MG S5 EV: The Best Value Electric SUV of 2025? Everything You Need to Know
The all-new MG S5 EV is replacing the popular ZS EV with a striking price point starting at just £28,495 and offering up to 298 miles of range. Set to hit UK showrooms in April 2025, this purpose-built electric SUV represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring the latest EV technology, improved charging capabilities, and a more premium interior. Based on MG's dedicated electric platform, the S5 EV demonstrates the Chinese brand's growing influence in the affordable electric vehicle market.
MG's popularity in Britain has surged dramatically, becoming the tenth most popular car brand in 2024, outselling established names like Vauxhall, Skoda, and Renault. The success stems largely from MG's strategy of offering exceptional value electric vehicles, with the company selling more privately purchased EVs than any manufacturer except Tesla between 2019 and 2024.
The outgoing ZS EV, while competitively priced, was built on a combustion engine platform with compromised dynamics and interior quality. The new S5 EV addresses these limitations by utilising MG's dedicated Modular Scalable Platform, the same architecture underpinning the highly successful MG4 electric hatchback.
Key Features and Specifications
| Trim | SE Standard Range | SE Long Range | Trophy Long Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery and Power | 49kWh, 168bhp | 64kWh, 228bhp | 64kWh, 228bhp |
| Range | 211 miles | 298 miles | 288 miles |
| Acceleration 0-62mph | 8.0 seconds | 6.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Home Charging | 8.5 hours with 7kW | 11.5 hours with 7kW | 11.5 hours with 7kW |
| Fast Charging | 10-80% in 24 minutes with 120kW DC | 10-80% in 28 minutes with 139kW DC | 10-80% in 28 minutes with 139kW DC |
| Boot Space (litres) | 453 litres | 453 litres | 453 litres |
Improvements Over the ZS EV
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The S5 EV marks a significant step forward in driving characteristics compared to the ZS EV. With rear-wheel drive architecture borrowed from the MG4, the S5 offers more precise handling, better body control, and improved cornering capability. While ride quality still shows some firmness over broken surfaces, it's noticeably more composed than its predecessor.
Interior Quality and Technology
MG has clearly listened to customer feedback, upgrading interior materials with soft-touch surfaces, perforated faux-leather steering wheel, and improved seat comfort. The technology package has been significantly enhanced with:
12.8-inch HD landscape touchscreen (the largest ever fitted to an MG)
10.3-inch digital driver's display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Physical climate control buttons (addressing a major complaint about the MG4)
MG Pilot Custom feature allowing for personalised safety settings
Built-in entertainment apps including YouTube, Spotify and TikTok
At £28,495 for the entry-level SE Standard Range model, the S5 EV undercuts key rivals like the Jeep Avenger Electric while offering more interior space. The midrange SE Long Range (£30,995) and Trophy Long Range (£33,495) face stiffer competition from the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq, though MG's pricing remains competitive.
The MG S5 comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows owners to power external devices using the car's battery, adding practical utility for outdoor activities or emergency power situations.
What truly sets the S5 apart is its combination of space, equipment, and range at its price point. The Long Range SE offers nearly 300 miles of range for under £31,000, positioning it as one of the best value cars in the electric SUV market.
Expert Opinion
Freda Lewis-Stempel, one of the first journalists to drive the S5 in the Cotswolds, noted: "If asked if this is MG's most complete package for eco-conscious family car buyers 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."
Potential Drawbacks
Despite the impressive package, some concerns remain:
Reliability: MG ranked last out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey
Ride quality: Some may find the ride a bit brittle over rough surfaces
Range-topper value: The Trophy model's price edges close to more polished rivals like the Skoda Elroq
No frunk: Unlike some competitors, the S5 doesn't offer front storage space
Warranty and Running Costs
The S5 EV comes with MG's class-leading seven-year/ 80,000-mile warranty, providing peace of mind despite the brand's reliability concerns. With competitive charging speeds and efficient powertrains, running costs should be favourable compared to combustion alternatives.
Is This the Best Value Electric SUV of 2025?
The MG S5 EV represents a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers looking to enter the electric vehicle market. While it may not deliver the driving sophistication of premium alternatives, it excels in the areas that matter most to family buyers: space, range, equipment, and value.
For salary sacrifice schemes, the S5 EV's combination of reasonable list price and strong range makes it an attractive option that could significantly reduce benefit-in-kind costs compared to combustion alternatives.
With electric vehicle adoption continuing to accelerate and charging infrastructure expanding across the UK, the MG S5 EV arrives at the perfect time to capitalise on growing consumer interest in affordable, practical electric mobility. If its predecessor's success is any indication, the S5 EV is likely to cement MG's position as a major player in the UK's electric vehicle landscape.
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