2026 Upgraded MG S5 Essence Review

MG recently launched the upgraded S5 EV series, introducing sharper drive-away pricing aimed squarely at key rivals like the Geely EX5 and Kia EV5, alongside an official 0% interest rate finance promotion. Notably, the top-tier S5 Essence 62kWh variant comes in at just $47,990 AUD drive-away, slightly undercutting both the high-spec Geely EX5 Inspire and the entry-level Kia EV5 Air, which currently command around $50,000 AUD drive-away. While marginally shorter in overall length than the EX5 and EV5, its wheelbase dimensions are comparable, and its driving range goes toe-to-toe with both.

For the 2026 model year (MY2026) production run, MG is discontinuing the lower-specification, entry-level Excite variant of the MG S5 EV for private retail buyers, streamlining the lineup into two distinct grades: Essence 49 and Essence 62. MG Motor Australia notes that these two models account for approximately 80% of total S5 EV sales.

What is the powertrain of the 2026 MG S5?

Developed on the same dedicated electric vehicle architecture as the MG 4, the MG S5 EV utilizes a rear-wheel-drive layout. The MG S5 Essence 49 features a 49kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack paired with a single electric motor producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, completing the 0–100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds. The most prominent upgrade is concentrated on the Essence 62—named after its larger 62kWh LFP battery pack—which adopts a significantly punchier 150kW and 350Nm electric motor, boasting increases of 25kW and 100Nm respectively, thereby dropping the claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time from 8.6 seconds down to 7.0 seconds.

• Supports up to 150kW DC fast charging or 6.6kW AC charging
• 30% to 80% DC fast-charging completes in as little as 19 minutes
• Official WLTP driving range is rated at 335km for the MG S5 Essence 49 and 450km for the MG S5 Essence 62

For the MG S5 Essence 62, both the driving range and outright performance are thoroughly respectable, matching the charging speeds of core competitors. With maximum charging capped at 6.6kW on AC and 150kW on DC, its DC fast-charging capacity already hits the ceiling of most Australian public charging stations, though bumping AC charging to 11kW would have been even better.

In terms of energy consumption, the official figure for the MG S5 is 17.1kWh/100km. Over our 1,000-kilometre evaluation period (comprising 600 kilometres of highway cruising and 400 kilometres of urban city driving—and as widely recognized, highway travel pushes EV consumption significantly higher), our tested energy consumption settled at 16.2kWh/100km. Converting this against the 62kWh battery of the S5 Essence yields an actual real-world driving range of 400 kilometres, achieving an impressive 90% real-world delivery rate against its official 450km WLTP rating. Factoring in that our 1,000km test split highway-to-urban driving at 60:40, whereas everyday ownership typically sees an 80:20 urban-to-highway ratio, real-world range for most owners will align even closer with official WLTP claims.

How does the 2026 MG S5 look from the outside?

Exterior design is inherently subjective, but the 2026 MG S5 introduces a confident, contemporary visual language that marries athletic proportions with clean, restrained aesthetics. Sculpted body lines, refined aerodynamic detailing, and upscale exterior finishes give it a modern road stance that looks equally at home darting through city streets or setting off on weekend road trips.

Dimensionally, the MG S5 EV measures 4,476mm in length, 1,849mm in width, 1,621mm in height, and rides on a 2,730mm wheelbase. Luggage capacity provides 453 litres, expanding to 1,441 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. This makes it 139mm shorter, 52mm narrower, and 49mm lower than the rival Geely EX5, though their wheelbases differ by a mere 20mm. It shares its underpinnings with the MG S6 EV ($49,990 to $56,990 AUD drive-away), rather than being built upon the larger 875-volt platform underpinning the IM LS6 ($60,990 to $77,990 AUD drive-away).

Regarding exterior paint choices, while some rivals offer merely three or four shades, MG provides up to seven exterior colours for the S5:

• Dover White (standard no-cost paint)
• Champagne Gold Metallic (+$700)
• Sterling Silver Metallic (+$700)
• Black Pearl Metallic (+$700)
• Camden Grey Metallic (+$700)
• Piccadilly Blue Metallic (+$700)
• Diamond Red Metallic (+$700)

How is the interior of the 2026 MG S5?

MG cabins have historically been acceptable, yet they rarely boasted truly luxurious appointments. That paradigm shifts entirely with the upgraded S5 EV—this vehicle features an outstanding cockpit. Across the everyday touchpoints throughout the cabin, the primary dashboard trims and tactile surfaces exhibit a thoroughly upscale standard of quality. Both visually and to the touch, this cabin feels noticeably more premium than any equivalent Japanese or Korean offering in this class.

Interior space packaging is well-resolved. Although measuring under 4.5 metres nose-to-tail, its 2.73-metre wheelbase delivers passenger accommodation genuinely comparable to contemporary mid-size SUVs. Paired with the completely flat floor native to dedicated EVs, second-row passenger room is generous enough that two average-sized adults plus a child who no longer requires a booster seat can travel in genuine comfort.

In terms of storage, the S5 does not offer a front boot (frunk). The rear boot capacity measures 453 litres, which proved capable of swallowing two 23kg check-in suitcases with room on top to stack two additional 7kg cabin rollaboards with ease.

Furthermore, MG integrates its onboard technology seamlessly, avoiding frustrating ergonomic pitfalls. The central 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; even the native operating system is intuitive and cleanly formatted, conveying the polish of a thoughtfully engineered interface rather than an unrefined afterthought. In addition, the 10.25-inch configurable digital instrument cluster is visually pleasing and concisely structured: vehicle speed sits centrally, state of charge is anchored on the left, and the right-hand panel lets you toggle between three essential display views—trip mileage and energy consumption, figures since last charge, tyre pressure monitoring, media readout, or active navigation guidance.

Upholstery across the range features a synthetic leather and fabric combination; more importantly, the seat contours highlight the ergonomic refinement born from MG's decade of deep experience in Australia. The driver’s seat features six-way power adjustment, making finding an ideal driving posture effortless. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel give the S5 an equipment edge that comfortably trumps rival Japanese and Korean contenders priced below $50,000 AUD.

The interior of the MG S5 stands out with two decisive advantages over segment rivals:

• Rather than locking frequently adjusted climate controls—temperature, fan speed, front and rear windscreen demisters, Home shortcuts, and volume—exclusively inside the touchscreen, MG thoughtfully includes a dedicated row of physical toggle buttons, representing a breath of fresh air amidst the touchscreen-obsessed minimalist trend sweeping the EV segment.
• Every MG S5 variant comes standard with an openable panoramic glass sunroof equipped with a power-operated sunblind.

However, the interior is not without a few areas for improvement:  

• While the driver's seat enjoys power adjustment, the front passenger seat is strictly manually operated, which detracts slightly from the upscale impression.
• The wireless phone charging pad is quite slow, feeling akin to an aftermarket pad overlaid with a suede mat. If you need a rapid top-up, plugging in via a physical cable is substantially faster.
• The six-speaker audio setup on the S5 Essence delivers merely average performance. It lacks bass depth and fullness, producing a relatively flat soundstage. Discerning audiophiles may feel slightly underwhelmed, though it remains entirely acceptable for daily use.

What is the ownership and warranty coverage for the 2026 MG S5?

The 2026 MG S5 EV is backed by a 10-year/250,000-kilometre factory vehicle warranty alongside a 7-year/150,000-kilometre traction battery warranty, inclusive of 10 years of roadside assistance. Routine servicing is scheduled every 12 months or 25,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Capped-price servicing is provided across the first seven years, fixed at $331 AUD per service.

How Safe Is the 2026 MG S5 Series?

In terms of safety technology, the MG S5 EV comes armed with a comprehensive active safety suite, and is anticipated to achieve the same five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded to the MG 4:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Speed limit sign recognition and warning
• Safe exit warning
• Reversing camera with rear parking sensors
• Seven airbags
• 360-degree surround-view camera

Which 2026 MG S5 variant should you choose?

The MG S5 EV is currently offered in a single Essence equipment grade, paired with either a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack, delivering official WLTP driving ranges of 340km and 425km respectively.

Standard core specification on the 2026 MG S5 Essence includes:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• iSmart connected smartphone app
• DAB+ digital radio
• Rear passenger air conditioning vents
• Bluetooth digital key and keyless entry
• AC charging cable
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power capability
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Six-speaker sound system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Voice control system
• Synthetic leather and fabric combination upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Rear fold-down centre armrest and air vents
• 18-inch alloy wheels

What is the 2026 MG S5 like to drive?

Underneath its body panels, the MG S5 electric mid-size SUV utilizes a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement, sharing its dedicated EV skateboard platform with the smaller MG 4 EV and the newly released MG S6 EV. In practical terms, it serves as the spiritual successor to the Marvel R, which was exported to markets like Europe but was never engineered in right-hand drive.

Much like the MG 4 EV and MG S6 EV, the MG S5 EV adopts a rear-wheel-drive architecture. While its elevated SUV body means it doesn't hug the ground quite as firmly as the lower-slung MG 4 EV, the inherently tactile, engaging driving dynamics baked into its chassis remain delightfully unmistakable.

During the initial phase of our evaluation (where we were fortunate enough to pilot an all-wheel-drive dual-motor test vehicle), we spent considerable time cruising along freshly paved sections of Sydney’s M4 motorway at 80 to 100km/h. In these conditions, the ride quality was an absolute pleasure. That said, the S5 EV remains tuned on the firmer side of the spectrum; at lower suburban speeds, subtle surface imperfections communicate their way into the cabin. It never feels jarring—it simply delivers clear, honest road feel.

However, point the S5 EV down undulating Australian country roads at open-road cruising speeds, and the disciplined composure of its chassis becomes an immense asset. It breathes over sudden dips and mid-corner crests with poise, demonstrating admirable compliance across harsh rural surfaces. Push it harder toward its limits, and its cornering poise will genuinely impress you. Its ability to resist body roll and track an accurate line through bends comfortably outperforms many competitors, an attribute almost entirely credited to sending propulsion cleanly to the rear wheels—completely banishing the unruly torque steer that plagues high-torque front-wheel-drive EVs.

Mechanical refinement is beyond reproach. At typical cruising speeds, you will scarcely detect tyre roar over smooth tarmac, wind noise buffeting the glasshouse, or suspension components knocking as they work through harsh surface chatter. When it comes to acoustic isolation, the S5 EV sits comfortably among the category leaders.

Its dynamic agility owes much to a well-calibrated steering rack, which strikes a sweet compromise between communicative road feedback, natural centering weight, and low-speed city maneuverability. Sweeping from lock to lock reveals none of the uneven, notchy resistance found in certain rivals, leaving the car feeling tight, compact, and planted.

Braking pedal modulation is equally reassuring. Rather than the spongy or overly grabby pedal action seen in some competing EVs, the S5 EV serves up a progressive, natural pedal travel that mirrors a conventional petrol car. This seamless handover between deceleration and braking lowers the learning curve for buyers transitioning from internal combustion vehicles, making it exceptionally easy to drive smoothly.

In terms of active safety, the MG S5 EV mirrors other recent stablemates by featuring dedicated "MG Pilot" customization menus, where you can tailor all driver-assist systems to your liking. Upon starting the vehicle, a quick double-tap on the screen silences the most intrusive electronic alerts—an area where MG noticeably leads both rival Japanese, Korean, and domestic Chinese brands.

In other respects, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is well-metered, managing follow distances and abrupt traffic cut-ins with competence. However, the lane centring assist remains less convincing, exhibiting hesitation and a lack of steering confidence when tracking lane markings autonomously.

How much does the 2026 MG S5 cost?

Official drive-away pricing for the 2026 MG S5 range in Australia is structured as follows (AUD):

MG is currently promoting a 0% interest rate finance campaign across the MG S5 EV and MG HS ranges, serving as a massive financial incentive for buyers looking to protect their cash flow. Comparing this against a standard 6% mortgage rate over a three-year loan term, leaving that $47,990 AUD cash reserve inside a home loan offset account yields over $8,500 AUD in interest savings.

Looked at through this lens, the effective net cost of the MG S5 Essence 62kWh drops below $40,000 AUD, making it an extraordinary value proposition.

2026 MG S5 Series Review: Final Verdict

MG has traveled an immense distance since first testing the electric waters with the original ZS EV. Nothing illustrates that evolution more vividly than the latest addition to its showroom—the MG S5 EV. This newcomer marks a decisive leap forward, soundly outpacing its predecessor across every meaningful benchmark.

Sharp national drive-away pricing backed by zero-percent finance represents merely one dimension of its appeal. Its tastefully penned, modern cabin elevates showroom desirability even further; more crucially, it delivers a composed, supple, and thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.

If you are familiar with the MG 4 and appreciate its dynamic character, chances are you will be equally taken with the S5 EV. It essentially functions as a more refined, practical, and comfortable "SUV manifestation" of the MG 4, sacrificing none of its dynamic agility or steering precision.

What truly makes this budget-conscious EV punch above its weight is the caliber of its cabin appointments. Setting the niche Cyberster roadster aside, this is the first contemporary MG production vehicle that feels like a coherent, premium environment rather than a collection of utilitarian components. It is roomy, comfortable, robustly assembled, and trimmed in quality materials, successfully shaking off the hollow plastics and surface-level compromises common to mainstream Chinese competitors.

Regarding which trim to buy, my recommendation is simple: bypass the Essence 49 and step straight into the larger-battery Essence 62. This nets not only a far more practical driving range (450km vs. 335km), but elevates power output to an entirely higher tier (150kW/350Nm vs. 125kW/250Nm). While it commands a $5,000 AUD price premium, amortizing that difference across a three-year zero-percent loan equates to less than $5 AUD a day… essentially the price of a daily cup of coffee.