- Shares the MG4 platform but offers calmer performance and no performance variant
- Major interior upgrade with a larger screen and wireless smartphone integration
- Competitive efficiency and fast charging at the price
- Strong value in Australia, tougher competition in the UK
MG has been on a roll lately. Between the hugely popular MG4 and the headline-grabbing Cyberster, the brand has managed to shake off its budget-only reputation and position itself as a genuine EV disruptor.
The MG S5 might not turn heads in quite the same way, but make no mistake, this is arguably the company’s most important new model.
Built on the same dedicated electric platform as the MG4, the S5 arrives as a spiritual successor to the ageing ZS EV. It promises more space, better tech, and a more family-friendly shape, all while keeping pricing firmly in mass market territory.
The big question is whether it retains the spark that made the MG4 one of the most enjoyable affordable EVs on the road.
The answer is complicated.
A familiar foundation with a calmer character
Under the skin, the S5 shares much of its DNA with the MG4. It uses the same Rear Wheel Drive layout and similar battery options, with 49kWh and 62kWh packs depending on trim. Power sits at 125kW with 250Nm of torque, which is respectable for the class.
However, the bigger SUV body inevitably blunts performance. Acceleration feels more relaxed than in the MG4, especially when joining fast-moving traffic. It is not slow, but it lacks the playful urgency that made the hatchback so engaging.
There is no dual motor performance variant and no larger 77kWh battery option either. That alone signals the S5’s mission. This is not the electric hot hatch in disguise that the MG4 could be. It is a family-focused crossover first and foremost.
Range is slightly down on the MG4 due to the extra weight and size, but efficiency remains solid. Real-world mixed driving returned around 16kWh per 100km, which is competitive for this segment.
DC fast charging peaks at up to 150kW on long-range models, meaning 30 to 80 percent can be achieved in roughly 19 minutes under ideal conditions. That keeps it in line with key rivals.
In short, MG has prioritised comfort and practicality over thrills. Some buyers will appreciate that restraint. Others may miss the extra edge.
The interior finally catches up
If the MG4 had an obvious weakness, it was the cabin. It was functional but sparse, with a small touchscreen and a minimal instrument cluster that felt a step behind the competition. The S5 addresses that head-on.
The redesigned interior is a clear improvement. A larger central display dominates the dashboard, and the software feels more modern and responsive.
Integrated apps such as Spotify and YouTube add convenience, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally eliminate the need for cables. It sounds like a small detail, but in daily use it makes a noticeable difference.
The digital driver display is now neatly integrated into the dashboard rather than perched awkwardly on top. Materials feel better chosen, and the overall fit and finish is more cohesive. Physical climate controls remain, which will please anyone tired of digging through menus just to adjust the temperature.
Higher trims add a panoramic glass roof with a retractable shade, power adjustable driver seat, 360 degree camera and powered tailgate. These features elevate the S5’s appeal and help it feel closer to more premium rivals.
It still does not offer an electric passenger seat, which feels like an odd omission at this level, but overall the cabin is a significant step forward for MG.
One notable drawback is the absence of over the air updates. In a world where many EV brands push software improvements remotely, needing to visit a dealer for updates feels outdated.
Value remains MG’s strongest card
Where the S5 really shines is pricing. In Australia it sits among the most affordable electric SUVs on sale, competing directly with the BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda E5.
In the UK, entry pricing is competitive, though higher trims face stiff competition from models such as the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30.
The simplified line up may disappoint those who appreciated the MG4’s broad spread of variants. Instead of five distinct versions, the S5 effectively boils down to two core trims, each available with a standard or long range battery.
That makes the buying process straightforward, but it reduces the sense of customisation that helped the MG4 stand out.
Still, as a replacement for the ZS EV, the S5 is a dramatic improvement. Charging speeds are stronger, the interior is more polished, and the driving experience feels more mature.
Verdict
The MG S5 is not the charismatic pocket rocket that the MG4 proved to be. It trades some of that sparkle for space, comfort and broader appeal.
For families wanting an affordable electric SUV with rear wheel drive dynamics and improved in car tech, it makes a compelling case.
It may not be the most exciting EV in its class, but it is one of the most sensible. And in a segment defined by practicality, that might be exactly what MG intended.
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