MG S5 EV Detailed Review
Electric cars are becoming more affordable in Australia, especially with the arrival of several Chinese EV brands. MG is one of the biggest players in this shift, and the latest model joining the lineup is the MG S5 EV. It sits on the same platform as the MG4 but brings an SUV-style design while retaining a rear wheel drive architecture. It is offered with two battery sizes, and the variant reviewed here is the top spec 62 Essence which is priced at just under 50,000 AUD.
This article breaks down all major points from the design to the interior experience, range, efficiency, ride quality, and performance so that you get a clear idea of what the S5 EV offers.
Exterior Design and Styling
In terms of design, the MG S5 EV actually looks quite attractive, especially in the red color. The front gets a big MG logo, along with a split headlight setup that places the DRLs on top while the main beam sits lower.
Key highlights include:
18 inch alloy wheels with machined finish and piano black aero covers
Bridgestone tyres
Wheel arch cladding for an SUV-style visual separation
Indicator integrated into the wing mirror
Roof rails and a panoramic glass roof
Full width LED tail lamps at the rear
Power tailgate for easier access
Although the styling gives the impression of mild off-road readiness, it is important to note that the S5 EV is rear wheel drive only and not equipped for off-roading.
Interior Quality, Technology and Comfort
Inside the cabin, MG has used the latest version of its infotainment system. It feels much more modern with faster processing, higher resolution graphics and improved responsiveness.
Cabin Features
Proximity sensing key
Push brake pedal to start
Soft touch materials on dashboard and door pads
Decent overall build quality
Just under 13 inch main infotainment display
Inbuilt satellite navigation, AM/FM/DAB radio
6 speaker audio system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Digital driver display
Single zone automatic climate control
Heated seats and heated steering
Wireless phone charger
USB C ports and 12V outlet
360 degree parking camera
However, the wireless Apple CarPlay system was extremely buggy. Both iOS 26 and iOS 18 devices struggled to connect, requiring frequent restarts. This is a key area MG must fix.
Brightness Issues
Both the main display and the driver screen were too bright at night, even when dimmed completely. There is also no auto dimming rear view mirror or side mirrors, adding to night time glare.
Seating and Rear Passenger Experience
Front seats feature a leather plus fabric combination and offer electric adjustment. There is no lumbar support and only the back portion moves up or down.
Rear seat space is actually quite good:
Good knee room
Good head room
Rear air vents
USB C outlet
Center armrest with cupholders
The only downside is that the plastic around the seat backs is very easily scratched, which could be problematic for families with kids.
The rear windows are auto down but not auto up.
Boot Space and Practicality
The MG S5 EV offers around 450 liters of cargo space. There is some underfloor storage and a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel.
Fold down the rear seats and the capacity expands to around 1500 liters. The boot is well-shaped and accessible thanks to the power tailgate.
Battery, Charging and Range
The S5 EV comes with an LFP battery of around 60 kWh, which makes it suitable for regular 100 percent charging.
Charging details:
AC charging: 7 kW
DC peak charging: 150 kW
Real world DC average: Around 90 kW
MG quotes:
NEDC range: 500+ km
WLTP range: 400+ km
However, both figures are unachievable in the real world.
Real world efficiency sits closer to 19 to 20 kWh per 100 km which means realistic range is 300 to 350 km depending on driving conditions.
This inefficiency is one of the biggest drawbacks of the S5 EV.
Driving Experience and On Road Behaviour
Like other Chinese EVs, the S5 EV comes loaded with beeping warnings and alerts for lane departure, driver distraction, and speed sign recognition. All of these need to be turned off manually every time, which is annoying. MG does offer a custom setting to disable them quickly, but the features should ideally work correctly instead of requiring deactivation.
Power and Performance
Power: 125 kW
Torque: 250 Nm
0 to 100 kmph: 8.66 seconds
80 to 120 kmph: 5.78 seconds
The performance is decent but not very strong, especially once the battery drops below 30 percent. Power delivery tapers noticeably when charge is low.
Ride and Handling
The S5 EV rides surprisingly well on Australian roads. It stays composed over:
Sine waves at 130 kmph
Bumpy high-speed sections
Compressed bumps
The rear wheel drive layout gives it better balance than many front wheel drive rivals. Handling is tidy, body control is good, and steering is reasonably precise.
Noise Levels
Road noise and motor noise are both noticeable. Cabin insulation feels below expectations for a car in this segment.
Low Speed Hill Behaviour
One unexpected issue observed was the car rolling forward on a hill even when in reverse. It almost behaves like it lacks hill hold control. To move the vehicle backward on a slope, you must apply significant throttle. This can easily catch drivers off guard in tight parking situations.
Semi Autonomous Features
During lane keeping tests at 70 kmph, the system felt inconsistent. It could hold the first lane but struggled with the second and upper lanes, showing hesitation and sudden corrections.
Not unsafe, but not confidence inspiring either.
Braking Performance
Braking is one of the strongest points:
100 to 0 kmph in 35.62 meters (excellent)
Time taken: 2.54 seconds
Anything between 35 and 40 meters is considered very good, so this is a standout result.
Reverse top speed is 41 kmph.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the MG S5 EV
The MG S5 EV is a mixed package.
What’s Good
Excellent braking
Comfortable ride quality
Rear wheel drive dynamics
Spacious interior
Large amount of standard features
Modern infotainment system
What Needs Improvement
Poor efficiency and real world range
Bright and non dimming displays
Buggy Apple CarPlay
Missing auto dimming mirror
Hill parking behaviour
Noticeable road and motor noise
Expensive compared to previous MG offerings
If you are considering the S5 EV, the base variant may make more sense for city use where range demands are lower. The top spec 62 Essence does not justify its higher price given the efficiency and feature shortcomings.
MG S5 EV Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MG S5 EV and how is it positioned in the market?
The MG S5 EV is an electric SUV that shares its platform with the MG4 but comes in an SUV shape with rear wheel drive. It is one of MG's more premium electric models and sits above the older MG ZS EV in price and features.
How much does the top spec MG S5 EV cost?
The top spec 62 Essence variant is priced at a little under 50,000 dollars in Australia, which is a significant step up from the earlier MG ZS EV models that were priced closer to 30,000 dollars drive away.
What battery options does the MG S5 EV offer?
The MG S5 EV is available with two battery sizes. The top spec variant uses a battery of around 60 kWh and is based on LFP chemistry that can be charged to 100 percent regularly.
What is the real world driving range of the MG S5 EV?
Although the car has an NEDC rating of over 500 km and a WLTP figure of over 400 km, real world driving showed around 300 to 350 km of usable range due to efficiency issues.
Is the MG S5 EV efficient on energy use?
In mixed driving conditions, the car consumed between 17 and 20 kWh per 100 km, which is higher than expected for a vehicle of this size. This affects its real world range.
How fast can the MG S5 EV charge?
The MG S5 EV supports AC charging at around 7 kW and DC fast charging that peaks at about 150 kW. The average DC charge rate is closer to 90 kW once it settles.
Does the MG S5 EV have a spare tire?
No, the car comes with a tire repair kit instead of a spare wheel. It offers around 450 liters of boot space with the second row up and up to 1,500 liters with the seats folded.
How does the MG S5 EV ride and handle on Australian roads?
The suspension tune is surprisingly good with controlled body movements on rough roads and during higher speed tests. The car also handles better than expected thanks to its rear wheel drive layout.
What are the performance figures of the MG S5 EV?
The single motor setup produces 125 kW and 250 Nm. In testing, the car accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.66 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.78 seconds. Braking performance was strong with a 100 to zero stopping distance of 35.62 meters.
Does the MG S5 EV have issues with smartphone connectivity?
Yes, the wireless Apple CarPlay integration was buggy during testing and often required restarting the car to reconnect. Android Auto performance may vary but functionality depends on software updates.
Are the assisted driving features reliable?
The lane assistance and speed sign recognition features were inconsistent. The systems worked in basic scenarios but lacked accuracy on more complex lane transitions.
What interior features stand out in the MG S5 EV?
The interior has a large 13 inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, powered front seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The cabin design is modern but some materials scratch easily.
Does the MG S5 EV have an auto dimming rear view mirror?
No, the MG S5 EV does not have auto dimming mirrors, and the displays can be too bright at night even at their lowest settings.
Is the MG S5 EV a good option compared to other electric SUVs?
The MG S5 EV offers good ride comfort, decent handling, and a long list of features. However, inefficient energy use, modest range, missing features and high pricing make other options more appealing for some buyers.
