MG

MGS5

The MGS5 EV is a value-for-money model that is offered in two trims called SE and Trophy, along with a choice of two battery sizes. It’s an impressive all-round package for anyone with an eye on costs but looking for a well-equipped compact SUV.

Test Drive

MGS5 EV – First Drive (2025)

MG has launched another cracking electric vehicle into the market – it’s called the S5 and, as is the MG way, it comes with generous amounts of tech, a choice of trims and the option of two battery sizes.

The MGS5 EV replaces the all-electric ZS which is now only available with petrol or hybrid power.

The entry level SE version with the Standard Range 49kWh battery costs just £28,495, but we opted for the more upmarket of the two trims called Trophy and this was powered by the Long Range 68kWh battery. This model can deliver a respectable 288 miles on a single charge and is priced at £33,495.

With a somewhat sporty vibe, the five-door MGS5 features a grille inspired by the Cyberster, snazzy chequered-flag patterned lights, a rear spoiler, silver roof rails, plus attractive 18-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is bright and cheerful, but does rather lack any real wow factor. It is however, well equipped with plenty of mod cons. The seats are upholstered in a mix of cloth and faux leather material with both the front seats and steering wheel offering heating settings which is a plus point on chilly mornings.

Tech-wise, there is a 12.8-inch infotainment screen offering access to the sat nav, smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a DAB radio with six speakers, a reversing camera with a 360-degree camera. The screen does offer up some glare issues on a bright day and that can make it difficult to read.

Behind the steering wheel is where all the vital driving stats such as speed, battery charge levels and remaining driving range are viewed on a 10.24-inch digital driver display.

So, lots of creature comforts as standard, but the experience is somewhat let down by the slow responses of the touchscreen. It’s really laggy at times and also froze completely on more than one occasion. Hopefully these issues can be rectified via software updates as remedies are introduced.

When it comes to performance, the MGS5 delivers on all counts. The Long Range version, as tested, featuring the 68kWh battery, delivers 231PS and 350Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mpg sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 101mph.

It’s certainly quick off the line so overtaking slower moving vehicles isn’t an issue, nor is joining a motorway from a slip road where it quickly gets up to 70mph. The car handles twisting country lanes well with decent grip and impressive body control, although the ride does get a little jittery over rougher road surfaces. But special mention to the good all-round visibility thanks to large windows and the slightly elevated driving position.

Drive modes called Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow and Custom alter the driving characteristic and there are four levels of regenerative braking to choose from too. The One-Pedal driving option is always appreciated in busier town centre traffic with lots of stop, start driving. All these features can be accessed via the touchscreen, but there are steering wheel buttons offering short-cuts which are much easier to operate whilst driving.

As is the MG way, the car boasts a wealth of safety systems and driver assistance aids as standard. They do chime, beep and bong quite a lot, but most audible warnings can be deactivated for a more peaceful and refined driving experience. That said; the speed warning system seemed to remain active despite several attempts to turn it off which proved quite annoying after three hours behind the wheel.

The MGS5, which stretches just under 4.5 metres in length, is billed as a compact SUV so needs to cover the practicality bases well and it does just that. There is bundles of space up front for two adults and room in the back for two more grown-ups or a trio of youngsters.

Elsewhere the boot can swallow 453 litres of kit, a capacity that increases to 1,441 litres by dropping the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Additionally, throughout the cabin, you will find a glovebox, door bins, seat back pockets, a compact central cubby, front and rear cup holders, a large storage area beneath the centre console, four USB ports, plus a wireless charging pad.

And with charging in mind, the MGS5 EV Long Range’s 68kWh battery can be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent in just 28 minutes if using a 150kW fast charger or in 11.5 hours if plugged into a more cost-effective 7kW home wallbox. The charging times for the Standard Range 49kWh battery are quicker at 24 minutes on a fast charge or 8.5 hours using a 7kW output.

All in all, the MGS5 EV has plenty going for it with its attractive pricing, tech-rich interior, impressive driving experience and solid range, but it lacks the polish and charm of the MG4 in our opinion. That’s mainly due to the poor responses of the touchscreen, although a little more refinement across the board would be appreciated. But it is still great value for money, especially if MG can tighten up the tech issues along the way.