MG S5 EV Review

In the increasingly competitive C-segment all-electric SUV market in Malaysia, young families and commuters seek reasonable pricing without compromising on features and range. MG's S5 EV series, launched in May 2025 with the entry-level COM version starting at RM 116,548, directly targets a balanced combination of "high configuration + long range." Even the base model comes standard with Level 2 driving assistance and a large central control screen. In this test drive, we focused on the COM, Long Range, and LUX versions currently on sale to see how the different configurations meet users' needs and whether this rear-wheel-drive electric SUV is capable of capturing the market.

The exterior design of the 2025 MG S5 EV adopts a simple and technological approach, with smooth overall lines and no overly complicated decorations. The front features a closed grille paired with LED daytime running lights that span the width, offering high recognition when illuminated. The square-shaped air intakes on both sides of the lower bumper enhance its sporty feel. The side profile showcases a standard SUV outline, with a waistline stretching from the front to the rear and 17-inch (COM and Long Range versions) or 18-inch (LUX version) wheels, achieving balanced visual proportions. The rear's most striking feature is the LED light strip across the width, echoing the front headlights, while the small spoiler on the trunk edge and the black trim below add layers to the design. All versions come standard with LED headlights and taillights, offering sufficient brightness, and the automatic headlight function adds convenience to everyday use.

Sitting inside, the interior features a dark tone with a clear and intuitive center console layout. The 12.8-inch floating central control screen is the visual centerpiece, offering high resolution and smooth operation. It supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel provides rich information, with switchable themes to display battery level, range, and driving assistance status. The COM version features fabric seats, with a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat. The Long Range and LUX versions upgrade to leather seats with a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, improving overall comfort. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, extending trunk space to accommodate daily needs like strollers or suitcases. Notably, all models come standard with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, catering well to rear passengers.

In terms of power, all three versions are equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 125kW (170PS) and a peak torque of 250N·m. The rear-wheel-drive layout provides a nimble start and acceleration. During actual driving, the initial acceleration response is direct, and a slight press on the accelerator offers a noticeable pushback feeling, making overtaking or lane changes in urban roads quite agile. Switching to sport mode provides more aggressive power output, suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration; eco mode, on the other hand, offers smoother power output and effectively reduces energy consumption. The suspension system consists of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent setups, with tuning biased towards comfort. When driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, ensuring passengers inside don’t feel significant discomfort. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the steering precision is moderate with minimal play, making daily driving feel intuitive and manageable.

Range and charging performance are core metrics for electric vehicles. The COM version is equipped with a 49kWh LFP battery with an official range of 340km; the Long Range and LUX versions are upgraded to a 62kWh battery with an official range of 430km. We tested the Long Range version under urban road conditions, with the air conditioning and audio on and an average speed of about 40km/h. The actual range reached around 380km, achieving nearly 90% of the official range, which met expectations. In terms of fast charging, the LUX version supports fast charging, with a 0-80% charge taking approximately 26 minutes (0.43 hours); the COM and Long Range versions do not specify fast charging parameters, but a slow charge takes about 6-8 hours to fully charge. For energy consumption, urban commuting consumes about 15kWh/100km, while highway driving increases consumption to 18-20kWh/100km. Overall, it ranks slightly above average among vehicles in the same class.

In terms of driving comfort, the NVH control of the S5 EV is well done. At speeds below 60km/h, cabin noise is minimal, while wind and tire noise increase slightly at higher speeds but do not affect normal conversations. There are two levels of regenerative braking: in the low setting, the drag feeling is not obvious and is similar to driving a fuel-powered car; in the high setting, the recovery force is stronger, saving more power and suitable for users familiar with electric vehicles. The seat padding is moderately soft, ensuring passengers do not feel fatigued during long periods of sitting. The rear legroom is spacious, with about two fists of space left for 175cm-tall passengers, and the headroom is also adequate.

Overall, the 2025 MG S5 EV series' core strengths lie in its balanced configurations and budget-friendly pricing. Although the COM version has the shortest range, it comes standard with 7 airbags, L2-level assisted driving (ACC, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, etc.), and a large screen, making it highly cost-effective. The Long Range version adds electric seats and a longer range, ideal for those who often drive long distances. The LUX version offers 360-degree panoramic imaging, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic sunroof, catering more to customers who value luxury. Compared to similar models like the BYD Atto 3 or the GAC Aion Y, the MG S5 EV is more affordable without compromising on features, especially the entry-level model, which offers impressive value for money.

This car is most suitable for young families and daily commuters who prioritize cost-effectiveness. The COM version is ideal for budget-conscious users primarily commuting within cities; the Long Range version suits families who occasionally take intercity highways; the LUX version meets the needs of consumers with higher configuration demands. Overall, the 2025 MG S5 EV series offers well-balanced performance and comprehensive features at a reasonable price, making it a worthy choice in the C-segment electric SUV market.