2025 MG S5 EV COM Long Range Review

The C-segment electric vehicle market has been heating up in Malaysia in recent years. Consumers are not only paying attention to range practicality but also have higher demands for configurations and driving quality. The MG S5 EV COM Long Range, as MG's flagship model in this segment, has attracted the attention of many family users and young consumers right after its launch with its official range of 430 kilometers, rear-wheel-drive layout, and abundant active safety features. This time, through an in-depth test drive from static experience to dynamic performance, we thoroughly tested whether it can stand out among competitors in the same segment.

First, looking at the exterior, it follows a simple and stylish design route. The front adopts a closed design combined with through-type LED daytime running lights, giving it high recognizability. The side of the body has smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the side profile less monotonous. The 17-inch wheels are proportionate to the body size, avoiding a cramped appearance. The LED tail lights at the rear also adopt a through-type design, complementing the front end. The diffuser-like design at the bottom of the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. The lighting system comes with LED as standard for all configurations, and the automatic headlamp feature is very convenient for daily use as it automatically adjusts when entering tunnels or during evenings, eliminating the need for manual operation.

Sitting inside, the interior design leans towards simplicity and practicality. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials that feel quite refined. The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch central control screen serve as the core of the interior. The screen resolution is clear, and the central control screen supports touch operation with a responsive performance. The multi-functional steering wheel is made of genuine leather, offering a comfortable grip. The buttons on the left control the driving assistance systems, while the right ones manage multimedia functions, with a logical layout. For the seats, the driver's seat supports 6-way electric adjustment, making it easy to find a suitable driving position. The passenger seat supports 4-way manual adjustment, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, expanding the trunk space for daily use, such as carrying a baby stroller or luggage. In terms of spatial performance, the 2730mm wheelbase provides ample rear legroom, leaving two fists of space between the knees and the front seat for a 175cm passenger. There is also one fist of headroom, preventing any sense of claustrophobia. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents, allowing rear passengers to quickly enjoy cool air in the summer. The front automatic air conditioning is precise and maintains stable temperature control. Regarding storage space, the door panel storage compartments can hold two water bottles, the depth of the central armrest box is adequate, and there are two USB ports at the front for convenient phone charging.

As for performance, it is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 125kW (170PS) and a maximum torque of 250N·m. The rear-wheel-drive layout provides a different driving experience compared to front-wheel-drive models. The power response is direct when starting off, and a slight press on the accelerator gives a noticeable push-back feeling. Acceleration from 0-60km/h is agile, making it easy to overtake or change lanes during daily city driving. Switching to sport mode provides a more aggressive power output, and its mid-range acceleration capability on highways is also impressive. Even after reaching 100km/h, stepping on the accelerator still offers ample power reserve. There are three driving modes to choose from: Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Economy mode, the power output is softer, suitable for daily commuting and conserving power.

In terms of handling, the combination of MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear independent suspension is tuned towards comfort but still maintains a certain degree of support. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the bumps without causing harsh impacts. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise with minimal play, giving drivers a high level of confidence. The brake pedal has a linear feel, and the release of braking force is consistent. During emergency braking, the vehicle's body remains stable without veering off course. Noise control is well-handled; the electric motor noise is almost inaudible at low speeds, and while there is some tire and wind noise at higher speeds, it remains within an acceptable range and does not affect in-car conversation among passengers.

Range and energy consumption are key indicators for electric vehicles. The official range is 430 kilometers, and in our test under mixed driving conditions (60% urban, 40% highway, air conditioning set to 24°C), the actual range is about 380 kilometers, achieving roughly 88% of the official figure, which is a decent performance. In terms of energy consumption, it’s approximately 14kWh/100km during urban commuting and increases to 16kWh/100km on the highway, placing it slightly above average among vehicles in the same segment. For charging, using a DC fast charger, it takes around 40 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%, while a home slow charger takes about 8 hours to fully charge, which is sufficient for daily use.

In terms of safety features, the MG S5 EV COM Long Range performs very well. It comes standard with 7 airbags, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane change assist, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking, among other features. ACC is very convenient on highways, allowing automatic car-following and reducing driving fatigue. The autonomous emergency braking system provides timely warnings and braking assistance when the car ahead suddenly slows down in urban driving, enhancing driving safety.

Compared to similar models, such as the BYD Atto 3 Standard Range Edition, the MG S5 EV COM Long Range’s rear-wheel-drive layout offers better driving pleasure, along with more comprehensive active safety features, all at a lower price, making it highly cost-effective. It’s suitable for families who value the economy of electric vehicles, driving quality, and safety features, or young consumers who appreciate the rear-wheel-drive driving experience.

Overall, the MG S5 EV COM Long Range strikes a good balance between range, features, driving experience, and price. It has no obvious shortcomings and can handle daily commuting as well as weekend family outings. If you’re looking for a C-segment electric vehicle around 120,000 MYR, the MG S5 EV COM Long Range is worth considering.