How many times have you heard a manufacturer trumpeting the arrival of an all-new model only to discover it is essentially the old car wearing a new hat? Well, this certainly isn’t the case with the all-new MG S5 EV.
Bigger in every direction than the ZS EV it replaces, complete with all-new interior fixtures and fittings and based on a platform purloined from the MG4 hatchback, the latest MG S5 even sends its power to the rear wheels, unlike the ZS EV’s front-wheel drive arrangement.
Drive and performance
MG claims this new approach pays substantial dividends when it comes to driving dynamics, which in theory, makes sense but our initial assessment suggests it may have gotten a bit carried away with this notion and placed too much emphasis on strict body control and whizzing round corners, rather than prioritising overall comfort. It may have a sophisticated multilink rear suspension, but the taut springs and dampers are not particularly adept at absorbing the plague of lumps and bumps that pass for UK roads these days.
The brakes on the other hand have none of the hesitancy or inconsistencies we’ve come to expect from EVs. Instead, they deliver strong stopping power with a progressive pedal response so you should easily avoid any head-butting antics and quizzical looks from your passengers.
You can also supplement the brakes through four levels of motor regeneration, although there are no steering wheel paddles to help you do this. Instead, you must thumb a rather fiddly configurable button on the steering wheel.
In its most aggressive setting, lifting off the accelerator is enough to slow matters quite markedly but not enough to bring the car to a complete stop. Heading in the other direction, as speeds rise, so do the levels of road noise even when traversing relatively smooth surfaces and when bowling along on the motorway a fair bit of wind noise also accompanies proceedings.
The SE entry-level model comes with a 49kWh battery and a 168hp electric motor, which propels matters from 0-62mph in a sprightly 8.0 secs and it also offers an official 211-mile range. The long-range model adds a larger, 64kWh battery and a stronger 228hp motor, which shaves almost 2 seconds off the 0-62mph time and it is capable of 298 miles between charges.
Interior and tech
Unlike the ZS EV’s bargain basement interior, everything you look at and touch in the new model has an air of upmarket quality and no little design flair, including the standard infotainment touchscreen which measures a whopping 12.8in. As well as looking sharp, it is reasonably straightforward to use and is supplemented by some small but welcome physical controls to adjust the cabin temperature. Consequently, there’s no need to take your eyes off the road ahead and delve into the touchscreen just to warm or chill your bones. Speaking of bones, there’s more than enough head, leg and elbow room front-and-back for a family of four and because the floor is completely flat any additional bodies travelling in the centre rear pew shouldn’t feel like they are straddling a Blackpool donkey.
At 453 litres the boot is reasonably spacious too. It comes complete with an adjustable floorboard which can be lowered to maximise space or adjusted to level out the floor with the rear seats folded to help accommodate longer items. In addition, it can be placed to create a separate lower storage facility for muddy boots etc.
Like the rest of the MG EV range the S5 comes with a long seven-year 80,000-mile warranty, but when it comes to maintaining MG’s bargain bangs-for-your-buck proposition things aren’t quite as clearcut as they once were.
Undoubtedly the new car is significantly better than its predecessor and yes, the entry model still looks good value. However, the long-range model is priced in very close proximity to similarly specified models with similar range potential such as the Skoda Elroq 50 and Kia EV3 standard range, both of which are more rounded vehicles overall.
Positive: Quality interior, excellent cabin space, long warranty
Negative: Excessive wind and road noise, unsettled ride, no longer a cheap option.
Standard equipment: 17in alloys, remote entry with push-button start, climate control, four electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, 12.8in colour touchscreen, sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
Engines: Electric: 168hp, 228hp
Equipment grades: SE, Trophy
Transmission: Single speed automatic
| Model | MG S5 EV Trophy Long Range |
| P11D | £33,490 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 298 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £11/£22 |
| Luggage capacity | 453 litres |
| Battery size/power | 64kWh/228hp |
| Score | 6/10 |
