Radically Cheap Yet Premium: The MG S5 EV - A Spacious and Eco-Friendly Compact SUV That Won't Break the Bank
Reduced-fuel Consumption Sports Utility Vehicle with Ample Interior Space: MG S5 EV Introduced
Join me as we delve into the MG S5 EV, an affordably-priced compact SUV that doesn't skimp on comfort or space. But remember, it's not just a cheap Chinese alternative; it's a genuine competitor within the market.
*Clink* - Let's get a drink, mate. The MG S5 EV is unlike many Chinese imports you might think of. It isn't just a bargain, although that's one of its selling points. It's also manufactured with a quality that's easy to appreciate. However, there are a few hang-ups, especially when it comes to charging and planning your electric route.
Selling Like Hot Cakes in Germany
MG has been making waves in Europe, and their S5 EV is a significant part of that success. In fact, they rank as the most successful Chinese car brand in Germany, having sold nearly 21,000 cars there last year. That's a solid achievement, mate!
Economy: Stepping Up From the ZS EV
You might be thinking, "Not another Chinese electric vehicle flooding the market." But worry not! Progress has been made in the S5 EV. Where the ZS EV was available until recently, the S5 EV kicks it up a notch in charging speed, range, and overall user-friendliness.
This sleek SUV matches up against heavy hitters like the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, BYD Atto 3, and Ford Explorer. With a length of almost 4.5 meters, it's no pushover!
Not So Affordable After All
I know what you're thinking: "Affordable? claim all you want, but the price reeks of competition." You wouldn't be entirely wrong. Although the base model starts at a reasonable €38,000, it doesn't offer a jaw-dropping bargain. The Long Range and Luxury trims, on the other hand, run up to €45,000, similar to other compact SUVs in the market.
90% of EV buyers lease, so let's talk about monthly rates: The base model comes in at around €259 a month for a 4-year term and 20,000 km, which isn't a steal. The top-tier Luxury trim costs €339 a month, and other competitors can offer twice the mileage for similar monthly rates.
Slow but Steady Charging
The base model boasts a simple Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and a 125 kW/170 PS motor, with charging limited to a leisurely 120 kW. Home or public 11 kW chargers bring its charging speed down to just 3.7 kW, providing only 100 km of range after four hours of shopping.
Bump up to the Long-Range variant, and you'll find a higher-density Nickel-Cobalt-Mangan battery, a 140 kW DC charging speed, and a 11 kW AC charging speed. Its 170 kW/231 PS motor offers a more exhilarating driving experience, but features like navigation with route planning and traffic awareness are only available with the priciest Luxury trim.
Space for Days
The S5 EV shines when it comes to interior room. Its larger body and extended wheelbase provide plenty of headroom and legroom, even for three child seats in the back. Under the tailgate, there's a spacious, two-level trunk that's perfect for daily family use. Plus, the wide-opening tailgate is a nice touch!
The cockpit is nicely designed, with a quick-responding, easy-to-use landscape-oriented touchscreen. One could say that it's a breath of fresh air in the world of Chinese cars, where fine-tuning is less common. However, there are a few minor issues that MG can work out, such as the too-soft seats, poorly-readable driver display in direct sunlight, and overly-soft brakes.
Remember, MG updates its models nearly every six months, so it's all good, mate. Perhaps then they can turn off the electronic co-pilot that persistently reminds you of the speed limit.
Technical Specifications
- Five-seater, compact SUV
- Length: 4.48 meters, Width: 1.85 meters (unknown about exterior mirrors), Height: 1.62 meters, Wheelbase: 2.73 meters, Trunk volume: 453-1441 liters
Standard Range
- Electric motor with 125 kW/170 PS, Torque: 250 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 8.0 s, Vmax: 170 km/h, Consumption: 16.6 kWh/100 km, Battery size: 47 kWh, Range: 340 km (WLTP), Charging power: 7.2 kW (AC)/120 kW (DC), Charging time AC: 10-80% in approx. 5 hours; DC: 10-80% in 24 minutes
- Price: from 37,990 euros (Comfort)
Long Range
- Electric motor with 170 kW/231 PS, Torque: 350 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 6.3 s, Vmax: 190 km/h, Consumption: 15.5 kWh/100 km, Battery size: 62 kWh, Range: 480 km (WLTP), Charging power: 11 kW (AC)/139 kW (DC), Charging time AC: 10-80% in approx. 4 hours; DC: 10-80% in 28 minutes
- Price: from 42,990 euros (Comfort)
Source: ntv.de, Hanno Boblenz, sp-x
- MG Models
- Chinese Automakers
Extra Details
- Charging Speed and Range Comparison: The MG S5 EV's charging speed and range stack up pretty well against its competitors. The S5 EV boasts two battery options: a 49kWh battery with a max DC charging speed of up to 120kW, and a 62kWh battery with a max DC charging speed of up to 150kW[1][5]. Both models support AC charging at 6.6kW[1][5]. Other compact electric SUVs tend to offer a range of charging speeds, but few can match the 150kW capability of the MG S5 EV's larger battery option[5].
[1] carwow.co.uk/mg/s5-ev[2] mgmotor.co.uk/coupe-electric/cyberster[3] mgmotor.co.uk/suv/hViewById4[4] mgmotor.co.uk/suv/skoda-enyaq[5] carsguide.com.au/news/mg-s5-ev-pricing-confirmed-with-entry-level-model-starting-at-45k-trevor-crabbe-interview/news-story/cba5749ee8d736e0825a3e4389f5d0f1/[6] mgmotor.co.uk/coupe-electric/mg4-ev[7] ntv.de/auto/3956190.html
- The MG S5 EV, a compact SUV manufactured by the Chinese automaker MG, is making significant strides in the industry, especially in the German market where it ranks as the most successful Chinese car brand, selling nearly 21,000 cars last year.
- The MG S5 EV competes with other automotive giants like Volkswagen, Skoda, BYD, and Ford, offering a spacious interior and affordable prices, starting at €38,000.
- Despite its economical appeal, the MG S5 EV incorporates advancements in technology, such as electric-vehicles and automotive touchscreens, providing a premium lifestyle experience for its users.
- The MG S5 EV also boasts impressive technology specs, with two battery options offering charging speeds up to 150kW, putting it ahead of many compact electric SUV competitors in the market.
