Updated: 12:16 EDT, 29 March 2025
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MG's popularity in Britain has skyrocketed in recent years, becoming the tenth most-bought brand in 2024.
To put that into perspective, it now sells more cars in the UK than heavyweights including Vauxhall, Skoda, Peugeot, Volvo, Land Rover and Renault.
That's because the Chinese marque is offering British drivers serious bang for their buck. And this is especially true when it comes to EVs.
The MG4 was the first genuinely affordable EV that didn’t compromise on driving, space, tech or comfort but you could buy for less than £27,000. And the company has launched a total of five battery cars here under a similar 'affordable' ethos.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then that MG has sold more 'private retail' (members of the public, not businesses and fleets) EVs than other manufacturer - other than Tesla - between 2019 and 2024.
And, based on our experience with MG’s latest EV - the S5 - those sales figures are likely to keep rising.
Motoring reporter Freda Lewis-Stempel was one of the first people in Europe to drive the new S5 EV at its launch in the Cotswolds.
We drove the new MG S5 EV in the Cotswolds to see whether it not only is MG's most complete EV offering to date but if it can offer much more than rival SUVs for a cheaper price
Build on the same rear-wheel-drive Modular Scalable Platform underpinning the MG4, the S5 EV is the Chinese brand’s most recent entry into the highly populated 'B Segment SUV' market.
It’s basically the MG4 in Cuban heels: it’s 117mm taller but also 189mm longer, 13mm wider and has a wheelbase that’s stretched by 25mm.
Comparing it to its two latest rivals in this highly-competitive category, it’s longer and taller than the Kia EV3 but longer and lower than the Skoda Elroq.
For MG it’s also a successor to the ZS SUV, but is by far a more premium offering.
To quote head of product and planning for MG UK, David Allison, it’s MG’s most ‘polished’ mass-market EV to date.
The new MG S5 EV is a B-Segment SUV that can manage up to 298 miles on a single charge and starts from £28,495
Charging and tech highlights
The S5 EV can charge on a home 7kW charge in 8.5 hours (SE Standard Range) and in 11.5 hours for the SE and Trophy Long Ranges.
Max fast charging speeds for all models are capped at 150kW which allows you to top up from 10 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes for the Standard Range and in 28 minutes on the Long Range versions.
As well as the faster and better quality 12.8-inch infotainment there’s 10.3-inch digital drivers display, and those lovely physical buttons too.
The infotainment system is much easier to use than the MG4’s thanks to the larger icons and widgets.
The S5 comes with wireless charging, a 360-degree parking camera and, excitingly for the bored driver while charging, YouTube, Spotify and TikTok built-in.
The S5 is far more premium than other MG SUVs and provides enough space for adults comfortably
The S5 interior feels a big step up from other models, especially the MG4. It’s like MG has taken the new HS and upped it.
It’s (almost) holding its own now with the likes of the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3, although without the sustainability credentials of Kia.
The SE trims get grey fabric upholstery while the Trophy trim gets leather-style material as well as six-way heated adjustable electric seats, along with a heated steering wheel.
I found the seats particularly comfortable (though you don’t get lumbar support on the SE trim) because they don't have too much lateral support; if you're a shorter driver like me then lateral support tends to end up hurting your back more than helping it.
There’s room for four adults on board - because the S5 is quite wide for its size it’s roomier than you’d expect in the back - and there’s good storage throughout with a deep centre console, hooks and decent door bins.
The boot is reasonable at 453 litres, it is just shy of the Kia EV3’s 460-litre capacity and 13-litres less than the Skoda Elroq offers. However, there is a second floor for storage which helps, and slightly makes up for there being no frunk (front trunk).
MG keeps its pricing structure nice and simple.
The SE Standard Range costs £28,495, the SE Long Range costs £30,995 and the Trophy Long Range costs £33,495. That’s it, no extras.
There’s also a class-leading seven-year warranty (up to 80,000 miles) which is good because MG are frequently getting poor reliability scores.
And while the S5 EV is yet to be Euro NCAP rated, MG is confident it will score the full five starts.
It’s not a dream garage car, but if you want an affordable family EV then I can’t think why you shouldn’t buy the S5 EV
Is the S5 my favourite SUV I've ever driven? Absolutely not. Is it even my favourite MG? Nope – the Cyberster roadster is hard to compete with.
However, if asked if this is MG's most complete package for eco-conscious family car buyer in Britain, I would wholeheartedly say that it is.
MG has managed to continue undercutting its rivals on price without making you feel like you've been undersold on quality and equipment.
Despite its bargain price, there aren’t any big ‘buts’, Achilles heels or obvious corners cut.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a car that anyone is naming in their dream garage. But if you want an affordable EV that easily transports two adults and two children, then the S5 EV should be a prime candidate on your shopping list.
Price: from £28,495
Doors: 5 Seats: 5
Version tested: Top spec Trophy Long Range (£33,495)
PERFORMANCE
Power: 228bhp
0-62mph: 6.3 secs
Top speed: 101mph
CHARGING
DC fast charging: 150kW 10-80% in 24-28 minutes
AC charging: 7kW to 100% in 11.5 hours
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4,476mm
Width (inc mirrors): 2,094mm
Height: 1,633mm Trophy
Wheelbase: 2,730mm
CAPACITY
Towing capacity SHS: 750kg
Boot capacity: 453 litres
Vehicle-to-load: Yes
Off-roading modes: Snow mode
Turning circle: 10.53m
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