New vehicles from Chinese manufacturer MG are coming thick and fast. On the new and upcoming schedule are the QS seven-seat SUV, ES5 small electric SUV, MG7 large sedan, HS plug-in hybrid and the first offerings from the IM luxury sub-brand.
The QS has just arrived and we’ll be reviewing it shortly but this time we’re looking another small-medium fully-electric SUV, the MG S5.
While the name is new the S5 is effectively the replacement for the electric variant in the market dominating ZS range but, unlike the ZS EV which was based on its petrol siblings, the S5 it has been designed from the ground up as a specific electric vehicle.
The ZS and ZST petrol and hybrids will remain on sale under that badge.
The MG SR does share its underpinning and other components with the well-established MG4 sedan and Cybester sports coupe.
S5 comes in four variants, two equipment levels, Excite and Essence, with the choice of two batteries, 49kWh and 63kWh. Driveaway prices range from $40,490 for the 49kWh Excite through to $47,990 for our test model the 62kWh Essence.
The S5 will compete against other fully-electric vehicles such as the Chinese Geely EX5, BYD Atto3 and Chery Omoda E5 as well as the Korean Kia EV3.
STYLING
The exterior of MG S5 is a major improvement over the outgoing and fairly bland ZS EV. It’s body shape now clearly identifies it as an SUV although, having said that, there’s nothing that really makes it stand out from its numerous competitors.
There are a couple of features borrowed from its siblings including the split front air vent from the Cybester and tail lights from the MG4.
There’s LED lighting all round including the high-mounted brake light.
Wheels are alloys, 17-inch on the Excite and 18-inch on the Essence. Other extra features in the higher spec variant include power folding side mirrors, rear privacy glass and rear sensor wipers.
SAFETY
MG S5 underwent ANCAP safety testing in May 2025 and achieved the maximum five-star rating.
A five-star ANCAP safety rating, plus seven airbags is just a start, with MG Pilot intelligent safety systems which automatically intervene when occupant safety is threatened. These include forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and autonomous cruise control.
More help is supplied by blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and braking, rear collision warning, driver monitor inattention warning, tyre pressure warning, auto hold and hill start assist, reversing camera and ISOFIX rear seat brackets.
As required by ANCAP the default setting for all ADAS driver assistance systems to be turned on. Some of what many drivers find intrusive features such as driver- attention monitoring, overly sensitive speed limit alerts and lane correction safety can be turned off through the touchscreen but then automatically turn back on when the vehicle is restarted.
Fortunately, the S5 does have a MG Pilot Custom tab that saves any selected features to be turned off together when restarting.
INTERIOR
Entry into both the front and rear is relatively easy with a flat floor adding extra comfort for those in the back. Legroom and headroom is also pretty good.
There are grab handles at all doors except for the driver’s. Not quite sure why.
Excite has fabric upholstery and manual front-seat adjustment. Essence gets PVC with cloth inserts, six-way power adjustment and lumbar support for the driver.
Boot space is 453 litres with the rear seatbacks in place, expanding to 1241 litres when they’re folded. As is rapidly becoming the norm, there’s no spare wheel just a tyre repair kit.
The only extra safety feature in the SR Essence is a 360-degree camera.
POWERTRAIN
Both S5 variants are powered by lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries that generate 125kW and 250Nm through a single rear-mounted motor.
Driving range using the WLTP system is listed at 340 km from the 49 kMh battery and 430 km with the 62 kWh. Being LFP the batteries can be charged to 100 percent.
Maximum AC charging speed is 6.6kW and DC 150.and with the LFP
Servicing intervals are 12 months or 25,000 kilometres whichever comes first while the five-year servicing price is around $400 a year.
One pedal driving is standard as is three-step brake regeneration.
INFOTAINMENT
Both S5 variants combine a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with a 10.25-inch configurable driver information display.
While most features are accessed through the touchscreen MG has responded to concerns about driver distraction by adding a number of shortcut tabs at the bottom of the screen as well as some physical buttons, knobs and toggles below the screen.
Both models get embedded satellite navigation.
MG S5 comes with I SMART, an app, available through both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It enables drivers to remotely monitor and control certain functions including remote vehicle status checks, remote control of features like air conditioning and locking, and location tracking.
Excite has a four-speaker sound system, Essence adds two more. Other extra features in the Essence are a wireless smartphone charger, voice control and online entertainment services.
DRIVING
Like all EVs the MG S5 provides instant torque at getaway however its relatively low power output of 125 kW and extra weight restrict it to a modest 0-100km time of 8.6 seconds in the 62 kWh Essence that we tested.
Of course, it is an SUV with all the practical benefits of that design so means that’s not going to be a priority for most potential buyers.
Performance from the S5 is a significant improvement over the ZS EV. It’s built on the same dedicated EV platform as the MG4 and, while it can’t match the overall driving enjoyment of that hatchback, it doesn’t fall that much short.
The ride is firm but not harsh and it handled the occasional bumps and potholes without a problem.
Steering is nicely weighted and direct.
With its rear-wheel drive it’s so well-balanced going through corners that is easy to forget that it’s an SUV.
SUMMARY
The ZS has been a breakthrough model for MG, easily outselling all its rivals in the small SUV segment. Although it’s a fair bit more expensive than the ZS EV such have been the across-the board improvements that S5 looks likely to continue that domination.
It’s an ideal size for singles or couples with pre-teen children or retirees, has outstanding levels of safety with the latest in technology. Add its excellent driving qualities and its certainly ticks plenty of boxes.
MG has recently increased its warranty to 10 years with a 250,000 km distance limit. Not however that only applies when all scheduled services are done at an authorised MG dealer network. For personal buyers they can opt for 7-year / unlimited kilometre warranty option if they choose an alternative, provided that they follow the usual warranty conditions.
RATINGS:
Looks: 7.5/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 8/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
MODEL RANGE
Excite 49kWh: $40,490
Essence 49kWh: $42,990
Excite 62kWh: $44,990
Essence 62kWh: $47,990
Note: These are driveaway prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (MG S5 Essence 62 kWh electric SUV)
POWERTRAIN
Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
Battery Capacity: 62kWh
Configuration: Single rear-mounted electric motor
Maximum Power: 125 kW
Maximum Torque: 250 Nm
Fuel Type: Electric
Energy consumption: 16.6 kWh/100km
Range: 335 km (WLTP)
DRIVELINE:
One- speed automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4476 mm
Wheelbase: 2730 mm
Width: 1849 mm
Height: 1621 mm
Turning Circle: Not listed
Kerb Mass: 1755 kg
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Vehicle: 10 years / 250,000 kilometres (with conditions)
Battery: Eight years / 180,000 kilometres
