2025 MG S5 EV Review

While it doesn’t have the catchiest name, the MG S5 EV's immense value proposition is sure to make a lasting impression with buyers in the market for a battery-electric SUV package.

It's a larger, next-generation successor to the ZS EV, aiming to carry on with the value-heavy ethos of affordable, electric motoring with more refined on-road manners than its replacement.

Think of it as an SUV version of the MG 4 hatchback - though it's actually bigger and more spacious inside.

Let’s take a closer look at how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its ever-plentiful rivals in the medium electric SUV segment to see if it's worth a spot on your shortlist.

MG S5 EV Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the MY25 MG S5 EV range kick off from $40,490 drive-away for the entry-level MG S5 EV Excite 49, with prices stretching out to $47,990 for the MG S5 EV Essence 62.

• MG S5 EV Excite 49 - $40,490

• MG S5 EV Essence 49 - $42,990

• MG S5 EV Excite 62 - $44,990

• MG S5 EV Essence 62 - $47,990

Keep in mind these prices are subject to change, though they do include on-road costs.

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MG S5 EV Excite 49 Specifications

What Features Does the MG S5 EV Have?

The MG S5 EV impresses when it comes to the value front, with MG throwing a tonne of equipment in across the two-variant lineup.

As standard, both 49 and 62 versions of the MG S5 Excite come riding on 17-inch alloys with aero covers and pick up LED head and tail lights, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, climate control, and a mobile Bluetooth key.

Stepping up to the MG S5 Essence range adds a set of 18-inch alloys, a powered boot lift, leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, a leather-upholstered and heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, surround-view monitor, power-adjustment for the driver's seat, a wireless charging pad and a centre console in the second row of the cabin.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The MG S5 EV offers buyers a strong technology offering, though some key features are reserved for range-topping Essence variants.

All versions come fitted with the same 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system sitting atop the dashboard.

MG's infotainment display offers crisp graphics, high brightness levels and decent processing power for the overhauled menu layout that takes a nice step forward in terms of functionality.

In base form, the MG S5 Excite receives a pretty basic four-speaker sound system while the Essence picks up an upgraded six-speaker unit.

Another key feature reserved for the range-topper is the addition of apps like Youtube and Tiktok, offered exclusively in the Essence, which will surely come in handy for tech-heads while charging.

All variants come equipped with DAB+ digital radio and MG's iSmart connected services suite that offers a range of remote vehicle controls, diagnostics and location tracking.

MG S5 EV buyers pick up a 12-month subscription to iSmart connected services, with a fee payable after one year of ownership.

Does the MGS5 EV Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Buyers will be pleased to know that the MG S5 EV comes fitted with MG's latest infotainment suite which offers wireless smartphone mirroring for both major ecosystems.

Whether you’ve got an Android or an iPhone in your pocket, you’ll be able to pair your smartphone with the MGS5 EV's 12.8-inch infotainment system via wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Is the MG S5 EV Comfortable to Drive?

MG has done well to keep things nice and comfortable with the MGS5 EV, which has taken a notable leap forward when it comes to driving refinement over the previous ZS EV range.

All versions of the MG S5 EV range come powered by the same single electric motor that pushes out 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

This means that it’s not hugely powerful, though acceleration feels impressive thanks to its instant torque delivery and smooth power band, which means you won't have a problem keeping up with traffic.

You can also adjust the amount of regenerative braking, with the most aggressive setting offering one-pedal driving.

It shares the same platform as the MG 4 which has been well-received when it comes to on-road manners, with the company boasting a near-50/50 weight distribution for the MG S5 EV.

That, combined with the responsive handling and nimble front end makes it feel nice and agile around town while remaining nice and easy to park thanks to a fairly stout wheelbase.

The suspension package errs on the firmer side, quite a typical setup for electric SUVs which are tasked with lugging around a pretty heavy battery pack.

That said, the ride quality strikes a nice balance of stability in the corners, without much in the way of body roll, with enough accommodation to sharper bumps that frequent city streets.

All up, the MG S5 EV is a quiet performer on a more mundane run around town, with the company placing an emphasis on everyday user-friendliness rather than outright pace which makes it a solid daily driver.

How Far Can the MG S5 EV Drive on a Charge?

MG splits the S5 EV range into two versions.

The most affordable member of the lineup come packaged with a 49kWh LFP battery pack underneath.

With a claimed energy efficiency rating of 16.9kWh per 100km, the company says the MG S5 EV 49 range offers 340km of range on the WLTP test cycle.

Buyers looking for more driving range have the option of a larger 62kWh LFP battery pack that increases range potential up to 430km in the case of the Excite 62, dropping slightly to 425km in the Essence 62, with both consuming electrons at a rate of 17.1kWh per 100km.

• MG S5 EV 49 Energy Efficiency: 16.9kWh per 100km

• MG S5 EV 49 Driving Range: 340km

• MG S5 EV 62 Energy Efficiency: 17.1kWh per 100km

• MG S5 EV 62 Driving Range: 425 - 430km (Essence vs Excite)

How Fast Can the MG S5 EV Charge its Battery?

With 400-volt architecture underneath, the MG S5 EV range can be DC fast-charged at speeds up to 150kW, which exceeds a number of its key rivals.

Opting for the smaller battery pack for the S5 EV 49, however, and your peak DC charging speeds drop down to 120kW.

The company says that with access to a 120kW DC fast charger, you can charge both battery packs from 30 to 80 per cent charge in around 19 minutes, while AC charging speeds are capped at 6.6kW.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Step inside and MGS5 EV makes a seriously good impression when you consider its price tag.

There’s more than a few similarities with the MG 4 it's based upon, though there are some unique design features which add to both aesthetics and practicality.

Tall drivers won't have a problem getting comfortable in the front row of the cabin, with ample head room on offer and decent-sized windows that add to the sense of space.

The more premium Essence variants pick up leatherette upholstery and a panoramic sunroof which helps make things look a bit more premium in the front of the cabin, though the base model more than cuts the mustard for the price.

All up, the design is super clean and well executed when you consider MG has kept things simple while also retaining some physical dials below the infotainment display for quick climate or audio changes.

One of the biggest changes over the MG 4 is that there's now a centre console that stretches from the armrest all the way to the dashboard.

This means there's more storage options, with the centre console housing a pair of cupholders, floating above another storage tray underneath.

Move to the second row and there's no complaints when it comes to the basics.

There’s a stack of legroom on offer, even for taller rear occupants, meaning you're unlikely to hear any complaints from the kids.

Headroom is also solid, especially when paired with the panoramic sunroof, which adds some much-needed light into the rear of the cabin, mostly due to the fact the rear windows aren't particularly large.

Cabin width is a bit restrictive for three-abreast seating, though the flat floor design helps to keep things nice and spacious for a pair of bodies.

Amenities in the second row include a set of air vents, map pockets, a single USB-C charging port, a folding armrest with cupholders and bottle holders inside the door sills.

For parents, the MG S5 EV comes equipped with a pair of ISOFIX anchors on each of the outboard seats and three top tether anchors on the seatbacks, with easy access into the second row thanks to the wide-aperture doors.

How Big is the MG S5 EV's Boot?

The MG S5 EV offers a pretty handy amount of space in the boot, though it's not game-changing for the segment.

With the rear seats standing, you’ll find 453L worth of real estate in the boot, which is a sizable premium over the MG 4 it's based upon.

Fold the 60/40 split rear seats and there's a very handy 1,441L worth of cargo capacity, with a nice and flat floor that makes it easy to unload heavy items over the tailgate.

There's also four tie-down points and some under-floor storage for some tools and a tyre repair kit, with no full-size or space-saver spare tyre on offer.

• MG S5 EV Boot Space Minimum: 453L

• MG S5 EV Boot Space Maximum: 1,441L

Is it Safe?

MG bundles a long list of active safety technology in with the MG S5 EV and, perhaps more importantly, doesn't reserve any tech for the range-topper aside from the surround-view monitor.

That means that all versions come packaged with AEB, front & rear collision alerts, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assistance with lane-change assist and lane-departure alerts, safe exit warnings, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and seven airbags inside.

Stepping up to Essence versions adds the surround-view monitor.

Does the MG S5 EV Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The MG S5 EV has picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring the following marks from its 2025 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 90%

• Child Occupant Protection: 86%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 82%

• Safety Assist: 79%

What Warranty Does the MG S5 EV Come With?

Things get really appealing when you check out the MG S5 EV's warranty, which stretches out to ten years or 250,000 kilometres.

This warranty, however, is conditional on the vehicle being used solely as a private vehicle, meaning fleets or commercial operators are relegated to a seven-year/160,000-kilometre warranty.

Buyers also pick up ten years' worth of roadside assistance without any conditions, which is a nice touch.

MG offers capped price servicing for five years, priced at $1,967, with service intervals set at 12 months or 25,000 kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the MG S5 EV Worth It?

The MG S5 EV is impossible to ignore if you're after a well-equipped and sharply-priced battery-electric SUV.

While it shares a platform with the MG 4 hatchback, there is far more interior space on offer in the S5 EV, way more boot space and a more practical interior design that makes it a much for family-friendly affair.

Considering the range is priced so densely, we think upgrading to the larger 62kWh battery pack is a must for most buyers, largely due to the added capacity and faster charging capabilities.

As a value proposition, the MG S5 EV really impresses and is sure to be a big-seller in the ever-popular world of battery-electric SUVs.

If you're after the best possible price on your next car, reach out to one of our car-buying experts today.

Five MG S5 EV Specs You Need to Know

1. Ten-year/250,000 kilometre warranty (for private buyers)

2. Seven-year/160,000 kilometre warranty (for commercial buyers)

3. 49 and 62kWh battery packs available (340 - 430km range)

4. 453 - 1,441L boot space

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2025)