
In case you’re inquisitive about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG S5 EV
I’m satisfied that is one of the best inexpensive EV in the marketplace.
There’s much less compromise in relation to the tech and security methods, it feels primo inside in Essence type, and the value is healthier than aggressive. The mega guarantee? Simply the cherry on prime.
It drives nice, is straightforward to dwell with and spacious sufficient for a younger household. Aside from missing driving vary within the entry-level variant, there’s not an entire lot to dislike in regards to the MG S5 EV.
Focused on shopping for a MG S5 EV? Get in contact with certainly one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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