THE locally assembled MG S5 EV is a significant evolution of the electric SUV that MG introduced in Malaysia almost a year earlier.
With more power, a longer driving range and a lower price, the latest version addresses several of the original model’s shortcomings while making it an even more attractive package.
Priced at RM116,900, the S5 EV sits in a competitive price band in Malaysia’s electric SUV market.
And it stands out with its combination of strong performance, useful range and generous equipment, making it feel almost complete for the money.
The biggest change is the powertrain.
The rear-mounted electric motor now produces 203PS and 350Nm, giving the rear-wheel-drive SUV a 0-100kph time of 7.0 seconds.
Power delivery is smooth and progressive, with enough punch for quick overtaking without making the car intimidating for drivers new to EVs.
Efficiency was also respectable, averaging 13.3kWh/100km over a cumulative 220km of mostly urban driving.
The 62kWh LFP battery delivers an improved WLTP-rated range of 446km over the previous version.
DC fast charging of up to 150kW allows a 10-80% recharge in around 26 minutes.
AC charging is limited to 7kW thus overnight charging is the most practical option at home.
On the road, the S5 EV feels balanced and composed, helped by its rear-wheel-drive layout.
Steering is accurately weighted and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds.
However, the suspension is tuned towards comfort rather than sharp handling.
It absorbs most bumps well, but the soft setup can feel slightly floaty over undulating or broken surfaces.
This is more noticeable on Malaysian roads where uneven surfaces are common.
The cabin is thoughtfully laid out, with physical controls for frequently used functions instead of placing everything inside the touchscreen.
Additionally, two shortcut buttons on the steering wheel can be customised for functions such as regenerative braking, the 360-degree camera and drive modes, providing quick access without having to navigate through the touchscreen.
This Lux variant also gets leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats and an electrically adjustable front passenger seat.
There is reasonable space in the rear, although the relatively short seat base provides less thigh support than ideal on longer journeys.
The 453-litre boot is practical, especially with its double floor, but the lack of a front storage compartment is a missed opportunity for an EV, particularly for carrying charging cables or smaller items.
There is also a dedicated nook in the boot for the supplied portable charger.
MG Pilot 2.5 provides a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, although the calibration is not always as polished as the hardware specification suggests.
Similarly, some vehicle settings are tied to the MG iSMART app, which adds an unnecessary layer of complexity to what should be straightforward functions.
These shortcomings don’t overshadow the S5 EV’s strengths, but they show that MG still has some work to do in software and refinement.
Verdict
The MG S5 EV CKD gets the important things right.
It is quick, quiet, comfortable and well equipped.
Its 446km range and 150kW DC charging capability also make it practical for longer journeys.
But its softer suspension, rear-seat support, app dependence and less-than-perfect ADAS calibration prevent it from feeling completely polished.
At RM116,900, the S5 EV delivers enough performance and equipment to make those compromises relatively easy to accept.
For buyers looking for an electric SUV that prioritises driving enjoyment without sacrificing everyday usability, the MG S5 EV remains a compelling candidate.
SPECIFICATIONS
MG S5 LUX
Electric motor: Rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, rear-wheel drive
Maximum power: 203PS (151kW)
Maximum torque: 350Nm
Battery capacity and type: 62kWh, LFP
Range: 446km (WLTP)
Features: Seven airbags, MG Pilot (adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, door open warning, drowsiness monitor, emergency lane keeping, forward collision warning, intelligent headlamp control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear collision warning and traffic jam assist), 360-degree surround view camera, 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, iSMART, wireless phone charging, ventilated and powered front seats, leatherette upholstery, single-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, power tailgate with kick sensor, panoramic sunroof, V2L, one-pedal drive, three-level KERS, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights with DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/55 R18 tyres
Normal charging (AC, max 7kW): Nearly 9 hours
Quick charging (DC, max 150kW, 10-80%): 26 minutes
Suspension: Front MacPherson struts; rear five-link independent
Acceleration (0-100kph): 7.0 seconds
Boot capacity: 453 litres (1,441 litres with rear seats folded)
Price (OTR without insurance): RM117,528
