Introduction
The MG S5 EV is MG’s latest fully electric SUV, designed to follow in the footsteps of the popular ZS EV and take on a growing list of rivals in the affordable family EV market. And while it doesn’t exactly push the boundaries of design or excitement, it quietly gets a lot of things right. If you’re after a car that’s spacious, comfortable, well equipped and doesn’t cost the earth to run, the S5 might be just what you need. But if you’re looking for character, cutting-edge tech or standout efficiency, you might be left wanting more.
What Is It?
The MG S5 EV is a mid-sized electric SUV that sits in the highly competitive B-SUV segment. It’s a replacement of sorts for the ZS EV, but it’s not a direct update — instead, it feels like MG trying to step things up in terms of design, space and range.
Prices start at £28,495 for the entry-level SE Standard Range and rise to £33,495 for the top-spec Trophy Long Range version. That means it undercuts some rivals but is now a bit more expensive than MG’s earlier value-first approach — and that could be an issue when rivals like the Citroën e-C3 Aircross are sneaking in at lower prices.
Range, Charging & Everyday Use
You get two battery options:
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49kWh (Standard Range) with 221 miles claimed range
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64kWh (Long Range) with up to 299 miles claimed range (289 miles in the Trophy version due to extra weight)
In the real world, expect those numbers to drop, especially in cold weather. On UK roads, a typical range of 180–220 miles seems realistic for the Long Range model, especially if you’re mixing town and motorway driving. The lack of a heat pump means winter range takes a hit.
Charging speeds are good for this class:
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120kW max on the smaller battery
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135kW max on the larger one
That means a rapid 10–80% charge takes about 24–28 minutes – pretty decent for a family EV. On a home wallbox, a full charge overnight is easily done.
Performance & Driving Experience
So, how does it feel behind the wheel?
Actually, not bad at all. MG’s British engineering team has worked on the chassis tuning, and it shows. The S5 EV drives with a sense of polish and comfort that’s missing from many budget EVs — particularly those from newer Chinese brands just entering the market.
The rear-wheel-drive setup gives the car a well-balanced feel in corners. The steering is nicely weighted, and there’s enough grip to inspire confidence even in the wet. The suspension is on the firmer side, so you’ll notice potholes and uneven tarmac, but it stays composed at speed.
Performance-wise, the Long Range models are reasonably brisk. The 0–62mph time of 6.3 seconds in the Trophy version means it feels lively enough for day-to-day driving, especially when overtaking or merging on the motorway. Acceleration is smooth rather than neck-snapping — ideal for a family car.
Interior Comfort & Quality
Inside, the S5 EV is a step up from MG’s older models like the MG 4. There’s a clean layout, soft-touch materials, and some smart design choices. Front seats are comfy and supportive, especially in the Trophy trim, which adds electric adjustment, heating, and manual lumbar support. There’s plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, and rear legroom is surprisingly generous even with taller drivers up front.
The boot is 453 litres, with a handy double-deck floor that makes it easier to store cables or hide valuables. It’s not class-leading, but it’s more than enough for everyday family use — whether that’s holiday luggage, pushchairs, or the weekly shop.
Noise levels are kept nicely in check too. There’s not much wind or tyre noise, and even over rough roads, the cabin stays quiet and calm — something that’s not always true for electric crossovers at this price point.
Tech & Infotainment
The 12.8-inch central touchscreen is sharp and responsive, and it comes with built-in navigation, climate control functions, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A permanent ‘home’ button makes it easy to jump back to the main menu, which helps reduce touchscreen faff.
The driver’s display, though, is a bit of a weak point. Fonts are small, and the screen can be hard to read in bright sunlight, especially if you’re wearing sunglasses. You may find yourself turning the screen brightness up to full on sunny days.
Verdict: Is the MG S5 EV Worth It?
The MG S5 EV might not set your pulse racing, but it does a lot of things well. It’s spacious, easy to drive, comfortable on longer trips, and generously equipped across the range. It doesn’t quite match rivals for flair or fun, but it nails the basics — and that’s often what matters most in a family car.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, well-rounded electric SUV that won’t break the bank and you can comfortably live with day to day, the S5 EV is well worth considering. Just don’t expect to fall in love with it — it’s a practical choice, not a passionate one.
