So lengthy, MG ZS EV – the MG S5 EVis the brand new electrical child on the block.
Gone is the marginally awkward and dated electrical model of the internal-combustion ZS, successfully changed by the S5 EV, which, apart from being a lot newer, has a direct benefit: it’s constructed on an EV-focused platform. That instantly eliminates a number of packaging compromises.
It additionally permits the fitment of bigger batteries that present better driving vary, which is what you see within the 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62 on take a look at right here. With 425km of claimed vary, it’s proper within the ballpark of different equally sized electrical SUVs.
Regardless of aggressive pricing on the backside of the vary, the higher-spec fashions actually push up the asking costs. Our tester is the costliest S5 EV at present accessible, and $48,000 is a excessive bar to clear for the typical punter.
Apart from a seemingly Audi-inspired title, is there sufficient benefit to the S5 EV to justify the Essence’s premium?
How a lot does the MG S5 EV price?
Our tester is the top-spec MG S5 EV Essence 62, priced at $47,990 earlier than on-roads.
| Mannequin | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2026 MG S5 EV Excite 49 | $40,490 |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 49 | $42,990 |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Excite 62 | $44,990 |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62 | $47,990 |
Virtually all the S5 EV’s rivals additionally come from China. In opposition to the top-spec Essence 62 are the likes of the BYD Atto 3 Premium at $44,990 earlier than on-roads, the Chery E5 Final at $40,990 earlier than on-roads, and the Leapmotor B10 Design at $40,888 earlier than on-roads.
The MG is dearer than all direct rivals, apart from one from South Korea. That’s the Hyundai Kona Electrical, which begins at $54,000 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
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What’s the MG S5 EV like on the within?
In contrast with most of MG’s earlier EVs, the S5 EV presents a cabin that appears and feels premium, with a tidy format and extra bodily controls than we’re used to seeing.
Whereas good, that is additionally considerably odd. There’s little or no consistency in inside design throughout MG Australia’s catalogue – in reality, the cabins of the MG 3, MG 7, ZS, and HS are united by solely their steering wheels.
We don’t count on each automobile to be similar inside, as a result of that will danger doing what Mercedes-Benz does, which makes its automobiles inconceivable to inform aside. Somewhat extra cohesion and id would go a great distance, particularly when vastly completely different interiors (in each design and high quality) are positioned aspect by aspect within the showroom.
Regardless, the MG S5 arguably presents the very best in a mismatched bunch. Its design is straightforward but elegant, and we respect the selection of supplies, together with the suede-like centre console, the faux leather-based and material upholstery, and the metallic-look buttons and accents.
Some bodily local weather controls have even returned, with a smooth strip that homes a handful of dials, switches, and buttons. Granted, you continue to have to succeed in as much as the underside ribbon on the infotainment show to activate options like steering-wheel and seat heating, but it surely’s in any other case a welcome addition.
Measuring 12.8 inches, that infotainment display is the cabin’s most jarring bodily becoming. That’s nonetheless a excessive bar, and there isn’t something basically flawed with the display itself – its placement on the dashboard simply lacks the neat integration of the remainder of the dashboard.
Nonetheless, its graphics are a refined evolution of MG’s methods in latest reminiscence, and it seems slick consequently. Its native menus and shortcuts are simple to be taught, helped by the truth that its textual content and buttons are big, and that there’s minimal visible litter.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally customary, which was a aid to be taught after driving the wired-only ZS. That’s one other show of MG’s inconsistencies, even when the ZS is less expensive than the S5 EV.
There’s additionally a quick-control menu accessible by swiping down from the highest of the display, which isn’t disabled by Apple CarPlay. The ribbon down the underside, nonetheless, is.
To the precise is the ten.25-inch instrument show. A easy display within the scheme of all of it, we discover it to be a case of operate over kind. There’s loads of info to be flicked by utilizing a button on the steering wheel, whereas there are two always-on gauges on both aspect for cost degree and energy – you don’t want something extra in an EV.
The steering wheel, in the meantime, is definitely fairly good. It’s completed in perforated leather-based and well-proportioned, with refined squashing on the high and backside to look fancy with out compromising usability.
Its buttons are all bodily, although most are completed in piano black, and it’ll take a second to determine how the directional toggles work, given they’re not labelled all that effectively. Nonetheless, not less than this EV has conventional stalks on the steering column, in contrast to some opponents.
In any other case, the seats are snug, whereas the upholstery design is nice and a bit completely different. Being a top-spec Essence, our tester had powered driver’s seat adjustment – albeit with no place reminiscence operate. Passenger seat adjustment is handbook in all fashions.
As for storage, there’s a lidded storage field on the centre console that homes two USB-C ports, and under is a big tray for small luggage. There are additionally two central cupholders, a bit slot for the automobile’s key, and a wi-fi charger completed in that suede-like materials – telephones get a bit scorching right here.
Moreover, you get bottle holders within the doorways and a properly sized passenger-side glovebox.
Slide into the second row, and also you’ll discover a first rate quantity of area regardless of the automobile’s small-ish physique. Common-size adults may have no situation becoming again right here, however we count on it to be the best area for rising children and youths, given the restricted middle-seat room – all passengers will discover the bench seat pretty plush.
Normal facilities embody a single USB-C port and air vents on the again of the centre console, whereas springing for the Essence provides map pockets and a fold-down centre armrest, neither of which is included on the Excite. The outboard seats even have ISOFIX child-seat anchors, together with three top-tether factors.
Boot area is about as you’d count on for a automobile of this dimension, although its quoted five-seat capability of 453 litres is bigger than that of the Atto 2 at 380 litres, which is barely smaller on the whole. Curiously, the Toyota Corolla Cross can also be quoted as having a capability of 380 litres.
The ground is flat and lengthy, offering loads of area for cargo. There aren’t any fittings to carry objects in place, so smaller objects may slide into the netted cubbies on both aspect. You not less than get a shallow enclosed space underneath the common boot flooring.
Entry is made simpler by an influence tailgate full with a kick sensor. Sadly, there’s no spare wheel – as a substitute, there’s solely a foam cowl underneath the boot flooring that conceals a tyre restore package, bluntly labelled ‘TOOLS’.
Not like many different EVs, there’s no additional storage underneath the bonnet.
| Dimensions | MG S5 EV Essence 62 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4476mm |
| Width | 1849mm |
| Top | 1621mm |
| Wheelbase | 2730mm |
| Cargo capability | 453L (rear seats up) 1441L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The MG S5 EV incorporates a single-motor rear-wheel drive powertrain, with peak outputs quoted at 125kW of energy and 250Nm of torque. Vitality is equipped by a 62kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers a claimed WLTP vary of 425km.
| Specs | MG S5 EV Essence 62 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 62kWh LFP |
| Peak energy | 125kW |
| Peak torque | 250Nm |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1755kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.6s |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 17.1kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 18.1kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 425km |
| Max AC cost fee | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 150kW (30-80% 19.3 minutes) |
| Braked towing capability | 750kg |
Our week with the S5 EV primarily concerned freeway commuting, contributing to our higher-than-claimed vitality consumption.
Nonetheless, the automobile doesn’t provide an Earth-shattering driving vary, even with the long-range model. For context, the MG S5 EV’s smaller 49kWh battery offers a claimed WLTP vary of simply 340km.
For additional context, the BYD Atto 2 has a WLTP declare of 345km.
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the MG S5 EV drive?
You will have learn different evaluations of the MG S5 EV that examine its driving behaviour to the MG 4. After having spent a while behind the wheel of the previous, I imagine these writers had been right to take action.
Within the case of the MG 4, its rear-wheel drive powertrain units it aside from its direct rivals. It isn’t a sports activities automobile, but it surely feels extra agile than most front-drive EVs, which makes it extra attention-grabbing to drive everyday.
Quite a lot of that carries over to the S5 EV. It’s rear-drive too, and whereas much less planted than the MG 4 on account of its jacked-up experience peak, a few of that refined playfulness is luckily nonetheless evident.
For those who flip up the wick, it’ll shock you with its cornering dynamics. It’s able to holding its personal significantly better than many rivals, virtually fully because of the truth that energy is shipped to the rear wheels – torque steer isn’t one thing you’ll have to fret about.
Now, we perceive that isn’t necessary to most patrons on this section, and it appears MG does too. The S5 EV’s energy and torque outputs are due to this fact modest at greatest, and the efficiency on faucet is undeniably tame.
However the MG S5 EV is best for it. It doesn’t really feel sluggish on account of its instantaneous EV torque, and there’s nonetheless an applicable quantity of energy if you should stand up to hurry shortly.
That makes it unintimidating and straightforward to adapt to. All of it culminates in a reasonably analogue expertise – regardless of the clear contradiction between that impression and the automobile’s electrical propulsion – which ought to attraction to each individuals who wish to drive and people for whom a automobile is only a technique of transport.
That’s aided by good steering, which strikes a stability between communication, weight, and manoeuvrability. It doesn’t really feel ‘lumpy’ when working by the steering lock like a few of the competitors can, which makes it really feel all of the extra strong.
As for the suspension, we discover it has a vaguely European high quality. The experience is compliant on Australian roads with out feeling floppy, whereas there’s a agency edge that gives confidence-inspiring physique management.
It’s merely a well-considered bundle, and one which turns into barely extra sprightly when switched to its sport drive mode. We also needs to point out the brakes, which really feel like… effectively, brakes. There’s no noticeable swap between regenerative and friction braking throughout pedal journey, which once more makes the S5 EV much less intimidating.
Some competitor automobiles have brake pedals which might be too spongy or wooden-feeling, so it’s good that the MG feels just about regular. In fact, you may as well regulate regen braking power with relative ease, and there’s even a one-pedal setting for these so inclined.
There are nonetheless some attribute safety-related gripes, similar to beeps and bongs from the driving force monitor and velocity restrict warning. This isn’t shocking given MG’s observe document, however it’s relieving to search out shortcuts to disable them are conveniently positioned in a swipe-down menu on the infotainment show.
You’ll nonetheless must disable the whole lot each time you get within the automobile, although.
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In any other case, the S5 EV presents a fairly well-calibrated adaptive cruise system, which does a tremendous job of matching and reacting to visitors. Its lane-centring operate is rather less dependable, because it doesn’t really feel as assured when steering to comply with the lane.
A minimum of cabin refinement is first rate, and also you’ll be capable of have a dialog along with your passengers with out being interrupted by street or wind noise.
Basically, although, trendy EVs are actually solely as robust as their driving vary. With 425km claimed, the MG S5 EV (62kWh fashions) is nearly acceptable when you think about the competitors, a lot of which presents practically similar figures. The 77kWh choice within the MG 4 could be a beaut, although.
It doesn’t change the truth that that is nonetheless seemingly higher suited to the city world, however there ought to nonetheless be sufficient within the anecdotal tank for semi-frequent regional outings.
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
The 2026 MG S5 EV is accessible in two trim ranges.
2026 MG S5 EV Excite tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with ‘low wind resistance wheel caps’
- Tyre restore package
- Automated LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Energy-adjustable heated aspect mirrors
- Roof rails
- Polyurethane steering wheel
- Material upholstery
- 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- 10.25-inch digital instrument show
- 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 2 x entrance USB-C ports
- 1 x rear USB-C port
- 4-speaker sound system
- Single-zone local weather management
- Keyless entry
MG S5 EV Essence provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with ‘low wind resistance wheel caps’
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Energy-folding aspect mirrors
- Rear privateness glass
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated entrance seats
- PVC and material upholstery
- 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar
- Voice management
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- On-line leisure providers, incl:
- 6-speaker sound system
- Energy tailgate with kick sensor
- Electrical panoramic sunroof
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the MG S5 EV protected?
The MG S5 EV boasts a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2025.
| Class | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Susceptible street person safety | 82 per cent |
| Security help | 79 per cent |
Normal security tools highlights:
- 7 airbags, incl:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver monitoring system
- Clever cruise help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Lane-keep help
- Pedestrian warning sound
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Tyre stress monitoring
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the MG S5 EV price to run?
MG Australia backs its vary with a 10-year, 250,000km guarantee, supplied its autos are serviced on time and at an MG vendor. If not, the guarantee drops to seven-year, unlimited-kilometre protection.
| Servicing and Guarantee | MG S5 EV |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 10 years, 250,000km |
| Excessive-voltage battery guarantee | 7 years, 150,000km |
| Roadside help | 10 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Common annual service price | $331 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $2317 |
MG’s particular person service prices are detailed under:
| Service | Value |
|---|---|
| 12 months, 25,000km | $206 |
| 24 months, 50,000km | $272 |
| 36 months, 75,000km | $441 |
| 48 months, 100,000km | $479 |
| 60 months, 125,000km | $206 |
| 72 months, 150,000km | $507 |
| 84 months, 175,000km | $206 |
For comparability, the BYD Atto 3 will price $2291 to service over seven years, averaging $327.29 yearly. Like MG, Chery presents seven years of capped-price servicing for the E5, totalling $1901.34 at a median of $271.62 per yr.
Hyundai outlines 16 years of service pricing for the Kona Electrical, which has longer 24-month, 30,000km intervals. Over eight years, it’ll price a complete of $2722 to service, or a median of $680.50 each two years.
To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG S5 EV Essence 62
The MG S5 EV is a strong automobile within the scheme of MG, and the Essence 62 we drove is arguably the very best it will get. That’s a little bit of a disgrace, although.
It’s robust for its elevated driving vary over its base-spec counterpart, which is aggressive towards the competitors. It additionally drives effectively, has a well-considered inside, and is an all-around nice automobile to dwell with when you’ve ingrained the security nannies switch-off into your start-up process.
However $48,000 is a bit a lot to spend on all of that, particularly for an SUV that isn’t all that massive, electrical or not. You’d nonetheless get by with out all of this tools if you happen to went for the Excite as a substitute, however the 62kWh fashions are far preferable in any case.
We really feel $45,000 is extra affordable for the Excite 62, however there’s nonetheless a wierd imbalance between customary tools and value, and also you wouldn’t wish to be coping with a plastic steering wheel on a regular basis. That automobile continues to be seemingly the higher deal if you happen to’re taking a look at it solely from a worth perspective.
Nonetheless, the S5 EV seems to be fairly a great urban-focused commuter, and the driving expertise alone makes it effectively price contemplating over a lot of the competitors.
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