MGS5 EV review
MG’s conservatively styled B-segment SUV delivers on most counts, but it lacks a bit of flair
Our opinion on the MGS5 EV
The MGS5 EV takes the brand’s electric SUV range to new heights thanks to its combination of space, standard equipment and range. It also feels appropriately tuned for UK roads and is surprisingly powerful. What’s missing, though, is a sense of character or panache. As such, rivals have this MG cornered, with some offering better outright value, while other, more expensive options, feel more special.
| Key specs | |
| Fuel type | Electric |
| Body style | Small SUV |
| Powertrain | 49kWh battery, 1x e-motor, rear-wheel drive 64kWh battery, 1x e-motor, rear-wheel drive |
| Safety | 5 stars (Euro NCAP, 2025) |
| Warranty | 7 years, 80,000 miles |
About the MGS5 EV
The MGS5 EV is a critical car for its maker here in the UK. It replaces the popular MG ZS EV, taking its place in the now crowded all-electric B-SUV class. But where its predecessor once usefully undercut many of its key rivals, this fast-moving segment has fresh challenges for MG’s latest affordable electric SUV.
MG will launch an entry-level SE Standard Range model from around £28,500, which comes with a 49kWh battery pack and 211-mile range. This seems impressive on face value, but there is a range of aggressively priced rivals, like the Citroen e-C3 Aircross, that undercut the MGS5 EV by a fair margin.
Move up a gear in terms of electric range, and MG’s mid-level SE Long Range model commands a £2,500 premium and ups the range to a more impressive 298 miles from its 64kWh battery. At this point, we start to see other rivals come into the frame, including the highly impressive Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq.
Both MGS5 EV SE models are well equipped with a full suite of active safety aids, LED headlights, a reversing camera, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 12.8-inch touchscreen with embedded navigation and wireless phone-mirroring apps.
Used - available now
2024 Cupra
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2021 Audi
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Cash £21,300Topping the range is the £33,500 Trophy model, which is where the sweet spot might just lie. In typical MG fashion, it features a generous amount of kit compared with rivals, accentuating its value-driven position despite a marginally higher price point. Highlights include upgraded seat trim, heated seats and steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, 18-inch alloys, a 360-degree camera system, and a powered tailgate.
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Performance & driving experience
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The MGS5 EV comes in Standard Range and Long Range forms, with the latter having the longest driving range and a more powerful electric motor. We’ve only sampled the Long Range version so far, and it has certainly impressed us.
In general, the MGS5 EV drives very well considering its rivals and general position in the market. MG has a local development centre in the shadow of its former UK production sites, and this seems to have benefited the way the car drives. By and large, many Chinese EV models don’t feel developed to handle the roads and driving behaviours of the UK and Europe, but this is not the case with most MGs.
However, there is a niche issue, and that’s due to this SUV being rear-wheel drive only. As a result, it may struggle with traction in slippery conditions in contrast to rivals that are available with four-wheel drive, such as the Volvo EX30.
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The rear-mounted e-motor of the SE Long Range and Trophy models is surprisingly powerful, producing 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. It’ll accelerate the MGS5 EV from 0-62mph in just 6.3 seconds, and with Sport mode engaged, it easily feels good for those quoted figures.
There’s a responsive and well-calibrated throttle in Sport mode, making it easy to access the car’s performance without feeling clumsy or uncontrolled. The Comfort and Eco modes feel less spritely, but give the throttle response a little more dexterity to its action.
Standard Range models feature a lower-powered 168bhp rear motor and a longer 0-62mph time of eight seconds. We haven't driven this derivative yet, so we can’t comment on how it performs on the road, but it aligns more closely with most rivals in terms of on-paper performance.
Town driving, visibility and parking
The MG’s high driving position and low windscreen base mean driving around town is a doddle. The bonnet has a couple of ridges that lead down to the upper headlights, which help make the car easier to place on the road than some rivals with a deeper windscreen or a more dipped front end.
The rear-mounted motor also facilitates a very impressive turning circle, meaning parking is a cinch. It’s made even easier by the reversing camera and rear sensors of the SE, and easier still in the top-spec Trophy thanks to a 360-degree camera system.
B-road driving and handling
While it’s easy to dismiss the importance of handling to buyers in this segment, the MG feels natural and easy to drive. Its steering is accurate and well-weighted, and while it doesn’t offer much in the way of feel, it compares well to most rival EVs.
The ride is a little firm – something that can be accentuated on rougher B-roads – but it’s fine for the class, and better than in many of its Chinese counterparts. Don’t go thinking the MGS5 EV is as slick to drive as the smaller MG4, though.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
This unsettled ride also doesn’t help in motorway driving, although it’s not a deal-breaker. Many SUVs in this class often show their true colours on high-speed roads due to their supermini-based underpinnings, but this is not the case with the MG. Its more sophisticated rear suspension and well-insulated e-motor make motorway driving feel relaxed and easy, although we did note a bit of intrusive tyre noise at speed that you'll probably need to turn the stereo up to drown out.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| MGS5 EV SE Standard Range | 168bhp | 8.0 seconds | 101mph |
| MGS5 EV SE Long Range | 227bhp | 6.3 seconds | 101mph |
| MGS5 EV Trophy Long Range | 227bhp | 6.3 seconds | 101mph |
Expert view, on driving experience
"The MGS5 EV's electric powertrain is almost silent, even under hard acceleration, although tyre noise can be slightly obtrusive. The higher powered Long Range models offer a decent burst of speed, with a noticeable difference when in sport mode." - Pete Baiden, web producer, who drove the MGS5 EV on its UK launch.
Range, charging & running costs
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Electric range, battery life and charge time
The electric driving range of the MGS5 EV is competitive within its class, almost matching those of the Volvo EX30, but falling somewhat short of the Kia EV3. The Standard Range SE MGS5 EV has a 211-mile range according to WLTP figures, while the Long Range SE, thanks to smaller 17-inch wheels, boasts 298 miles of range (the 18-inch wheels of Trophy models cut the range to 288 miles).
We do worry that those figures might suffer in cold weather because the MGS5 EV isn’t available with an energy-efficient heat pump, even as an option. Having such an option (which is available in the top-of-the-range Kia EV3 and across the range on the Renault Megane) helps in colder temperatures to more efficiently warm the interior using waste heat energy rather than resorting to using power from the battery.
Peak charging rates using a rapid charger are good for the class at 120kW for the 49kWh battery, and 135kWh for the 64kWh variants. A 10-80 per cent charge will take just 24 minutes for the smaller battery, and 26 minutes for the larger battery. Those charging using a 7.4kW home wallbox charger will find it takes around 8.5 hours to fully recharge an entry-level SE, while the Long Range models will take just over 11 hours to do the same due to their increased battery capacity.
| Model | Battery size | Range | Insurance group |
| MGS5 EV SE Standard Range | 49kWh | 211 miles | 29A |
| MGS5 EV SE Long Range | 64kWh | 298 miles | 34D |
| MGS5 EV Trophy Long Range | 64kWh | 289 miles | 34D |
Insurance groups
The MGS5 EV starts in insurance group 29 for the entry-level SE trim, then goes up to group 34 for both the SE and Trophy Long Range versions. Those are lower than the starting point for both the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30, but remain higher than those of the Renault Megane, which starts in group 22.
Tax
Company car drivers should still find an EV a compelling choice, because the zero tailpipe emissions of an electric car means it goes into the three per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax band.
EV drivers now have to pay annual vehicle excise duty (VED) road tax. However, the affordable pricing of the MGS5 EV means it doesn’t cost over £40,000 when new and isn’t subject to the luxury car tax surcharge applied to cars that go above this threshold.
Those regularly driving around London can enter the London Congestion Charge zone for free, but only until 24 December 2025.
Depreciation
According to our expert resale valuation data, the latest MGS5 EV should hold on to its value reasonably well. The range is predicted to retain between 45 and 48 per cent of its original value over a typical ownership period of three years or 36,000 miles. That’s on par with the likes of the Citroen e-C3 Aircross and Kia EV3, but isn’t quite as good as the Skoda Elroq, which is expected to still be worth between 48 and 52 per cent over the same period.
Still, at least the MGS5 EV is expected to do better than the electric version of the Vauxhall Frontera, which is only predicted to be worth 38 per cent of its original value over three years or 36,000 miles.
To get an accurate valuation for a specific model, check out our valuation tool...
Interior, design & technology
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The good vibes continue inside, where the car has seen a huge upgrade over not just the previous ZS, but also its MG4 cousin. The design is attractive, finding a balance between being clean, but not too stark.
Interior and dashboard design
The dashboard, doors and seats are all finished in a grey faux leather that’s soft to the touch, while other little surprises, such as the monogrammed MG logos in the Trophy’s seats and suede-like material around the rotary gear selector, bring a little texture to an otherwise greyscale interior.
The main issue is that, for the most part, all of this ‘nice-ness’ doesn’t bring with it much in the way of charisma, and in such a crowded segment, such an omission could be an issue for buyers.
Materials and build quality
Look a little deeper and you will find plenty of hard and scratchy plastics across the cabin, though. Beyond the grey soft-touch dashboard, the far dash top is pretty low-rent, and many of the plastics across the lower door cards and lower dash are similarly rough.
A more subjective gripe is the use of faux carbon fibre on the dash, which is both a little dated and looks very fake. The centre console does hit back, though, with more soft-touch elements around the armrest and central cubby, and the area surrounding the rotary drive selector is finished in one piece of soft-touch faux suede, and includes an area for your smartphone that becomes the wireless phone charging pad in Trophy trim.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
Despite our misgivings over some of the quality, the interior features an impressive set of digital interfaces that feel fresh and up to date. In front of the driver is a well-sized 10.25-inch display that’s easy to read and displays key information.
The rest is taken care of by a 12.8-inch touchscreen that’s bright, quick to react and has good screen resolution. MG’s digital user interface also benefits from the bigger screen, with a main menu that’s quick to access and offers all the relevant information, such as heating and ventilation, music and navigation, within easy reach.
As if to emphasise this, they’re finished in a high quality metal-like material, and the knobs make a satisfying clicking noise as they turn. This is a most unusual and very welcome surprise in an already generally plush and comfortable interior.
Expert view, on design
“MG has been listening to its customers, and unique to European-market MGS5 EVs is a set of physical knobs and buttons below the screen that give you quick and intuitive access to things like volume, track, temperature and fan speed.” - Jordan Katsianis, senior staff writer, who drove a MGS5 EV Trophy Long Range on an extended week-long test
Boot space & practicality
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In separating the MGS5 EV from the MG ZS – that car has also been updated, but is now only available with hybrid or petrol powertrains – it has allowed MG to build the car on a dedicated platform shared with the MG4 hatchback. This bespoke architecture is more sophisticated than the ZS’s, and includes a rear-mounted e-motor sitting within a multi-link rear suspension set-up, which allows for a more efficient use of space.
As a result, the space inside the MGS5 EV feels generous, especially in the second row, where a flat floor means there’s more foot room for those in the back, and is complemented by large windows that give rear-seat passengers a great view out. There are other benefits, too, such as a 458-litre boot that can be expanded to 1,440 litres when the second row is folded flat. The boot floor is also movable, hiding an underfloor storage area that’s ideal for storing the charge cables, or it can be taken out entirely, giving you a larger single storage area.
Dimensions and size
The MGS5 is priced to rival B-segment SUVs, but it’s slightly bigger than them and optimised as a pure EV. This means that the space inside is very impressive.
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 1,621mm |
| Width (inc mirrors) | 1,849mm (2094mm) |
| Height | 4,476mm |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Boot space | 453 - 1,440 litres |
Driving position, seats & space in the front
The driving position is high-set, and while some might want to sit lower, this is limited by the relatively high floor due to the batteries. The seats are a little flat and lack lateral support, but make getting in and out easy. Long-distance comfort isn’t the best in class, though, and driving at speed in the bends does reveal that lack of lateral support.
Seats & space in the back
The second row has good space across the bench and, without a transmission hump in the floor, lots of room for feet. The MGS5 EV is also relatively wide for its class and has a boxy shape, which makes it feel more spacious than many similarly priced rivals. Children in the back should be able to get a decent view out thanks to large windows that let in plenty of light.
Boot space
There are other benefits from the width, too, such as a 458-litre boot that can be expanded to 1,440 litres when the second row is folded flat. The boot floor is also movable, hiding an underfloor storage area that’s ideal for storing the charge cables, or it can be taken out entirely, giving you a larger single storage area.
Unfortunately, despite there not being an e-motor mounted under the bonnet driving the front wheels, there’s no extra storage space under there like you’ll find in a Volvo EX30. We think that’s a shame because having space under the bonnet means you can fully separate your electric charging cables (which might be dirty or wet if you don’t have the luxury of a garage) from your luggage in the boot.
Expert view, on practicality
"Cabin space is impressive. In fact, it feels so roomy inside that you'd be hard pressed to notice a size difference between the MGS5 EV and the larger HS from the class above." - Pete Baiden, web producer, who drove the MGS5 EV on its UK launch.
Reliability & safety
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The MGS5 EV is too new to have appeared in our Driver Power owner satisfaction surveys, but MG will want to improve on its showing in the manufacturer ratings because the brand finished in last position in a 32-strong list in 2024.
Safety experts Euro NCAP have awarded the MGS5 EV the maximum five-star rating out of five. There was a comment about how parts of the dashboard on the driver’s side could potentially pose a risk of injury to drivers of different sizes, but that didn’t stop the MGS5 EV scoring higher in the adult occupancy category than fellow five-star small electric SUVs like the Ford Explorer and the Volvo EX30.
In terms of active safety, all models feature MG Pilot, which is a collection of safety assistance systems. These include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) to help prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions with vehicles and pedestrians, along with a blind spot detection system to warn you of cars alongside you when you go to change lanes. There’s also a speed limit recognition system that displays the speed of the road you’re currently on, along with an audible warning if you go over the limit.
Similar to the ‘My Perso’ button that’s available in a number of Renault group cars, drivers of the MGS5 EV can set up a specific personal mode that can be set up to switch off some or all of these features. As with a lot of cars these days, they all reactivate every time you switch the car on, but you can switch to your personalised set-up with just one click and a confirmation.
| Key standard safety features | Euro NCAP safety ratings |
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Buying and owning
- Best buy: MGS5 EV Trophy Long Range
The affordable pricing of the MGS5 EV means it makes sense to go for the higher capacity 64kWh battery version over the entry-level 49kWh model, plus you get a significantly swifter electric vehicle as a result, which might make all the difference overtaking on country roads or getting up to motorway speeds with a car load of people.
The entry-level SE is very well equipped for the money, but the Trophy trim features a few more luxuries and helps the MGS5 EV stand out against its competitors as a value proposition.
Servicing for the MGS5 EV is required every 12 months or 15,000 miles, which is more like a regular petrol or diesel car than an EV. Some electric rivals have longer intervals between trips to the dealer, including many VW group EVs that only require you to visit the garage every two years, and you can cover an unlimited number of miles between those visits.
Like all new MG cars, the MGS5 EV has a long seven-year manufacturer’s warranty, although the 80,000-mile limit is lower than Kia’s more generous 100,000-mile policy. The electric battery pack in the MG is covered by a separate policy that guarantees the battery will retain 70 per cent of its original capacity for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
Alternatives
The MGS5 EV is an impressive car that comes with an impressive set of attributes, but at a point when the brand should have gone big with design to reiterate the fact that it already has a lead in this market, rather than offering something that looks and feels like only just enough. If you can stretch to a Skoda Elroq, we feel that’s still the car to have in this class; and if you want to save some cash and go for ultimate value at the lower end, the Citroen e-C3 Aircross has the numbers to show the MG up.
Deals on the MGS5 EV and alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions
We think the MGS5 EV succeeds in enough areas to make it a compelling choice for the money, but it doesn’t stand out against its competitors quite enough to send it to the top of the class.
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