2025 MG S5 EV review

MG is coming out of its chrysalis in 2025.

The Chinese brand is readying a huge array of new arrivals over the next 12 months that will not only expand its model lineup, but broaden its customer base and elevate to become a more colourful and broader mainstream player.

Following a raft of second-generation arrivals for the likes of the MG 3 city hatch, ZS compact SUV and HS mid-size soft roader, MG’s new model rollout starts with this, the 2025 MG S5 EV – the company’s first dedicated electric SUV.

It arrives in Australian showrooms this month, with pricing as sharp as its looks, and CarExpert has been given the opportunity for a brief drive before it officially launches.

So, let’s check it out…

How much does the MG S5 EV cost?

The MG S5 EV is offered in two familiar model grades – Excite and Essence – each with the option of a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack.

With a starting price of just $40,490 drive-away for the entry-level Excite 49, the MG S5 EV was the most affordable battery electric SUV available in Australia before Jeep slashed prices of the smaller Avenger. Still, it’s a size class above the likes of the Jeep as well as the incoming Hyundai Inster.

It does have a fleet of similar-sized competitors, including the BYD Atto 3 which is advertised for less but before on-road costs ($39,990), as well as the Geely EX5 (from $40,990), Chery Omoda E5 (from $42,990), Leapmotor C10 (from $45,888) and Kia EV3 (from $49,990 drive-away).

It’s also positioned right in the sweet spot of the ultra-competitive mid-size SUV class, against the likes of the popular Toyota RAV4 (from $39,760), the Mazda CX-5 (from $36,740), the Hyundai Tucson (from $39,100) and Nissan X-Trail (from $38,025).

To see how the MG S5 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the MG S5 EV like on the inside?

One thing is certain: this is beyond an evolutionary upgrade from the ZS EV. The MG S5 EV is, quite simply, a revolutionary leap forward in terms of design, quality, comfort and convenience.

Where the ZS EV was a battery-powered compact SUV converted from a combustion-powered platform, the MG S5 EV is built on the same dedicated electric vehicle platform as the MG 4 hatchback.

Yet, it’s so much more than a high-riding re-skin. In fact, the MG S5 EV is larger in almost every dimension, and does not share a single body panel with its hatch-backed relative.

It’s the same inside too. While there’s a lot to like about the MG 4’s minimalist design and use of space, at the same time it feels cold and dark with its black-and-chrome colour palette, and hard plastics.

The S5 EV is quite the opposite, being much more modern and inviting thanks to its muted two-tone aesthetic across the lower portion of the cabin and light-coloured headliner.

There’s an interesting mix of tactile materials too, such as the felt-like area on the centre console around the rotary gear selector with a built-in wireless phone charging pad; the carbon-fibre-inspired strip that runs through the middle of the dash and into the door handles; and the nice blend of cloth and synthetic leather trim on the seats.

The rounded array of physical controls for the ventilation and audio in the middle of the dash are beautiful, as are the slimline knurled alloy sliders to adjust the air vents. The panoramic glass sunroof in our Essence test vehicle further adds to the feeling of space and light.

Then there are the digital elements – a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment touch screen that features a new-look interface and a host of new functions, which we will dig into in more detail when we have a chance to properly assess the MG S5 EV over a longer period of time.

In any case, the MG S5 EV gets the basics right.

The heated front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment; the leather three spoke steering wheel has both reach and rake movement; and there’s generous door bins big enough for large water bottles, as well as a pair of cupholders in the centre console.

There’s also a deep covered bin between the seats, and additional space large enough for a handbag under the mid-section. Headroom is also generous, even with the glass roof, and a there’s a commanding view through the extensive glasshouse.

Those in the back are treated to plenty of legroom with enough space across the bench for three thanks its flat floor, as well as rear air vents and a single USB charging outlet at the rear of the centre console.

But if it’s just two in the back, there’s also a flip-down centre armrest with individual cupholders, as well as reading lights in the roof-mounted grab handles.

The MGS5 EV has two ISOFIX anchor points on the outboard seats, and three top-tethers for child restraints. While it does not have a front trunk – or ‘frunk’ – like other electric vehicles, the S5 EV’s 453-litre boot is large enough to cater for everyday family duties and holiday luggage.

It’s deep and easily accessible – especially with the electronic tailgate that’s standard on the Essence – and features an extra under-floor area to separate wet, or secure smaller, items.

To see how the MG S5 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

All MG S5 EV variants are powered by the same rear-mounted electric motor that produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, driving the back axle through a single-speed transmission.

Consumers can choose between standard 49kWh or larger 62kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs.

All models are equipped with a 6.6kW on-board charging unit and have a CCS Type 2 connector. The 49kWh battery has a maximum charging rate of 120kW while the 62kW can handle up to 150kW which equals out their estimated charging times.

MG claims both batteries can be replenished between 30-80 per cent in 19 minutes for Excite variants, and 19.3 minutes for the Essence.

Estimated driving range for all four models varies according to the battery and tyre sizes, between 335km (WLTP) for the Essence 49 on 18-inch rims to 430km (WLTP) for the Excite 62 on 17s.

To see how the MG S5 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the MG S5 EV drive?

Straight up, we only drove the MG S5 EV for a couple of hours as a preview before it officially launches in showrooms later this month.

And our test car was literally fresh off the boat, with less than 40km on its odometer. So, consider this as a quick spin review rather than a deep dive into its driving character, range and charging times, which we will assess in more detail in the coming weeks.

In our short preview, we managed to cram in a mix of road conditions, from the tangled, dense urban jungle of inner-city Sydney, with some freeway cruising around the airport and a run through the eastern suburbs.

The route might be short and sweet, but it provided a huge variety of conditions, from pockmarked backstreets littered with speed humps to heavy-trafficked but smooth sections of meandering motorway, to wide arterial roads and narrow twisties along the beaches.

And, as far as first impressions go, the MGS5 EV delivers everything you’d expect from a family-friendly SUV. Not just an electric one.

The electric motor is seamless and smooth and accelerates swiftly when you tap into its instantaneous surge of torque under full throttle. It’s not as neck-snappingly quick as many other EVs, but nor does it need to be. Instead, it feels just right.

Again, we’ll leave its claimed range for another day, but even during our quick drive the instrument cluster claimed it was consuming an average of 177Wh/km which is only fractionally above MG’s claim of 171Wh/km, suggesting the Essence 62’s 425km on a single charge is about right.

With the one-pedal function activated for the majority of our time, the S5’s regenerative braking was smooth and capable of pulling to a complete stop in what felt like a natural distance when lifting off the accelerator.

Being a rear-driver helps in delivering a better-balanced driving character too. The steering is overly light in its assistance, but positive to inputs and uninterrupted in communicating road irregularities back to the driver.

The Macpherson front strut and five-link rear suspension provides a nice balance between comfort and cornering without compromising, or excelling, at either end of the spectrum. It can be a little harsh over sharp-edged bumps, but is otherwise well sorted and, overall, the MGS5 EV feels relatively sure footed and secure around town and at highway speeds.

To see how the MG S5 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The MGS5 EV packs a lot of standard equipment into its spacious cabin and for its relatively affordable price.

All S5 EV variants feature:

• LED head lights and tail lamps
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless smartphone mirroring
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite navigation
• iSmart connected app services
• Climate control with rear air vents
• Mobile Bluetooth key
• Keyless entry
• AC charging cable
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality

Essence variants add:

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Six-speaker sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Voice control
• Synthetic leather/fabric trim
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Rear centre console
• Rear privacy glass
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Is the MGS5 EV safe?

The MGS5 EV is fitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems and driver aids under the banner of MG Pilot.

It has yet to be tested by an NCAP organisation, but MG is confident it will at least match the five-star rating of its closely related MG4 hatch sibling.

All model variants will feature:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver monitoring system
• Lane-keep and Lane-change Assist
• Lane departure warning
• Forward and rear collision warning
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Safe exit warning
• 7 airbags
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors

Essence variants also get a 360-degree high resolution surround-view camera.

A new feature as part of the system is the ability to tailor the intervention in its array of functions with a MG Pilot Custom function. Here, users can set their own preference for how certain functions are activated – such as turning off alerts for speed zone changes, driving monitoring alarms, lane keeping assistance etc (the stuff that annoys you, essentially).

While the default setting will always start the vehicle with all the systems activated, this makes it simple to activate your own settings through one button on the home screen rather than diving through the menu every time you start driving. Clever, and convenient.

How much does the MGS5 EV cost to run?

Like all MG models, the MGS5 EV is covered by the brand’s benchmark 10-year /250,000km warranty with free roadside assistance.

CarExpert’s Take

We’ll excuse ourselves from making a definitive assessment of the MGS5 EV just yet, as we need to spend more time behind the wheel and living with it to really judge its position.

But, as far as first impressions go, it makes a very convincing one

The MGS5 EV looks modern, both inside and out, is spacious, comfortable, drives nicely and stacked with equipment. More than anything, it is priced right in the sweet spot where you might not even need to question – or justify – its battery-electric powertrain.