If you haven’t looked at MG in a while, the new S5 EV might just change your mind. It’s MG’s latest all-electric SUV and offers a refreshing balance between comfort, practicality and everyday usability — with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
First off, this isn’t just another front-wheel-drive EV clone. The S5 runs a rear-wheel-drive setup, borrowed from the same platform as the MG4 hatch, and you can actually feel it in the way the car handles. It’s not sporty in a “take it to the track” kind of way, but there’s a noticeable difference in how it grips and corners — especially compared to most front-drive SUVs at this price point. And that’s the big sell here: value. While we’re still waiting on final pricing, it’s expected to sneak in under the $50K mark, which makes it a very appealing proposition for salary packaging and novated leasing. Think of it as Tesla Model Y vibes without the price tag or minimalist weirdness.
Inside, MG’s stepped up its game. One of the first things you notice is the return of proper buttons. After years of being told that everything needs to be controlled through a touchscreen, the S5 gives you back your fan dial, volume knob and temperature controls. They’re simple, they’re tactile, and they make the cabin feel more like a proper car again. That might not sound revolutionary, but when you’re hopping in and out of different vehicles for work or juggling kids and calls, it’s the small things that count.
Comfort-wise, the seats are excellent. We did a couple of long stints behind the wheel — including a few hours out of Sydney — and they passed the road trip test easily. The seats are fully electric (no memory function though), with manual lumbar adjustment that works just fine. One downside? There’s no seatbelt height adjustment. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting. And while we’re talking quirks, the cruise control system isn’t very intuitive. Might need a YouTube tutorial to figure it out the first time around.
The tech package is solid. You get wireless Apple CarPlay, which is quickly becoming a “don’t buy a car without it” feature, and the central screen hits the sweet spot — not too small, not overly flashy. Just enough to do what you need without distracting you from the road. There’s a rotary dial shifter, and like a lot of EVs now, there’s no start/stop button — just get out and lock it, and the car powers down. It takes a few drives to get used to, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing.
There’s plenty of room too. Thanks to the flat floor, even rear passengers get decent legroom, and there’s no hump in the middle. That’s good news if you’re ferrying adults or fitting three across. There’s a sunroof, multiple phone slots, and a big centre console with wireless charging and heaps of storage — again, ticking those “fit for purpose” boxes for everyday usability. Whether you’re a fleet manager kitting out pool cars or a novated lease driver looking for something practical but nice, the S5 is more than just another small SUV.
What about the whole-of-life costs? Well, MG’s EVs tend to offer long service intervals (20,000km or 24 months) and capped price servicing, so that helps keep running costs low. It’s not official yet, but you can expect battery range around 400–450km (WLTP), with DC fast charging up to 150kW, meaning you can get from 10–80% in roughly 40 minutes — perfect for busy delivery schedules or quick top-ups during lunch breaks.
As for tyres, this model looks like it comes fitted with the latest-gen Bridgestones designed specifically for EVs, with reduced rolling resistance and improved ride comfort. Another nod to thoughtful design that supports long-distance driving and energy efficiency.
Let’s not forget the biggest win here: zero tailpipe emissions. That’s 0g/km of CO₂ every day it’s on the road. For organisations focused on reducing Scope 1 emissions or aligning with corporate ESG targets, adding the S5 EV to your fleet can deliver immediate impact. Compared to a typical petrol SUV spitting out 160–200g/km, the S5 is an easy emissions win — no consultant needed.
Compared to what fleets are already buying, the MG S5 EV offers a nice middle ground. It’s more refined and modern than the older ZS EV, cheaper than the Hyundai Kona Electric, and has a more traditional feel than the BYD Atto 3. It’s a great option for anyone not quite ready for a Tesla but still wants a vehicle that feels properly “next-gen.”
So, is it perfect? Not quite. There are a few oddities like the left-hand indicator stalk (a by-product of its global design), and the cruise control learning curve. But in the big picture, the MG S5 EV is shaping up as a smart buy for fleets and private buyers alike. It’s electric done right — without trying too hard to reinvent the wheel.
In a nutshell?
Comfortable, clever, and competitively priced, the MG S5 EV is a rear-wheel-drive electric SUV that’s ready for the real world. Whether you’re managing a fleet or packaging it through your salary, this is one to test drive before signing anything else.
