MG develops new S5 EV electric compact SUV in China

MG has developed a new electric compact SUV for China - the S5 EV. The model’s preliminary specifications suggest the company could launch it as the next-gen ZS EV in European countries and other international markets in late 2024. (UPDATE BELOW)

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has approved two RWD variants of the S5 EV, both featuring a 125 kW motor and a top speed of 170 kph. MG sources the upcoming electric SUV’s drive unit from Shanghai-based supplier United Automotive Electronics.

Both variants of the S5 EV are fitted with an LFP battery pack, which MG sources from Times SAIC Power Battery, a joint venture parent company SAIC established with CATL in 2017. Battery capacities as well as the driving range of the vehicle and its variants remain unknown, however.

With a length, width, and height of 4,476 mm, 1,849 mm, and 1,621 mm, respectively, the S5 EV is 153 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and up to 28 mm lower than the ZS EV. The wheelbase of the upcoming model, measuring 2,730 mm, is 149 mm longer. Chances are MG has utilised the longer wheelbase to focus strongly on rear-seat comfort, which is much more important for customers in Asian markets like China and India than in European countries.

Along with a larger chassis, the S5 EV can optionally ride on 18-inch wheels for a more commanding road presence instead of the more standard 17-inch wheels. The S5 EV features a modern design replete with features like split headlights, a sloping roofline, curvy body lines and glasshouse, and flush roof rails. The absence of a traditional upper grille on the front immediately gives away the fact that it is an EV. The split lower air intake and the super-wide tail lights take inspiration from the MG4 Electric compact hatchback, from which it possibly borrows the MSP platform, or Nebula platform, as they call it in China.

MG has stated multiple weight options for the vehicle: 1,615 kg, 1,685 kg, and 1,740 kg as the kerb weight figures of the S5 EV, indicating that MG may launch it in China in three trims. The Chinese automaker is expected to reveal the upcoming model and launch it in the domestic market later this year. Carnewschina also considers it “highly likely that the MG S5 will be exported.”

Update 31 July 2024

A new Autohome report says MG will unveil the S5 EV at the Chengdu Motor Show, which will open on 30 August. The company plans to launch it in China in the fourth quarter i.e. between October and December. The domestic release schedule suggests it may begin deliveries in the international markets in the first quarter of 2025.

carnewschina.com, autohome.com.cn (update in Chinese)