2026 MG S5 EV CKD Malaysia officially open for booking, estimated price 120,000 MYR

[PCauto] The CKD local assembly plant of SAIC Motor Malaysia located in Melaka has started production, and the first vehicle rolling off the production line is the highly-discussed pure electric B-Segment SUV MG S5 EV.

With the quota for the CBU fully-imported version declared sold out, the launch of the locally assembled version is not only a capacity relay but also brings back more competitive product capabilities.

Currently, the MG S5 EV CKD is officially open for booking, with the estimated official price being approximately 120,000 MYR.

By comparison, the earlier CBU models saw their prices drop, but that was more about clearing inventory than a long-term strategy. Now with CKD production, MG smartly simplified the product lineup, focusing entirely on the single high-spec Lux variant.

MG S5 EV is not just about localization

If you think CKD is simply about bringing parts to assemble, then this MG S5 EV might surprise you. The locally assembled version shows a significant leap in power output compared to the previous CBU version.

The rear-mounted single motor now delivers 205 hp (151 kW) and 350 Nm of torque—a noticeable jump from the previous model's 170 PS and 250 Nm. As a result, the 0–100 km/h sprint has been trimmed to 7.1 seconds.

Even more surprisingly, though the battery capacity remains at 62.2 kWh (LFP lithium iron phosphate battery), thanks to optimizations in motor and inverter efficiency, its WLTP driving range has improved from 430 km to 446 km.

In the B-Segment category, such endurance performance is more than enough to reassure many commuters.

Configuration and Charging

Inside the car, you can still see the highly recognizable 12.8-inch central screen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Paired with the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, it creates a decent sense of technology.

As a Lux version, the panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate (with kick sensing), 18-inch alloy wheels, and 360-degree panoramic camera are all standard.

For EV buyers who care most about charging efficiency, the CKD version maintains excellent standards, supporting a maximum of 150 kW DC fast charging. The official claim is that it can charge from 10% to 80% in only 26 minutes.

Meanwhile, it still retains the V2L external discharge function (6.6 kW), which is undoubtedly a big advantage for people who like weekend camping.

Estimated price of around 120,000 Ringgit

In today’s Malaysian pure electric market, it is no longer the scene of a few dominant brands as it was in the past. The MG S5 EV faces two major competitors: one is the Proton e.MAS 7, which enjoys the national brand halo, and the other is the long-time best-seller BYD Atto 3.

MG isn't launching CKD now by chance—they're betting on the tax exemption shifts post-2025.

Local assembly not only avoids potential tax risks through higher local procurement rates but also wins consumer trust through more flexible pricing strategies and more adequate spare parts supply.

Based on the current estimated pricing, MG has positioned the top-spec version of the S5 EV at around RM 120,000, coupled with an early bird offer of up to RM 10,000 (including RM 7,000 cash rebate, free Wallbox charging pile, and charging credits). Its value proposition has already posed a threat to the mid-to-low-spec models of competitors.

Summary

The MG S5 EV isn't a car that relies on gimmicks to sell. It demonstrates very practical performance in space utilization, driving dynamics (don’t forget it uses an RWD rear-wheel-drive architecture), and now its power upgrades.

If you're not chasing so-called brand prestige but want a pure electric SUV with adequate power, comprehensive configuration, and charging speeds that keep up with the times, then this locally assembled MG S5 EV is indeed worth a visit to the showroom.

After all, within this price range, there are really not many rear-wheel-drive options providing over 200 horsepower.