Affordable No Longer: The Arrival of MG's S5 EV - Is It Still a Bargain?
Yesterday's Price of MG's New S5 EV Model was Lower
Looking for a compact, well-made, and spacious EV? The MG S5 might be your next ride. But don't expect a cheap Chinese bargain. Let's dive into the details.
The MG S5 EV has made its way onto the market, promising a mature, compact SUV. It competes with the likes of the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, BYD Atto 3, or Ford Explorer, all while keeping prices somewhat competitive. However, the MG isn't the cheapest kid on the block.
Initially available for under 4.50 meters in length, the S5 EV now challenges its rivals on the same terms. In terms of pricing, the base model starts at 38,000 euros, with a 47 kWh battery offering a range of 340 kilometers. The long-range version, with a 62 kWh battery, ranges 480 kilometers and sets you back 43,000 euros. The fully equipped version costs 45,000 euros. And forget about customizations; there are none.
While the MG may not be the cheapest option, 90% of customers lease their electric cars, making monthly rates more telling. For a four-year term and a total of 20,000 kilometers, the base model costs 259 euros per month, and the fully equipped top version runs around 339 euros. That's not a steal compared to the competition, which allows customers to travel twice as far for similar rates.
The base model uses a technologically simple lithium iron phosphate battery with a 125 kW/170 PS electric motor. With a charging power limiting the max to only 120 kW, the current flows at a maximum of 3.7 kW at a wallbox or public 11 kW chargers. That means leaving the car charging for four hours during shopping will only net you around 100 kilometers of range. At 22 kW chargers, charging times improve, but they still aren't the fastest out there.
On the bright side, the long-range version fares better. Its nickel-cobalt-manganese battery charges at DC stations at a maximum of 140 kW, also reaching 11 kW at the AC charger. The car is more spirited with its 170 kW/231 PS electric motor, but you'll have to opt for the most expensive luxury model to have navigation consider charging stops and traffic jams in route planning.
The S5 EV's larger body and improved interior space offer more room in the rear bench, making it comfortable for three child seats. Under the tailgate, the trunk is generous enough for daily family use, and the tailgate swings open wide - a much-appreciated feature.
Inside, the landscape-oriented touchscreen responds quickly and is easy to use, with logically structured submenus and sensibly labeled features - a rarity in Chinese cars. However, switching between driving modes or adjusting brake regeneration or one-pedal driving isn't as straightforward and requires going through the touchscreen's submenus.
Upon our first test drive, we noticed a comfortable suspension tuning, favorable consumption of around 16.5 kWh, too-soft seats, a barely readable driver display in unfavorable sunlight, and a poorly dosed brake. These minor issues are likely to be addressed soon, as the MG brand updates its models every six months. They might even consider turning off the electronic co-pilot that constantly reminds you of the speed limit.
Technical Specifications
- Five-seater, compact SUV
- Length: 4.48 meters
- Width: 1.85 meters
- Height: 1.62 meters
- Wheelbase: 2.73 meters
- Trunk volume: 453-1441 liters
Standard Range
- Electric motor: 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
Long Range
- Electric motor: 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
- The Manufacturer of motor vehicles, MG, has ventured into the electric-vehicles sector with their S5 EV, offering a compact SUV competing with other industry leaders.
- In the automotive industry, the MG S5 EV positions itself as a mature and spacious EV, priced somewhat competitively despite not being the cheapest option.
- Financing options for the MG S5 EV are available, with monthly leasing rates for a four-year term starting at 259 euros for the base model and 339 euros for the fully equipped top version.
- The transportation sector may find the MG S5 EV an attractive option due to its improved interior space, allowing for three child seats and daily family use, while technology features like the landscape-oriented touchscreen make for a modern lifestyle experience.
