MELAKA: The first locally assembled MGS5 EV (electric vehicle) has rolled out of EP Manufacturing Bhd's (EPMB) Melaka manufacturing facility.
This marks the start of local production of MG vehicles in Malaysia, under EPMB's collaboration with SAIC Motor.
Production capacity for the MGS5 is expected to reach between 120 and 180 units per month, with an annual output of 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles in 2026.
The MGS5 EV is built on MG’s dedicated rear-wheel-drive electric platform.
Compared to the earlier imported version, the locally assembled MGS5 (LUX variant) introduces an increased power output of 151kW or 205PS (up from 125kW or 170PS), while torque is improved to 350Nm (from 250Nm earlier).
The MGS5 LUX variant has additional premium features including full leatherette seats, ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable front passenger seat, along with a hands-free power tailgate.
It offers a driving range of up to 446km (WLTP).
The MGS5 supports ultra-fast DC charging of up to 150kW, enabling the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes.
The vehicle also features a horizontal ultra-thin battery layout, which contributes to a lower centre of gravity, improved cabin space and enhanced stability.
As for safety, it is equipped with seven airbags and ADAS 2.5 advanced driver assistance system, which includes features such as Traffic Jam Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The model has also achieved five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and Asean NCAP.
The MGS5 is backed by an eight-year/180,000km battery pack warranty, together with an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the motor control unit.
Bookings for the MGS5 have opened, and its estimated price is RM120,000.
MG Motor Malaysia is also introducing an Early Bird promotion for the locally assembled MGS5.
The package offers a total value of up to RM10,000, consisting of a RM7,000 rebate, a 7kW wallbox charger worth RM2,000, and RM1,000 in charging credits.
EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah said, "From establishing our assembly operations, we have now progressed to producing multiple vehicle models locally, and the introduction of the MGS5 marks another important step forward for our operations."
EPMB's Melaka facility was developed as a flexible multi-model assembly plant, capable of producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs (sport utility vehicles), MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) and ladder-frame vehicles.
The production line is also designed to accommodate multiple powertrain technologies, including internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and range-extended electric vehicles (REEV).
Currently, the facility is planned to produce 1,200 vehicles per month, with output expected to increase gradually as production programmes expand.
"We aim to fully utilise the installed capacity of the facility and eventually reach 2,500 vehicles per month, or 30,000 vehicles annually," said Hamidon.
"In the future, we will explore export-oriented opportunities, including the potential assembly of left-hand-drive vehicles for international markets. Such developments could position EPMB's Melaka facility as part of SAIC Motor’s broader regional manufacturing network," he added.
