The Ne MG S5 has arrived!

How do you make a popular car even more popular? Easy – you give it the SUV treatment. And that’s exactly what MG has just done with the brand-new MG S5 EV.

This isn’t just another crossover, though. The S5 EV steps in where the ZS EV left off – a car that was fine, just not particularly exciting – and builds on the magic formula of the MG4, the hatchback that smashed it in the UK last year. If you saw an EV parked on a driveway, chances are it was one of those.

So now, with the same platform underneath, MG is promising the space and presence of an SUV, but with the fun-to-drive DNA of the MG4.

 

Let’s break it down. You’ve got two versions:

• Standard Range SE – 49kWh usable battery, 168bhp motor, rear-wheel drive, and 0-62 in 8.0 seconds. Not blistering, but not boring either. Official range? 211 miles. That’s better than a Smart #1 Pro, but rivals like the Skoda Elroq 50, Kia EV3, and Jeep Avenger Electric will go further. Realistically, you’re looking at under 200 miles day to day.

• Long Range – bigger  64kWh battery, beefier 228bhp motor, and a much livelier 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. Still not heart-racing, but plenty quick enough for motorway slip roads. Range? Up to 298 miles in SE trim, 288 in Trophy. In real life, expect just over 200 miles, which puts it shoulder to shoulder with the Skoda Enyaq 60.

Charging isn’t class-leading, but it’s competitive. The smaller battery charges at 120kW (faster than the Jeep and Kia EV3 SR), while the bigger pack peaks at 139kW. That means 10–80% in 24–28 minutes if you find a rapid charger.

 

And, not only do you have two battery sizes, you also have two trims – par the course with recent MG’s – the SE and the Trophy:

SE Standard Range – fitted with a 49kWh battery which offers up to 211 miles of range and costs from £28,745.00 on the road.

SE Long Range – fitted with a 64kWh battery which offers up to 298 miles of range and costs from £31,245.00 on the road.

The Trophy Long Range – fitted with only one choice of battery size – 64kWh - which offers up to 288 miles of range and costs from £33,745.00 on the road.

 

Answer: kind of.

The steering is light and easy around town but accurate enough when you’re on twisty B-roads. There’s more body lean than a Skoda Elroq – blame the higher centre of gravity – but mid-corner bumps don’t throw it off like the old ZS EV.

 

It feels brisk, not bonkers. Perfectly fine for the daily grind, but you’re not going to get a cheeky grin like you do in a hot hatch.

At low speeds, the ride is comfy, soaking up potholes better than the Elroq. Push harder, and it can get a bit fidgety – more so than the Kia EV3 or Enyaq – but still a big improvement over MG’s last SUV.

 

Brakes? Stops as well as it goes! Yes, you’ve got configurable regen, with three levels plus adaptive, but if you want full one-pedal driving like in a Tesla or EV3, you’ll need to dive into menus.

 

Refinement has taken a proper step up. There’s a bit more wind and tyre noise than you’d get in the posher rivals, but it’s far from intrusive.

Inside, MG has upped its game. Perforated faux leather steering wheel, soft-touch plastics, faux stitching – it all feels more premium than before. Trophy trim even throws in suede, embossed detailing, and a wireless charging pad.

 

It doesn’t quite match the Kia EV3 or Skoda Elroq for cabin wow factor, but if your mates still think Chinese cars feel cheap – sitting them in this will change their tune.

 

• 10.3in digital driver’s display – clear, useful, not configurable.

• 12.8in central touchscreen – biggest MG has fitted yet. Easy fonts, logical menus, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

• Physical climate and stereo buttons – praise be! None of that poking-tiny-icons nonsense like in the Countryman Electric.

 

It’s not the quickest to respond compared to Renault Scenic or Skoda Elroq, but still, it’s MG’s best system yet.

 

Size-wise, it’s bigger in every direction than the old ZS EV, and it shows.

• Loads of head and legroom in the front.

• High driving position – a proper SUV feel.

• Visibility is great, and you get rear sensors + reversing camera standard, with a 360 cam on Trophy trim.

• In the back: good space for adults, though the wide rear pillar makes it a touch less airy than rivals.

Boot space? 453 litres – bang in line with Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq, but shy of Renault Scenic’s 545L. Still, square shape, flat floor, powered tailgate on Trophy. Practical enough for family life.

 

Price & Value is where MG usually plays its trump card.

The S5 EV doesn’t undercut rivals quite as dramatically as the MG4 did, but the entry-level SE is still cheaper than Jeep Avenger, Skoda Elroq, or Kia EV3. The Long Range costs about the same as better-equipped rivals, so value depends on what deals MG puts on the table.

 

Standard equipment is strong: adaptive cruise, V2L charging, 17in alloys, parking sensors. Trophy adds luxuries like heated seats and a 360 cam, but it pushes the price dangerously close to more rounded competitors.

 

The MG S5 EV is exactly what the ZS EV should have been – sharper to drive, far nicer inside, properly spacious, and with just enough tech to make it feel modern.

It doesn’t lead the pack in range, handling, or refinement – the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq are still stronger all-rounders – but MG’s ace card is still value for money.

 

 

If you don’t need monster range and you want a well-priced electric SUV that feels a cut above its badge, the Standard Range SE is the sweet spot.

The Long Range Trophy? It’s nice… but at that price, it’s fighting in a tougher league.

 

The S5 EV might not be revolutionary, but it’s proof MG is learning fast. And if the MG4 was their breakthrough hit, this could be the SUV that keeps the momentum rolling.

 

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