In a market increasingly crowded with electric vehicle options, MG is making a bold statement with its latest offering. The 2025 MG S5 EV has officially arrived in Australia, bringing with it impressive specifications and features that position it as a serious competitor to established models like the BYD Atto 3. With a driving range of 425 kilometers and competitive pricing, this new entry in MG’s expanding electric lineup is set to shake up the affordable EV segment down under.
A Fresh Face in MG’s Growing Electric Portfolio
The S5 EV represents the next evolution in MG’s electrification strategy for the Australian market. Following the success of the ZS EV, which helped introduce many Australians to electric mobility at an accessible price point, the S5 aims to build on that foundation with enhanced capabilities and a more refined package overall.
The timing couldn’t be better. As Australia continues its gradual but steady transition toward electric vehicles, consumers are increasingly looking for options that eliminate range anxiety without breaking the bank. The S5 EV appears positioned to address exactly this sweet spot in the market.
“We’ve been listening closely to what Australian drivers want from their electric vehicles,” explains David Smith, MG Australia’s Head of Product Planning. “The S5 EV represents our response to those needs—practical range, modern features, and value that makes electrification accessible to more Australians.”
Performance and Range: Numbers That Matter
Battery and Range Specifications
At the heart of the 2025 MG S5 EV sits a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This power source enables the vehicle to achieve its headline 425km driving range (WLTP certified), placing it in direct competition with the BYD Atto 3’s 420km range from its 60.4kWh battery.
The real-world implications of this range figure are significant for Australian drivers. It means the S5 EV can comfortably handle weekly commuting duties with just one charge for most urban dwellers. Even those contemplating regional travel will find the range sufficient for many intercity journeys, particularly as Australia’s charging infrastructure continues to expand along major highways.
Charging Capabilities
Charging flexibility is another area where the S5 EV aims to impress. The vehicle supports DC fast charging that can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes when connected to a compatible 100kW charger. For home charging, the onboard 11kW AC charger can complete a full charge in roughly 6.5 hours when connected to a compatible wallbox.
This dual-capability approach means owners can benefit from rapid top-ups during longer journeys while enjoying the convenience of overnight charging at home—a balance that suits the typical usage patterns of Australian drivers.
Performance Figures
The S5 EV doesn’t sacrifice performance in its pursuit of efficiency. The electric motor delivers 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds. While not designed as a performance vehicle per se, these figures ensure the S5 has more than adequate acceleration for confident highway merging and overtaking maneuvers.
Top speed is electronically limited to 170km/h, which, while academic in the Australian context given national speed limits, indicates the vehicle’s engineering has headroom beyond everyday driving requirements.
Design and Dimensions: Practical Elegance
Exterior Styling
The 2025 S5 EV showcases MG’s evolving design language, with clean lines and modern proportions that avoid the sometimes polarizing aesthetics of some EV competitors. At 4,579mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,680mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm, the S5 occupies the sweet spot in the compact SUV segment—large enough to offer practical space but not so large as to become unwieldy in urban environments.
The front fascia features a closed-off grille design that signals its electric powertrain while optimizing aerodynamics. LED headlights and daytime running lights come standard across the range, lending the vehicle a premium appearance despite its competitive price point.
“We wanted to create a design that acknowledges the S5’s electric nature without making it the defining characteristic,” notes Sarah Johnson, MG’s Design Director for the Asia-Pacific region. “The result is a vehicle that looks sophisticated and contemporary without screaming ‘I’m different’ to everyone it passes.”
Interior Space and Comfort
Inside, the S5 EV offers a spacious cabin that capitalizes on the packaging advantages of its electric platform. The flat floor creates generous legroom for rear passengers, while the 448-liter boot capacity provides practical luggage space that expands to 1,356 liters with the rear seats folded.
Material quality represents a step up from earlier MG models, with soft-touch surfaces in key contact areas and a general sense of solidity throughout the cabin. The driving position is elevated in keeping with SUV expectations, offering good visibility and a commanding view of the road ahead.
Technology and Features: Modern Expectations Met
Infotainment and Connectivity
Central to the S5 EV’s interior is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that dominates the dashboard. This interface controls most vehicle functions and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard. A separate 7-inch digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Connectivity extends beyond smartphone integration, with the MG iSMART system enabling remote vehicle monitoring and control via a dedicated smartphone app. Owners can check battery status, precondition the cabin temperature, schedule charging times, and locate their vehicle—all from their phone.
Voice control functionality is included, allowing hands-free operation of key features while driving. The system recognizes natural language commands for navigation, climate control, and media functions, reducing driver distraction and enhancing convenience.
Safety Systems
Safety hasn’t been overlooked in the pursuit of value. The S5 EV comes equipped with MG Pilot, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.
A 360-degree camera system aids parking maneuvers, while seven airbags provide passive protection in the event of a collision. MG expects the S5 EV to achieve a 5-star ANCAP safety rating when tested, continuing the brand’s strong recent performance in safety assessments.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Value Proposition
The 2025 MG S5 EV will be offered in Australia in two trim levels:
Excite (Base Model)
Starting at $44,990 drive-away, the Excite includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Dual-zone climate control
- Full LED lighting
- MG Pilot safety suite
- Wireless phone charging
Essence (Premium Model)
Priced at $48,990 drive-away, the Essence adds:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
- Premium audio system with 9 speakers
- Ambient interior lighting with multiple color options
- Heated steering wheel
- Power tailgate with gesture control
- Enhanced driver assistance features
Both variants offer compelling value when compared to competitors in the electric SUV space, with the price differential to the BYD Atto 3 (currently priced from $48,011 plus on-road costs) giving the MG a potential advantage for budget-conscious shoppers.
Driving Experience: Balancing Comfort and Engagement
Early drive impressions suggest the S5 EV strikes a well-judged balance between comfort and driver engagement. The suspension setup—MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear—provides composed handling without compromising ride quality, even on Australia’s sometimes challenging road surfaces.
Three driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) allow drivers to prioritize either efficiency or responsiveness according to preference and conditions. Regenerative braking is adjustable through three levels, enabling a one-pedal driving experience at its strongest setting or a more conventional feel at its mildest.
Noise suppression is notably good, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion even at highway speeds—a benefit of the purpose-designed electric platform and additional sound deadening material. The absence of a conventional engine means the cabin remains serene in urban driving, contributing to a premium feel that belies the vehicle’s accessible price point.
Environmental Credentials: Beyond Zero Emissions
While the S5 EV’s zero tailpipe emissions are its most obvious environmental benefit, MG has taken steps to enhance the vehicle’s overall sustainability credentials. Recycled materials are used in several interior components, while the manufacturing process employs renewable energy sources where possible.
MG also offers a battery recycling program in partnership with Australian recycling specialists, ensuring end-of-life batteries are processed responsibly rather than contributing to landfill. This holistic approach to environmental responsibility reflects growing consumer expectations that electric vehicles should offer advantages beyond merely shifting emissions from the tailpipe to the power plant.
Warranty and Ownership: Peace of Mind
Addressing potential concerns about battery longevity and electric vehicle reliability, MG is backing the S5 EV with a comprehensive warranty package. This includes:
- 7-year/unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty
- 8-year/160,000-kilometer battery warranty
- 5-year roadside assistance
Servicing requirements are reduced compared to conventional vehicles, with maintenance scheduled every 24 months or 30,000 kilometers. This extended service interval contributes to lower ownership costs over time, enhancing the vehicle’s value proposition beyond the initial purchase price.
A Serious Contender Emerges
The 2025 MG S5 EV represents a significant step forward for affordable electric mobility in Australia. By offering a competitive 425km range, modern technology, and practical design at a price point that undercuts many established rivals, MG has created a compelling package that deserves serious consideration from EV shoppers.
As the Australian market continues its gradual transition toward electrification, vehicles like the S5 EV play a crucial role in making zero-emission driving accessible to mainstream consumers. Whether it can challenge the growing popularity of the BYD Atto 3 remains to be seen, but the S5’s combination of range, features, and value certainly gives it every chance of success in this increasingly competitive segment.
The 2025 MG S5 EV will be available in Australian dealerships from April 2025, with pre-orders opening next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the 2025 MG S5 EV?
The MG S5 EV offers a WLTP-certified range of 425km on a full charge.
How long does it take to charge the MG S5 EV?
Using a 100kW DC fast charger, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes. A full charge using an 11kW home wallbox takes about 6.5 hours.
How does the MG S5 EV compare to the BYD Atto 3?
The S5 EV offers slightly more range (425km vs 420km) and starts at a lower price point, though both vehicles offer similar features and capabilities overall.
What warranty does the MG S5 EV come with?
MG offers a 7-year/unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000-kilometer battery warranty.
When will the MG S5 EV be available in Australia?
The 2025 MG S5 EV will arrive in Australian dealerships in April 2025, with pre-orders beginning in March 2025.