MG S5 EV to follow the ZS EV in Europe

Last summer, MG Motor presented the MGS5 EV in China, an electric compact SUV that is intended as the successor to the ZS EV. The model is now coming to the UK in April and will also be launched in continental Europe in the second quarter.

Since the registration application was published in China last July, it has been official that the S5 EV, with a length of 4.48 metres, is around 15 centimetres longer than the current ZS EV. At 2.73 metres, the wheelbase is also around 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor. At the same time, it is also three centimetres wider but three centimetres flatter than the ZS EV.

With the European launch, the battery capacity is now also known: It is 49 kWh (47.1 kWh net) in the basic version ‘SE Standard Range’ and 64kWh (62.1 KWh net) in the ‘SE Long Range’ and ‘Trophy Long Range’ variants. The larger battery offers a WLTP range of 480 kilometres (SE Long Range) or 463 kilometres (Trophy Long Range) and is therefore also suitable for longer journeys. The smaller battery has a WLTP range of 340 kilometres.

The electric car can charge with up to 120 kW DC with the 49 kWh battery and up to 139 kW with the 64 kWh battery. According to the manufacturer, the 49 kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes, while the 64 kWh version takes 28 minutes.

The base model is equipped with a 125 kW drive, while the two higher-value variants are equipped with a 170 kW drive system. Regardless of the engine, the former British brand MG, which has long been part of the Chinese state-owned automotive group SAIC, limits the top speed of the S5 EV to 163 kph. The basic version manages the sprint from zero to 100 kph in 8.0 seconds, while the higher-end models only need 6.3 seconds.

The MGS5 EV is based on MG’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), which was introduced in 2022 with the MG4, the new version of which MG unveiled last week.

“MGS5 EV is an advanced, enjoyable and refined EV,” said David Allison, Head of Product and Planning at MG Motor UK. “MG’s advanced and dedicated EV platform has been further enhanced to create a truly spacious, practical and elegant cabin experience for this all-new MG SUV. Meanwhile, the technology offering surges ahead with the introduction of iSmart and MG Pilot Custom, an attractive dual screen layout, five drive modes, Five-Link rear suspension and a bespoke EV braking system created in partnership with Continental.”

Inside, the car has a centrally positioned 12.8-inch HD touchscreen with a connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, in response to popular customer demand, there are physical buttons to control key functions such as audio control, HVAC, hazard warning lights and defrost, as well as a home button. According to MG, these manual controls are quick and easy to operate and are not intended to distract the driver. A digital 10.25-inch HD driver’s display completes the equipment.

Under the name ‘MG Pilot,’ the car further offers a selection of driver assistance systems. These include collision avoidance, lane safety, cruise control functions and driver assistance functions including active emergency braking and blind spot detection.

The base price for the model in the UK is 28,495 pounds and a warranty of seven years or 80,000 kilometres is included. Prices for other European markets have not been confirmed, but a market launch in continental Europe has been confirmed to take place in the second quarter of 2025.

drive-electric.co.uk, just-auto.com, fleetnews.co.uk, mg.co.uk (product page)