MG S5 EV Review
The new MG S5 EV has reached the UK, replacing the older ZS EV, and it is already being talked about because of one simple reason, its price. MG has positioned it against rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, and on paper, it promises range, practicality, and a more premium interior feel.
This article breaks down everything about the MG S5 EV using real-world observations from a detailed first look and drive.
Dimensions and Design
The MG S5 EV measures just under 4.5 metres, making it similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai. It uses the same platform bits as the MG4.
Exterior overview
Front: New design language with a checkered-flag style lighting setup.
Side profile:
17 inch wheels on the SE trim
18 inch wheels on the Trophy trim
Roof rails capable of carrying up to 70 kg
Rear: Strong resemblance to VW SUVs because of the full-width light bar.
Boot space:
453 litres standard
1,441 litres with rear seats folded
Extra underfloor storage for cables and accessories
There’s a rear wiper, and electric tailgate is only available on the Trophy trim.
Battery Options and Range
MG offers two battery options:
| Variant | Battery Capacity | Official Range |
|---|---|---|
| SE Standard Range | 49 kWh | 211 miles |
| SE Long Range & Trophy Long Range | 64 kWh | Up to 298 miles |
The long range version gets close to the 300 mile mark, which is impressive for the price bracket.
Interior Quality and Cabin Features
The cabin is surprisingly premium, described as “clean and cushy” with no cheap plastics in sight.
Key interior highlights
Dual screen layout
10.25 inch driver display
12.8 inch central touchscreen
Physical buttons for volume and climate control
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard
Multiple storage spaces (MG claims 30+)
Large centre storage bin, big door pockets, glovebox, and phone shelves
SE trim misses out on wireless charging, available in Trophy
Two USB-C ports available in the centre console
Rear seat space is shockingly good for this segment with generous legroom and headroom.
Infotainment and Connected Features
The large 12.8 inch touchscreen is responsive with almost no lag.
Available built-in apps include:
YouTube
Spotify
TikTok
Climate controls are accessible through both physical buttons and the touchscreen.
Safety Features and MG Pilot
MG has improved customisation for its driver-assist features.
MG Pilot settings you can customise
Speed limit recognition
Attention monitoring
Lane keep assist
Blind spot detection
Emergency braking
And more
All these can be switched off individually, and drivers can save a personalised setup under MG Pilot Custom. With one quick swipe-down menu tap, the saved preferences load instantly.
Drive Modes and Regeneration
Drive modes include:
Normal
Sport
Comfort
Snow
Custom
Regeneration levels available:
Low
Medium
Strong
Adaptive
One-pedal driving is also offered and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Performance and Driving Experience
The MG S5 EV is rear wheel drive, which is rare in this segment.
Performance figures
223 hp
0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds
AWD version coming soon
On the road, the SUV feels:
Smooth
Comfortable
Well-controlled through potholes
Stable with minimal body roll
Slightly heavier steering, giving more confidence to the driver
Visibility is great, though the mirror adjustment controls are placed awkwardly low.
Efficiency observed in a short test: 3.3 miles per kWh, which is realistic for this class.
Charging Speeds
| Battery | DC Fast Charging | AC Charging |
|---|---|---|
| 49 kWh | 120 kW | 7 kW |
| 64 kWh | 139 kW | 7 kW |
MG has kept AC charging to 7 kW, which is lower than some competitors.
MG S5 Trims and Pricing (UK)
The MG S5 comes in only two trims: SE and Trophy.
Price breakdown
MG S5 SE Standard Range
Starting at £28,495MG S5 SE Long Range
Adds £2,500 to the base priceMG S5 Trophy Long Range
Adds another £2,500 over the SE Long Range
Includes additional features (full list shown in video)
Maxed-out price
£33,495 for the top-spec Trophy
This is around the same starting price as the Kia EV3
MG has undercut most competitors in this space.
Should You Buy the MG S5 EV?
If you’re looking for:
A practical family SUV
A long driving range
A modern interior
Good rear seat space
And strong pricing
…the MG S5 EV is one of the most value-packed options on the UK market.
It may not make you feel special behind the wheel, but that’s not the point. It’s a solid, comfortable, well-priced family EV, and a noticeable upgrade over the MG ZS EV.
MG S5 EV FAQ
1. What is the MG S5 EV and how big is it?
The MG S5 EV is the replacement for the MG ZS EV. It is just under 4.5 meters long, which makes it similar in size to a Nissan Qashqai. It offers more space than the older ZS model.
2. What battery options does the MG S5 EV offer?
The MG S5 EV comes with two battery choices. A 49 kWh battery is available in the standard SE version. A larger 64 kWh battery is offered in the SE long range and Trophy long range versions.
3. What is the real-world range of the MG S5 EV?
The official range figures are between 211 and 298 miles depending on the battery and trim. The long range version gets closer to the 300 mile mark and is very efficient for daily use.
4. How is the exterior design of the MG S5 EV?
The S5 gets a new design with updated lights, a checkered flag style pattern at the front, and a rear that looks similar to modern VW SUVs. SE variants come with 17 inch wheels and the Trophy trim gets 18 inch wheels.
5. How much boot space does the MG S5 EV have?
The MG S5 EV has a 453 liter boot, which is larger than the ZS EV. With the rear seats folded, the space expands to 1441 liters. There is additional storage under the boot floor for cables and small items.
6. How spacious is the rear seat area?
The rear seat space is surprisingly large. Even with the front seat set for an average adult, there is generous legroom and headroom. The SE trim has one USB charging port but does not include rear pockets.
7. What features does the MG S5 EV interior offer?
The S5 EV has two main screens. A 10.25 inch driver display with physical buttons for easy use and a 12.8 inch infotainment screen with no noticeable lag. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes physical knobs for volume and climate control.
8. Does the MG S5 EV have storage space inside the cabin?
The car offers more than 30 storage spaces, including large door bins, a deep center console, space under the armrest, and multiple small compartments. The Trophy trim also includes wireless charging.
9. What trims are available for the MG S5 EV?
There are only two trims. The SE trim is the base model. The Trophy trim is the fully loaded version with additional features such as bigger wheels, upgraded interior comforts, and more technology. The only optional extra is the paint color.
10. How does the MG Pilot system work?
The MG Pilot system includes features like lane keep assist, speed limit recognition, driver attention monitoring, and blind spot detection. All features can be individually switched off. A custom mode allows you to save your preferred settings for quick access every time you start the car.
11. What driving modes does the MG S5 EV offer?
It includes Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow, and Custom modes. One pedal driving and adjustable regen braking are also available. The driving feel is smooth with good steering weight and limited body roll for an SUV.
12. How powerful is the MG S5 EV?
The S5 EV is rear-wheel drive and delivers 223 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in around 6.2 seconds. An even quicker all wheel drive version is expected soon.
13. What are the charging speeds of the MG S5 EV?
The 49 kWh battery supports up to 120 kW DC fast charging. The 64 kWh long range battery charges at up to 139 kW. AC home charging is limited to 7 kW. Regenerative braking can be set from low to strong or used in one pedal driving mode.
14. How comfortable is the MG S5 EV to drive?
The S5 EV offers a smooth ride with good visibility, minimal body roll, and a well balanced driving position. The cabin materials feel soft and comfortable with no cheap plastics. The steering has a nice weight which helps with control and confidence.
15. What is the pricing of the MG S5 EV?
The MG S5 EV starts at £28,495 for the base SE version. The SE long range version costs £31,495. The Trophy long range trim costs £33,495 and includes every feature without needing extra paid options apart from the paint. The pricing undercuts several competitors in the segment.
