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however as a result of it affords one of many most cost-effective entry-points into an electrical SUV… because the outdated ZS EV, which this automobile primarily replaces.
With assertive pricing for the entry-level variant and spectacular ranges of apparatus if you happen to spend a little bit extra, we obtained 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 inform you why on this evaluate.
How a lot does the MG S5 EV price?
Now, you is perhaps pondering 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 irrespective 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Whereas the ZS EV has been cheaper over its time, that mannequin was outdated and never so subtle.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 so much with its drive-away offers, so right here’s what the value record seems like at launch in Could 2025. Just a few scrolls down you’ll see the main points on what you get if you happen to spend the additional cash to get into the Essence over the Excite, and I believe it’s cash properly spent.
If you happen to’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).
If you happen to’re interested by 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 this can be 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 frequently described as having an austere cabin.
That is extra opulent, extra upmarket and extra pleasing to sit down in, and albeit so much simpler to stay with.
The principle cause 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 screen (they disappear if you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring).
The menus on the principle show are very easy to become familiar with too, with linked companies providing you a glimpse on the climate, and if you happen to 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 can even 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 an everyday key, however it doesn’t have another type of proximity unlocking. And there’s the iSmart app out there as properly, which can make dwelling with it so much simpler. Some vehicles double the value (Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan) don’t even have absolutely linked tech like this automobile. Hell, even the $120k-plus Cadillac Lyriq doesn’t!
One different plus of the CarPlay setup is you could nonetheless use the swipe-down menu to get entry to fast controls. Another techniques don’t allow you to do this if you’re smartphone mirroring.
Different components of the cabin are properly thought-about, too. There’s a driver information display screen that has some simple performance to it, and you’ll regulate 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 appropriate aspect manages media and information controls. There are stalks for wipers and lights, however the blinkers are on the ‘mistaken’ (left) aspect.
Console storage features a pair of cupholders, a little bit slot on your key, a wi-fi cellphone charging pad (which was a little bit temperamental with my iPhone 13 Professional), and a lined centre bin with USB-C ports. There’s additionally an extra 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 seems 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 regulate 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 dimension 12s, and a handspan of house above my head, too.
Suffice to say, this one might be fantastic for these with rising youngsters or taller teenagers, and whereas it is going to be comfier for 2 occupants, there’s a chance 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 if you happen to select the bottom model you don’t get map pockets or a flip-down centre armrest with cupholders, that are normal within the Essence.
The boot is an honest dimension, 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 below that flooring is an area marked TOOLS on your tyre restore equipment. There’s no spare.
However you do get buying bag hooks both aspect, 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 |
If you happen to’re interested by 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 price | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost price | 120kW |
In comparison with some rivals the AC charging is a bit low, however at the least the CCS Kind 2 charging port is conveniently positioned on the rear passenger aspect of the automobile, so street-parkers needs to be blissful.
Whereas the claimed vary appears first rate, and also you may be capable to get nearer to it if you happen to spend a whole lot of time in max-regen mode in site visitors snarls, that wasn’t what I did for this evaluate.
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 possibly cause sufficient to contemplate the bigger-battery model except you’re the kind of one that will drive to the airport relatively than go for a long-distance highway journey.
If you happen to’re interested by 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. If you happen to’ve learn any evaluations of the MG 4 – notably the 51kWh variant – you’ll perceive the idea is comparable right here. Not probably the most energy and torque, not probably the most excessive degree of efficiency.
However that’s okay. In reality, that’s nice.
As a result of it means this affords 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 wish to drive.
This model weighs about 1680kg, so it’s not fairly as gentle because the MG 4, however it’s a extra sensible bundle and nonetheless makes you smile if 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 digital camera within the Essence grade is a giant plus, however it’s a disgrace there are not any entrance parking sensors.
And the suspension may be very properly calibrated, too. It has a European really feel to it, with suppleness to the experience and a terrific degree of physique management which means it handles bumps and corners admirably, and whereas sharp edges may 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 a superb quantity of shove if you plant your foot, be that from a standstill or whereas rolling.
It has a couple of settings for drive modes, and naturally if you happen to select sport mode it makes it really feel much more sprightly.
It’s also possible to configure the regenerative braking system, together with selecting a single-pedal driving mode which can come to a whole cease. And if you happen to choose to pedal the brake, it has a superb 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 expertise stuff that basically impresses.
You possibly can configure the security 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 screen, faucet one icon, and it’ll all go away.
Ahhhh. What a reduction.
If you happen to’re interested by 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 value, however a protracted record of normal tools throughout all grades. Right here’s the rundown.
2025 MG S5 EV Excite (49kWh and 62kWh)tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with aero covers
- LED lighting entrance and rear
- Fabric 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
- Automobile-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 cellphone 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.
If you happen to’re interested by 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 score, with stable outcomes throughout the strictest standards so far.
| Class | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 82 per cent |
| Security help | 79 per cent |
As normal it comes with the next security expertise and tools for all variations:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian
- Bicycle 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 most effective bit concerning the security tech within the MG ZS EV is that it’s so a lot less complicated than many rivals with regards 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 if you happen to get aggravated with velocity alerts and driver monitoring cameras that continually get it mistaken, this automobile might 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 aspect, entrance centre, and curtains for each rows of seats.
If you happen to’re interested by how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, take a look at our comparability device
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 affords 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 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $1967 |
If you happen to’re curious, the guarantee for business consumers is seven years or 160,000km for each the automobile and the battery.
Non-public consumers get entry to 10 years of roadside help included, irrespective 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.
If you happen to’re interested by 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 one of the best reasonably priced EV available on the market.
There’s much less compromise with regards to the tech and security techniques, it feels primo inside in Essence type, and the value is healthier than aggressive. The mega guarantee? Simply the cherry on high.
It drives nice, is simple to stay 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 concerning the MG S5 EV.
Eager about shopping for a MG S5 EV? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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