2026 MG S5 EV review

childcareman.xyz brings reviews, research tools and trusted buying support together, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.

So long, MG ZS EV – the MG S5 EVis the new electric kid on the block.

Gone is the slightly awkward and dated electric version of the internal-combustion ZS, effectively replaced by the S5 EV, which, aside from being much newer, has an immediate advantage: it’s built on an EV-focused platform. That immediately eliminates several packaging compromises.

It also provides fitment of larger batteries that give you more driving range, as is the case with 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62 on test here. This is the ballpark of other similar electric SUVs with 425km claimed range, and it’s right in the Ballpark for its own sized model.

Despite the competitive pricing at the bottom of the range, it is not surprising that the higher-spec models certainly raise the asking prices. Our test is the cheapest S5 E in the world and $48,000 is a high bar to clear for the average punter, our tester is just that expensive one-trick of all these newer models.

Aside from a seemingly Audi-inspired name, is there enough merit to the S5 EV to justify the Essence’s premium?

How much does the MG S5 EV cost?

Our tester is the top-spec MG S5 EV Essence 62, priced at $47,990 before on-roads.

| Model | Drive-away pricing |
| — | — |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Excite 49 | $40,490 |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 49 | $42,990 |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Excite 62 | $44,990 |
| 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62 | $47,990 |

Almost all of the S5 EV’s rivals also come from China. Against the top-spec Essence 62 are the likes of the BYD Atto 3 Premium at $44,990 before on-roads, the Chery E5 Ultimate at $40,990 before on-roads, and the Leapmotor B10 Design at $40,888 before on-roads.

The MG is more expensive than all direct rivals, except for one from South Korea. That’s the Hyundai Kona Electric, which starts at $54,000 before on-roads.

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

Let us help you find your new car

Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.

A great service from Travis and team, second time I have used this business would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.

Find a deal

What is the MG S5 EV like on the inside?

Unlike most of the older EVs from which we have seen, The S5 eve has a nice-looking and premium cabin (it is cleanly designed with more physical controls than we’re used to seeing).

While good, this is also somewhat odd. There’s very little consistency in interior design across MG Australia’s catalogue – in fact, the cabins of the MG 3, MG 7, ZS, and HS are united by only their steering wheels.

We don’t think every car will be the same inside, because that would mean doing what Mercedes-Benz does and its cars cannot tell apart. But a little more cohesion and identity would be much better, particularly when hugely different interiors (in both design and quality) are placed side by side in the showroom.

In a mismatched group, however, it is no doubt the best in MG S5. It is a simple but elegant design, and we like the materials such as the suede-like centre console, the fake leather and cloth upholstery (and the metallic-look buttons and accents).

There have even been some reintroduction of physical climate controls, with a sleek strip that has dozens of dials, switches and buttons on. You still have to go up the bottom ribbon on infotainment display to activate features such as steering-wheel and seat heating, but it’s a welcome addition.

A speech about 12 s. That infotainment screen, 8 inches, is the cabin’s most jarring physical fitting and it has been described as the ‘funniest gadgetr’. This still is a high-bar; it doesn’t really make any sense of what the screen itself does, as its placement on the dashboard just makes no neat integration with rest of the Dashboard.

In recent memory, its graphics are a subtle evolution of MG’s systems and it looks slick because the result is still that graphic. With its text and buttons being huge, it is easy to learn its native menus and shortcuts (and that there’s little visual clutter) and the fact that a has no problem with learning.

Standard also includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a relief to learn after driving the wired-only ZS. But that’s another example of MG’S inconsistencies, even though the ZS is much cheaper than the S5 EV.

Similarly, there is also a quick-control menu that can be easily reached by swiping down from the top of the screen (not disabled by Apple CarPlay). ribbon down the bottom, but is not a .

The right is 10 to the right. instrument display 25-inch with . If we have a simple screen in the scheme of it all, then function over form is our case? Plenty of information can be flicked through a button on the steering wheel, and there are two always-on gauges for charge level and power – you don’t need anything more in an EV.

The steering wheel is actually quite nice, meanwhile, but the steering wheels are rather nice. The finished piece is sprayed with perforated leather and well-proportioned, subtle squashing at the top and bottom to look fancy without losing usability.

All its buttons are physical, though most of them are finished in piano black and it’ll take a second to understand how the directional toggles work because they’re not all that well-marked. But unlike some competitors, at least this EV has traditional stalks on the steering column.

A little different, the upholstery design is nice and a pleasant.’ The seats are comfortable for all of those seats (or less) than s at this point. We were tested for our tester, a top-spec Essence, and had powered driver’s seat adjustment – although it did not provide position memory function. All models have manual adjustment of passenger seat adjustments.

storage) there is a lidded (non-c port) storage box on the centre console with two USB-C ports, and below it has. large tray for small bags as well as’stuffing’ to keep up until now. A pair of central cupholders are also available, with a little slot for the car’s key (and an electric charger finished in suede-like material) and phones get hot here.

Additionally, you get bottle holders in the doors and a nicely sized passenger-side glovebox.

Laugh into the second row, and you’ll get a fair amount of space even though the car is small-ish. No problem fitting back here for average-size adults, but we think it’s the best place to grow kids and teens as there is a small middle-seat room where everyone will find the bench seat fairly plush.

Standard amenities are a single USB-C port and air vents on the back of the centre console; springing for an Essence (included in Exciter) adds map pockets and ‘fold-down centre armrest, neither of which is included on its Exciting. There are also ISOFIX child-seat anchorings in the outboard seats, as well as three top-tether points.

The size of a car is about the way you think it will be, but its quoted five-seat capacity (453 litres) is larger than that of the Atto 2 at 380 liters and just undersized in general. Interestingly, the Toyota Corolla Cross is also quoted as having a capacity of 380 litres.

It is flat and long, with lots of space for cargo. No fittings are available for holding things so that smaller items could slide into the netted cubbies on either side, and there is no place to hold them. Then, you at least get a shallow enclosed space under the regular boot floor.

The kick sensor is a power tailgate complete with the ability to gain access by using ‘power tailgating’ an entrance. Sadly, there is no spare wheel – instead it’s just a foam cover under the boot floor that hides tyre repair kit, bluntly labeled ‘TOOLS’.

Unlike many other EVs, there’s no extra storage under the bonnet.

| Dimensions | MG S5 EV Essence 62 |
| — | — |
| Length | 4476mm |
| Width | 1849mm |
| Height | 1621mm |
| Wheelbase | 2730mm |
| Cargo capacity | 453L (rear seats up) 1441L (rear seats folded) |

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

MG S5 EV has one-wheel drive powertrain with peak outputs of 125kW and 250Nm torque. This is a 62kWh lithium-ion battery that provides energy for the claimed WLTP range of 425km.

| Specifications | MG S5 EV Essence 62 |
| — | — |
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electric |
| Battery | 62kWh LFP |
| Peak power | 125kW |
| Peak torque | 250Nm |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1755kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.6s |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 17.1kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as tested) | 18.1kWh/100km |
| Claimed range (WLTP) | 425km |
| Max AC charge rate | 6.6kW |
| Max DC charge rate | 150kW (30-80% 19.3 mins) |
| Braked towing capacity | 750kg |

Our week with the S5 EV primarily involved highway commuting, contributing to our higher-than-claimed energy consumption.

The long-range version of the car doesn’t even have an Earth-shattering driving range, but still does so. The smaller 49kWh battery of the MG S5 (as in many cases) provides an estimated WLTP range of just 340km for context.

For further context, the BYD Atto 2 has a WLTP claim of 345km.

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

How does the MG S5 EV drive?

Some of the reviews for the MG S5 EV that compare its driving behaviour to the one you read about it may have been reading elsewhere. I have been behind the wheel of the former and think those writers were right to do so.

If the MG 4 has its rear-wheel drive powertrain, it is distinct from its direct competitors. Although not a sports car, it is more agile than most front-drive EVs and so the day to day drive feels interesting.

Much of this passes over into the S5 EV as well as many that goes to it. It’s also a rear-driver, and while less planted than the MG 4 due to its jacked-up ride height, some of that subtle playfulness is thankfully still visible.

Then, if you turn the wick up it’s going to surprise you with its cornering dynamics. And unlike most competitors, it’s a lot better than its own because power is sent to the rear wheels – torque steer isn’t something you’ll have to worry about.

It seems MG does too much for this segment, and we know that isn’t the most important thing to buy now. This is why power and torque outputs of the S5 EV are so modest at best, and performance on tap undoubtedly tamed.

MG S5 EV is better for but should be the. That’s not slow, based on the fact that it has instant EV torque and there’re still enough power when you have to get up to speed fast.

Hence, that is why it’s so unintimidating and easy to adapt to. This ends in a fairly anallogue experience, although the apparent contradiction between that impression and the car’s electric drive is what appeal to both people who like to drive and those for whom he would be happy driving.

Good steering, which helps to balance communication, weight and manoeuvrability, is a key factor in that’s helping with that. When it works through the steering lock like some of the competition can, it doesn’t feel ‘lumpy’ and makes it feel all the more solid.

The suspension is vaguely European, and we think it has a very similar quality to as for the suspension. It is a ride that runs on Australia’s roads without being floppy, but there’s firmly an edge which gives confidence-inspiring body control.

This is a very serious package; it’s just – and one that gets slightly more outright when switched to its sport drive mode. We should also mention the brakes, which feel like. well, brake? No significant shift between regenerative and friction braking is seen during pedal travel, so the S5 (S5) EV has no more of an intimidating feel.

There are some competitors cars with brake pedals that are too spongy or wooden-feeling, so it’s good that the MG feels pretty much normal. You can also adjust regen braking strength with relative ease, of course, and there is even an one-pedal setting for those so inclined.

The term “safe” is still used in some of the most common safety-related gripes, including beeps and bongs from the driver monitor and speed limit warning. MG’s history is not surprising, but it relies on finding shortcuts to disable them are conveniently placed in a swipe-down menu on the infotainment display.

You’ll still have to disable everything every time you get in the car, though.

From expert reviews to the right deal

childcareman.xyz brings reviews, research tools and trusted buying support together, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.

View showroom
Compare cars
Find a deal

Alternatively, the S5 EV provides a reasonably well-calibrated adaptive cruise system (which is fine for matching and reacting to traffic). A little less reliable is its lane-centring function (it doesn’t feel as confident when steering to follow the Lane).

There is a good cabin refinement at least, and you can talk to your passengers without being interrupted by road or wind noise.

Fundamentally, though modern EVs are really as strong as their driving range is. The MG S5 EV (62kWh models) is just about acceptable when you consider the competition, with 425km claimed and many of which offers almost identical figures. A beaut The 77kWh in the M 4 would be a beautiful option, but it’s an attractive alternative to .

That’s not necessarily the case of this being more suited to the urban world, but there should be enough in the anecdotal tank for semi-frequent regional outings.

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

What do you get?

The 2026 MG S5 EV is available in two trim levels.

2026 MG S5 EV Excite equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with ‘low wind resistance wheel caps’
• Tyre repair kit
• Automatic LED headlights
• LED tail lights
• Power-adjustable heated side mirrors
• Roof rails
• Polyurethane steering wheel
• Cloth upholstery
• 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
• 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
• 10.25-inch digital instrument display
• 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• 2 x front USB-C ports
• 1 x rear USB-C port
• 4-speaker sound system
• Single-zone climate control
• Keyless entry

MG S5 EV Essence adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with ‘low wind resistance wheel caps’
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Rear privacy glass
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• PVC and cloth upholstery
• 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar
• Voice control
• Wireless phone charger
• Online entertainment services, incl:

• TikTok
• YouTube

• 6-speaker sound system
• Power tailgate with kick sensor
• Electric panoramic sunroof

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

Is the MG S5 EV safe?

The MG S5 EV boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2025.

| Category | MG S5 EV |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 90 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 86 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 82 per cent |
| Safety assist | 79 per cent |

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• 7 airbags, incl:

• Curtain
• Side
• Far-side

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver monitoring system
• Intelligent cruise assist
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Lane-keep assist
• Pedestrian warning sound
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

How much does the MG S5 EV cost to run?

MG Australia supports its range with a 10-year, 250,000km warranty that provides service on time and at an GM dealer. But if not, the warranty drops to seven-year unlimited-kilometre coverage.

| Servicing and Warranty | MG S5 EV |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 10 years, 250,000km |
| High-voltage battery warranty | 7 years, 150,000km |
| Roadside assistance | 10 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Average annual service cost | $331 |
| Total capped-price service cost | $2317 |

MG’s individual service costs are detailed below:

| Service | Price |
| — | — |
| 12 months, 25,000km | $206 |
| 24 months, 50,000km | $272 |
| 36 months, 75,000km | $441 |
| 48 months, 100,000km | $479 |
| 60 months, 125,000km | $206 |
| 72 months, 150,000km | $507 |
| 84 months, 175,000km | $206 |

Compared to the BYD Atto 3, it will cost $2291 to service over seven years, on average $327. 29 per year. Chery, like MG, provides seven years of capped-price service for the E5, totaling $1901 in. Average $271 per 34. annual – 62 per year,’ said.

The Kona Electric has a longer 24-month, 30,000km intervals with 16 years of service pricing described by Hyundai as having more 24 months. It’ll cost $2722 to service over eight years, or an average of $680. a 50 every two years.

To see how the MG S5 EV stacks up against its rivals, use our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the MG S5 EV Essence 62

In the scheme of MG, we are sure to say that Essence S5 EV is one of the best cars ever driven and it’s probably the most impressive car in our opinion. And, if you think that’s a bit of remortgaging, that is – but it’d be.

But it’s also a strong driving force that is more powerful than its base-spec counterpart, and competes with the rivalry. It also drives well, has a nice interior and is an all-around pleasant car to live with after you’ve exhausted the safety nannies switch-off into your start-up procedure.

For an SUV that isn’t all that big, electric or not at all, $48,000 is a bit high to spend on all of that — especially for the $4,000-$48,000 budget. In any case, you’d still be able to go for the Excite instead but with the 62kWh models far better than that in all of these cases, and so on, it would have been more convenient.

It’s more reasonable to pay $45,000 for the Excite 62, but there is still a strange difference between standard equipment and price; you wouldn’t want to be dealing with if we were going through an all-time plastic steering wheel. Unless you’re looking at it only as an example of value perspective, that car is still the best deal.

Still, the S5 EV is quite a good commuter for urban-minded people and it’s just an experience of driving that makes over much of the competition worth considering.

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Click
here
to get a great deal.

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE:
Explore the MG S5 EV showroom

Thanks for reading 2026 MG S5 EV review