MG S5 EV review

How do you make a popular car even more popular? Simple: you turn it into an SUV. And that's exactly what MG has done with its new MG S5 EV.

The S5 EV is the direct replacement for the capable but not particularly inspiring MG ZS EV and it’s built using the same underpinnings as the impressive MG 4 electric hatchback. You know, the one that outsold almost everything else in the UK last year when it came to private electric car buyers.

Those underpinnings are crucial. Because not only is the rear-wheel-drive MG 4 a decent handling car (unlike the front-wheel-drive ZS EV) but it also allows MG to use the batteries and motors from its dominant hatchback. And thanks to that you can expect a decent range, punchy performance and great value. 

However, the S5 EV faces stronger competition than the model it replaces. At the affordable end, you’ve got fresh-faced small electric SUV rivals like the Jeep Avenger Electric, Kia EV3 and Smart #1. Go up in size (and price) and it’s rubbing shoulders with the Skoda Elroq and Renault Scenic – seriously polished family SUV contenders.

So does the MG S5 EV have what it takes to mix it with the best electric SUVs? Read on to find out...

There are currently two versions of the MG S5 EV, starting with the Standard Range SE. The entry-level model packs a 47.1kWh (usable) battery, a 168bhp electric motor on the rear axle and a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds – respectable rather than rapid.

Its official 211-mile range edges out a Smart #1 Pro (193 miles) but falls short of key rivals including the Skoda Elroq 50 (232 miles), Jeep Avenger Electric (245 miles), and Kia EV3 Standard Range (270 miles). We haven’t driven the Standard Range SE yet but, on paper, it looks like the smarter buy if you can manage with a real-world range that's likely to be some way short of 200 miles.

The S5 EV Long Range gets a larger, 61.7kWh battery, a stronger 228bhp motor and a quicker 6.3-seconds 0-62mph time. That’s quicker than any Kia EV3 or Renault Scenic and keeps pace with the range-topping Elroq 85.

From behind the wheel, it doesn’t feel particularly rapid. Brisk is a better word – there’s enough punch to dart into gaps in traffic and merge on to a motorway without drama, but not enough to get your pulse racing.

More significantly, the S5 EV Long Range SE promises up to 298 miles of range, dropping to 288 with the pricier Trophy trim. That puts it in the same ballpark as a Renault Scenic (260 miles) and Skoda Enyaq 60 (260 miles).

Note, though, that those rivals – and our favourite small electric car, the EV3 – offer bigger battery options that push the range well beyond 350 miles.

So the S5 EV holds its own for pace and range, at least in its more affordable guise. But so did the MG ZS EV. That car’s real Achilles’ heel was dynamics. Has MG fixed that here?

Happily, yes. The steering is light but accurate, allowing you to place the nose precisely where you want it, body control is well-judged and mid-corner bumps that would have knocked a ZS EV off its stride barely faze the S5 EV. Its composure is a clear nod to its MG4 underpinnings.

To achieve that level of agility in an SUV, MG has had to firm up the suspension significantly compared with the MG4. The result? The S5 EV lacks the fluidity of its hatchback sibling, tripping over potholes and broken tarmac in a way that simply wouldn’t trouble an EV3 or Enyaq.

That’s a shame, because in town it’s an easy car to live with. The well-calibrated brake pedal avoids the inconsistent feel that plagues some electric SUVs (here’s looking at you, Scenic).

While there are no flappy paddles for adjusting the regenerative braking (as in the EV3), you can tweak regen through four levels using a configurable button on the steering wheel. In its most aggressive setting, lifting off the accelerator slows you considerably, but not to a complete stop like the one-pedal driving mode in an EV3 or Tesla Model Y.

The S5 EV's refinement is a step forward from the ZS EV, with noticeably less wind noise than its predecessor. That said, there’s a touch more buffeting around the A-pillars than in an EV3 or Elroq, and rough roads send more shudders through the interior than they should. It’s nothing intrusive, but on a long journey, an EV3 or Elroq would be the more relaxing companion.

“I think it's a shame the S5 doesn't have flappy paddles behind the steering wheel to let you ramp up the regen on the way into a corner. I like doing that so the car slows as it would with engine braking." – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

There was nothing particularly wrong with the interior of the MG S5 EV's predecessor, the ZS EV, but it wasn’t much to shout about either. MG has clearly put in the effort this time, upgrading materials throughout.

The steering wheel is wrapped in tactile, perforated faux-leather, while the dashboard and inner doors get generous helpings of soft-touch plastics and mock stitching. In range-topping Trophy trim you also get a suede-covered wireless phone-charging pad on the centre console, plus an embossed MG pattern on the "leather-style" seat inserts.

It’s a noticeable step up from its predecessor and compares well with similarly priced rivals including the Jeep Avenger Electric. It’s not quite on the same level as the Kia EV3 or Skoda Elroq but if your friends still think Chinese-built cars all feel cheap, sitting them in an S5 EV might just change their minds.

That said, adjustable lumbar support isn’t standard across the range. You’ll need the Trophy model for six-way electric seat adjustment, manually adjustable lumbar support and heated seats.

On the plus side, the driver’s seat is well positioned in relation to the steering wheel and pedals – something that isn’t the case in the MG 4. The steering wheel now adjusts for both reach and rake.

More importantly, despite being based on a hatchback, the S5 EV gives you a properly high driving position. Forward visibility over the low bonnet is excellent, and the large side windows provide a good over-the-shoulder view. Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard on all models, while Trophy trim gets a 360-degree camera.

Every version comes with a 10.3in digital driver's display, although some drivers may find the top of the screen is obscured by the steering wheel rim – an issue Skoda has sidestepped in the Elroq with a slimmer display. As always, it’s worth trying before you buy to see if it works for you.

The S5 EV's standard infotainment touchscreen measures 12.8in, making it the largest fitted to an MG car model. Positioned high on the dashboard for easy viewing, it looks sharp but isn’t quite as intuitive or quick to respond as the screen in the EV3. That said, its large icons make it easier to use than the fiddly setup in the MG 4. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard.

But here’s the real win: proper, physical climate controls. In the MG 4, adjusting the temperature means diving into the touchscreen – fiddly, distracting and generally annoying. MG has clearly listened to customer feedback and brought back good old-fashioned buttons. Wonderful.  

"My favourite feature on the MG S5 is the MG Pilot Custom mode, which lets you group together safety assists like the speed-limit warning and lane-keep assist under one button. Once set, you can turn off unwanted aids in just two clicks." – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Despite being based on a hatchback, the MG S5 EV is longer, wider, and taller than the ZS EV electric SUV it replaces, and that directly benefits interior space. No matter which version you choose, there’s plenty of head and leg room up front, even for taller drivers.

The interior is reasonably wide, so you won’t find yourself rubbing shoulders with your front-seat passenger.

Storage space is generous too. There’s a useful cubby under the central armrest, a long storage tray located under the floating centre console and a dedicated spot for your phone just below the infotainment screen (with wireless charging on Trophy models). That said, the glovebox and door bins are on the small side.

In the back, passengers will find plenty of leg and head room, with enough space for six-footers to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The S5 EV is noticeably roomier than the tight-feeling Jeep Avenger Electric, although the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq offer a slight edge thanks to more supportive seats – the S5’s rear bench could do with more under thigh padding.

Unlike in the Smart #1 the rear seats don’t slide back and forth, nor do they recline like in a Hyundai Ioniq 5. They fold down in a 60/40 split rather than the more flexible 40/20/40 arrangement found in the Hyundai Kona Electric and Renault Scenic. There’s no option for a ski hatch, as there is on the Elroq. 

The S5 EV's boot space stands at 453 litres, which is comparable to the EV3 (460 litres) and Elroq (470 litres) but falls some way short of the Scenic (545 litres). Still, the boot is usefully square in shape, and the standard-fit height-adjustable floor removes any load lip, making it easier to slide in heavy items.

“The S5 doesn't have a front boot, which seems like a missed opportunity to me. Even a small stowage area for the cables would be useful.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Let’s talk about pricing because this is where MG usually stands out. When the MG 4 launched, its big selling point was that it significantly undercut the competition – you could go for a top-spec version and it would still be cheaper than rivals. That’s not quite the case with the S5 EV.

While the Standard Range version undercuts the Jeep Avenger Electric, Kia EV3 Standard Range and Skoda Elroq 50, those cars all offer longer official ranges. In fact, they’re closer in capability to the S5 EV SE Long Range, which sits at a similar price point.

There might be a bigger gap when it comes to PCP finance deals, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest offers on our New Car Deals pages.

With all that in mind, which version of the MG S5 should you go for? Well, the Standard Range SE is likely to be the best-value choice if long-distance driving isn’t a priority.

It keeps costs down while still offering a decent amount of standard equipment, including 17in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors and vehicle-to-load charging (V2L), which lets you power household appliances using the car’s battery.

Trophy trim (available only with the Long Range battery) adds a few styling flourishes, a 360-degree camera, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel plus numerous other upgrades. However, while well equipped, it brings the price too close to more compelling alternatives such as the Elroq 60 SE L and EV3 Long Range, both of which offer a better all-round package.

Trophy trim (available only in combination with the Long Range battery) adds a few styling flourishes and a 360-degree camera, as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, while it comes with plenty of kit, it pushes the price too close to the very well-rounded Elroq 60 SE L and continent-crushing big-battery EV3 Long Range. 

The S5 EV’s charging speeds are competitive. The Standard Range battery supports a maximum charging rate of 120kW, which is quicker than an Avenger Electric (100kW) or EV3 Standard Range (100kW) but slightly behind an Elroq 50 (145kW).

The Long Range version can charge at up to 139kW, making it faster than a Renault Scenic Comfort Range (130kW) or EV3 Long Range (135kW), but not quite as quick as an Elroq 60 (165kW). That means a 10-80% charge takes around 24 minutes for the Standard Range battery and 28 minutes for the Long Range battery.

The S5 EV has yet to be tested by Euro NCAP but MG is confident it will achieve a full five-star rating. Every version comes with a good level of standard safety kit, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention warning system and multiple airbags.

Predicting reliability is trickier. The MG 4 – on which this car is based – finished last in the electric car category in our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey and MG as a brand came last out of 31 manufacturers. In contrast, Kia ranked 11th and Skoda 13th.

On the plus side, the S5 EV comes with a seven-year warranty (limited to 80,000 miles). Few brands can match that, although Kia’s equivalent cover extends to 100,000 miles.

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