The new replacement for the great MG ZS EV any good and is it relevant in a competitive EV SUV market?
Exterior – Front
The MG S5 is the direct replacement to the MG ZS EV and isn’t related at all to the new generation ZS. In fact, this MG S5 is based on the MG4 EV platform which uses the MSP platform. This means we get a few characteristic traits from the 4 but the front-end styling is all new. To start with we get a more rounded front end with some sharp upper light units that look similar to the MG4 but unlike that car they don’t have the main headlight unit. They just have the LED Daytime Running Light in it which is separated and looks quite cool. Moving lower down on the bumper and we get some cool looking Headlight units that look similar to the Audi’s and BMW’s split headlight design. These headlights also have little side vents lower down to aid aerodynamics. The lower central air vent does look quite menacing and has a split design like the MG4 and the latest BMW 1 Series. The MG badge is also higher up on the bumper just like the MG4. Overall then a very good design from the front.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get a mixed design with inspiration from the new ZS and MG4. To start with we get a few creases giving it a premium look. We also get some chrome and a nicely designed glass area like the ZS. Moving further back we can see a similar taillight design to the MG4 where it bleeds into the side. To give this car an off-roader look though MG has given the S5 some cladding round the wheel arches and sills. Finally, the wheel designs look modern and aerodynamic too and are available in 17 or 18 inches.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we get a design that is very similar to the MG4 but has been refined and made to look more modern. To start with we get these taillights that mimic the MG4’s taillights. Because of this they also have a light bar connecting them to the MG badge. The only difference is that they have a different graphic in them. This setup does look better though as the taillights are more integrated with this boot lip style spoiler above them rather than the headlights being the top part like the MG4. The bumper design is plain looking but I am ok with that because it fits well with the rest of the car’s design. Right, lets have a look and see what battery and motor options you can have with the new MG S5.
Car and engine specs and price
So, for the MG S5 you get 2 battery options and 2 motor options. Let’s start with the base configuration. This uses the base 49 kWh battery pack and a rear mounted motor with 168 bhp. 0-62 is delt within 8 seconds and this has a 211-mile range. The next version uses a 64-kWh battery pack and a more powerful 228 bhp motor. This has a 0-62 time of just 6.3 seconds and a range of 298 miles on the SE Long Range model or 288 miles on the Trophy model. As the MG S5 is based on the MG4 we could see an even more powerful X-Power version, but this is only speculation, but we can only hope and imagine. The new S5 also has 400 V charging which means you can rapidly charge with speeds up to 139 kW and get from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes depending on battery size. The price of the new MG S5 starts at £28,495 which is actually £2,000 cheaper than the ZS EV it replaces which is very rare in the normal car market let alone the electric car market. Right, lets have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new MG S5 and we get this light and airy design. To start with we get quite a lot of soft touch materials on top of the dashboard and on this bar that runs across the dashboard. You also get some fake carbon fibre designs too. Talking of this bar this houses your infotainment system. Now this infotainment system is based on the one in the MG3 and MG ZS and well as HS but it has a different screen layout. The screen size is now 15.6 inches in size. It is easy to use, and you get your quick buttons lower down as well as your heated seat and steering wheel buttons. Below the screen we get a few quick climate control buttons as well as your volume knob and home button. Even lower we get some cool looking air vents similar to what you would find in the BMW 5 Series. In front of the driver, you get a 10.25-inch instrument cluster which is fully digital but has a 7-inch customisable screen inside taken from the MG4 and to the sides of them you have your fuel range and kw meter. The steering wheel is taken from the ZS whilst the stalks are the same as the car it replaces. The centre console is modern and high up making you feel like you sit low in the car, and this houses your wireless charger as well as gear selector and cupholders as well as your arm rest. There is also a huge compartment underneath for bigger items. Overall then the fit and finish is quite high end, and it feels like the cabin has been really thought out. There isn’t much piano black plastic lying about, and the centre console feels premium with this material that’s used. Something that we haven’t seen before on cars of this price point. Finally, these seats look and feel premium and are quite comfy. Right, lets have a look and see what the rear seats are like.
Practicality
So, climbing into the back of the new MG S5 and legroom and headroom is quite decent for a 6-footer. You also get ISOFIX points, and it will be great for children in the back as the doors open quite wide. You also get some premium materials in the back as well as an air vent and an arm rest. Overall, then, not too bad. Let’s have a look and see what the boot is like.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot to the MG S5 and we get a decent amount of space at 453 litres. You also get an adjustable boot floor as well as a 60:40 split folding rear seat. Doing so will increase the space to 1,440 litres which is very decent. Sadly, we don’t get a front boot to store your cables in but as you do have an adjustable boot floor they can live underneath it.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new MG S5. Well, it is a decent looking car with a premium interior for its category and you also get a decent amount of practicality as well as a decent range for a very good price. If we compare it to its rivals the Vauxhall Mokka electric starts at £32,420 and the Kia EV3 £32,995. Now we could compare this to other Chinese cars which are cheaper but are no where near as comfortable and as well tuned for the UK roads. Really this is the go-to electric family SUV just like the ZS EV was. You also still get a 7-year warranty. What else could you want on a car like this. On a side note, MG will possibly reveal an updated MG4 based on the current UK model in the next few months that will get the updated interior and hopefully updated looks to be similar to the MG S5. If this is the case, then MG is going to be on a wining formula with their electric cars.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 15/15
Model | MG S5 Trophy Long Range |
Engine | 64 kWh Battery Pack, Single Motor, 228bhp, 0-62 = 6.3 Seconds, 288 Mile Range, Rear Wheel Drive |
Transmission | Single Speed Electric Motor |
Price | £33,495 |
On Sale | Now |
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