Affordable, But Not The Cheapest: New MG S5 EV Hits the Market
Yesterday's price for the MG S5 EV was lower
Looking for a compact SUV that won't break the bank? MG's S5 EV seems to fit the bill, but be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. The base model starts at 38,000 euros, a far cry from being a Chinese bargain.
The S5 EV competes with heavyweights like the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, BYD Atto 3, and Ford Explorer, all of which fall within similar price ranges. Despite nailing the pricing of its segment, MG still charges a premium for the S5 EV, with the Skoda Enyaq starting at 34,000 euros and BYD charging 38,000 euros for the Atto 3.
However, lease rates might be more appealing, as MG charges 259 euros per month for the base model and around 339 euros for the top version. While that's not a steal, it's worth noting that competitors allow customers to drive up to twice as far for similar rates.
Slow Charging for a Speedy EV
The base model's charging capabilities leave much to be desired. A cheaper lithium iron phosphate battery combined with a 125 kW/170 PS electric motor limits the charging power to just 120 kW. At home or 11 kW public chargers, the current flow is capped at 3.7 kW, meaning you'll only add about 100 kilometers of range in four hours.
The long-range version, however, can do better. Its nickel-cobalt-manganese battery charges at DC stations with a maximum of 140 kW and reaches 11 kW at AC chargers, making for a faster, more efficient charge. It also performs better on the road with its 170 kW/231 PS electric motor.
Inside the S5 EV: Spacious and User-Friendly
The interior of the S5 EV is designed with the customer in mind, boasting a well-designed, responsive touchscreen and an efficient layout. The cockpit's intuitive controls and sensibly labeled menus make it easy to navigate, a rarity in Chinese models.
The vehicle's larger body and wheelbase lend to a more comfortable ride, especially in the back. The generous trunk space provides ample storage for daily family use. However, like many new electric vehicles, there's no frunk, which means the charging cable must be stored in the trunk.
Room for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the S5 EV is not without its flaws. The seats are too soft, the driver display is hard to read in unfavorable sunlight, and the brake pedal feel could be improved. Fortunately, MG is known for updating its models every six months, so these issues may be addressed soon.
MG S5 EV - Technical Data
- Five-seater, compact SUV
- Length: 4.48 meters, Width: 1.85 meters (with exterior mirrors: n/a), Height: 1.62 meters, Wheelbase: 2.73 meters, Trunk volume: 453-1441 liters**
Standard Range
- Electric motor with 125 kW/170 PS, Torque: 250 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 8.0 s, Vmax: 170 km/h, Consumption: 16.6 kWh/100 km, Battery size: 47 kWh, Range: 340 km (WLTP), Charging power: 7.2 kW (AC)/120 kW (DC), Charging time AC: 10-80% in approx. 5 hours; DC: 10-80% in 24 minutes**
- Price: from 37,990 Euro (Comfort)
Long Range
- Electric motor with 170 kW/231 PS, Torque: 350 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 6.3 s, Vmax: 190 km/h, Consumption: 15.5 kWh/100 km, Battery size: 62 kWh, Range: 480 km (WLTP), Charging power: 11 kW (AC)/139 kW (DC), Charging time AC: 10-80% in approx. 4 hours; DC: 10-80% in 28 minutes**
- Price: from 42,990 Euro (Comfort)
Source: ntv.de, Hanno Boblenz, sp-x
- MG Models
- Chinese Automakers
Despite its name, the MG S5 EV is not exactly a budget-friendly electric vehicle, especially when you consider its slow charging speed. Yet, it manages to compete with more expensive models in its class, offering a spacious, user-friendly interior and adequate power. While improvements could be made, the S5 EV is a solid addition to MG's lineup, providing a modern, stylish electric SUV at a competitive price.
Comparative Analysis
To better understand the MG S5 EV's position in the market, let's compare its pricing and charging capabilities with competitors like the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, BYD Atto 3, and Ford Explorer:
MG S5 EV (2025)
Pricing
- In Germany, pricing starts from about 37,990 Euro (Comfort) or 42,990 Euro (Luxury)[1].
- In Spain, earlier reports indicated €32,990 for the Comfort 49 kWh model and €38,990 for the Luxury 64 kWh model[1].
- In the United States, the S5 EV is expected to start at about $45,000 to $48,000[4].
Battery & Power
- Two battery options: 49 kWh and 64 kWh[3].
- Power outputs: 125 kW (RWD) for the smaller battery and 170 kW (RWD) for the larger battery[1].
Charging
- Detailed charging rates are not explicitly stated in the sources, but the MG S5 EV likely supports fast charging compatible with rapid DC chargers, likely around 100 kW, common for this segment and battery size[1][5].
Competitors Overview in Germany
| Model | Price Range (approx. in €) | Battery Size (kWh) | Power Output (kW) | Charging Capability (DC fast charging) ||-------------------|----------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------|| VW ID.4 | €40,000 to €50,000+ | 52 to 77 | 150 to 205 | Up to 135 kW DC fast charging || Skoda Enyaq | €40,000 to €54,000+ | 55 to 82 | 110 to 220 | Up to 150 kW DC fast charging || BYD Atto 3 | About €40,000 | ~60 | 150 | Up to 80 kW DC fast charging || Ford Explorer EV* | Not widely available as BEV in Europe yet; Europe mainly has hybrid versions. Pricing typically €50,000+ for hybrids | N/A | N/A | N/A |
*Note: The Ford Explorer EV is primarily available in North America; the European market has the Ford Explorer Hybrid or Plug-in hybrid, but not a fully electric SUV comparable to the MG S5 EV as of now[no direct search data].
Summary Comparison
- Pricing: The MG S5 EV tends to be priced competitively, positioning itself in the same ballpark as the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq. The BYD Atto 3 is roughly in the same price range but may offer fewer premium features. Ford's fully electric Explorer is not yet a direct competitor in the German market.[no direct search data]
- Battery and Power: MG offers smaller battery options (49 and 64 kWh) compared to the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq's larger batteries (up to about 77-82 kWh), which likely result in shorter range for MG but potentially lower price and weight. The MG's power outputs are adequate for everyday driving but lower than the top trims of VW and Skoda.
- Charging: MG S5 EV likely supports fast charging up to around 100 kW DC, slightly below VW and Skoda's 135 kW and 150 kW capabilities but faster than BYD Atto 3's approx. 80 kW. This means somewhat slower recharge times for MG compared to VW and Skoda but still sufficient for regular use.
Conclusion
The MG S5 EV presents an appealing option for consumers seeking an affordable electric SUV with decent charging capabilities and a spacious interior. While its battery capacity and charging speed are less than the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, it remains an attractive choice for those prioritizing budget and everyday performance. BYD Atto 3 offers similar pricing but slightly lower charging speeds, and the Ford Explorer EV does not yet compete directly in the electric SUV segment in Germany.
This makes the MG S5 EV a strong contender for budget-conscious German consumers in the electric SUV market.[1][4][5]
The MG S5 EV, despite not being a budget-friendly electric vehicle in terms of charging speed, competes well with more expensive models in its class. It offers a spacious, user-friendly interior and adequate power, although improvements could be made, particularly with slow charging capabilities. Moreover, the S5 EV demonstrates MG's commitment to affordable yet stylish electric SUVs, as it provides a modern vehicle at a competitive price point.
In the lifestyle and technology realm, the MG S5 EV is refreshingly affordable, sporting electric-vehicles technology that caters to a wide range of customers, making it a viable option for those seeking an efficient, affordable motor vehicle—all without compromising on practicality and comfort.
