The MG S5 EV is arriving soon as a replacement for the ZS EV, and government documents show there could be a wide range of variants on offer.
The new electric SUV, based on the same platform as the MG 4, is due in Australia during the second quarter (April to June inclusive) of 2025.
It could be one of several vehicles MG will reveal in Melbourne in April, and is one of a bevy of new vehicles the brand plans to launch in Australia this year as it plots a path to becoming a top-three brand by the end of the decade.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Chinese-market models shown
The approval documents show the single-motor, rear-wheel drive S5 EV, which unlike its predecessor rides a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform, will be offered with a range of batteries.
There are 49kWh and 62kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are paired with a 125kW electric motor.
A 64kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery is also available, paired with a 170kW electric motor.
According to the documents, each battery option is available with a choice of two different trim levels, and there’s a choice of 17- or 18-inch wheels.
It’s worth noting government approval documents may list variants that don’t end up being offered.
While WLTP range figures aren’t yet available, in China the 49kWh battery offers a claimed range of 425km on the more lenient CLTC cycle.
The 62kWh battery offers a claimed range of 515km or 525km, depending on the variant.
All models have vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power external appliances.
The S5 EV measures 4476mm long, 1849mm wide and 1621mm-1626mm tall on a 2730mm wheelbase. That makes it 21mm longer than a BYD Atto 3 on a 10mm longer wheelbase.
According to local documents, tare mass is between 1635kg and 1725kg, depending on the variant.
In China, the S5 EV – known there as the ES5 – can be had with features such as a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof with a sunshade, as well as heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats.
All models come standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Available safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning.
The S5 EV arrives after the new-generation ZS launched late last year, with a hybrid powertrain replacing the previously available electric powertrain and therefore giving the new S5 EV some breathing room.
MG had Australia’s third best-selling EV last year with the MG 4 hatchback, with 6934 examples sold.
The S5 EV will take aim at not only the BYD Atto 3, which was Australia’s fifth best-selling EV last year, but also the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Chery Omoda E5.
