What really sets the S5 EV apart is its clever suite of five driving modes: Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow, and Custom. Flick the selector to Sport, and the throttle response sharpens dramatically, bordering on eager; your right foot might even feel like it’s tickling the asphalt. Switch to Comfort, and the SUV instantly calms down, smoothing out city potholes and gently modulating regenerative braking so that stops feel almost silent. Toss it into Snow mode on an unexpectedly frosty morning, and traction control becomes hyper vigilant, cleverly modulating torque to each wheel to maintain composure over slick patches. Then there’s Custom, which lets you tailor throttle aggressiveness and regen strength until it feels just right—kind of like choosing the perfect coffee blend.

I was impressed by how the single-speed gearbox harmonises with that torque curve. Unlike some EVs that can feel jolty when regen kicks in, the S5 EV is remarkably smooth—transitioning from acceleration to engine braking almost imperceptibly. Even at low speeds, gentle regenerative braking feels intuitive, like the SUV is reading your mind and anticipating your next move. It brings to mind other hushed, confident rides I’ve sampled, yet this one somehow infuses a playful spirit. It’s no wonder many enthusiast reviews compare its handling to sporty hatchbacks while still offering the elevated seating and cargo versatility families crave family-friendly EV SUVs.

On a winding country road, I dialled up Sport mode and pushed hard. The adjustable adaptive damping stiffened the chassis just enough to resist body roll, giving me the confidence to carry speed through bends without feeling like I was piloting a floating barge. Yet when I returned to slow-moving city traffic, one-pedal mode made crawling through gridlock a breeze—gently slowing the car as soon as I lifted off the pedal, all without that harsh jolting some EVs deliver. It’s this duality—ferocious acceleration on demand paired with serene, living-room-like tranquility at a crawl—that makes the MG S5 EV stand out in a crowded segment. If you’ve been chasing that sweet spot between everyday comfort and outright fun, this might be the EV you’ve been waiting for.

Battery Capacity And Range Estimates

Imagine topping up enough power in under half an hour to cruise nearly 300 miles without a second thought. On long road trips, that’s the kind of flexibility that turns a logistical nightmare into a few relaxing breaks and more time enjoying the scenery. The S5 EV Long Range comes equipped with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery that, on the SE Long Range trim, delivers an impressive WLTP combined range of up to 298 miles, and on the Trophy Long Range model, slightly less at 288 miles—still plenty to put most ICE rivals to shame [1].

On a recent six-hour jaunt between two cities, I found myself scarcely glancing at the range gauge. Pulling into a highway service station, I plugged into a 139 kW DC fast charger, and within 28 minutes I was back up to 80 percent—just long enough to grab a coffee and stretch my legs [2]. That kind of pit-stop efficiency makes electric road trips almost as carefree as driving a gasoline SUV, yet with a fraction of the environmental footprint. At home, the standard 11 kW onboard AC charger quietly replenishes the battery overnight, ensuring you wake up to a full charge every morning without even glancing at the power meter.

Part of the battery’s longevity comes from MG’s smart energy management system. It uses adaptive pressure control within each cell block to moderate temperature and maintain capacity. Meanwhile, a KERS-style regenerative braking system recaptures energy whenever you ease off the pedal, extending your driving range without requiring complicated inputs. The result? A stable, healthy battery life that should remain robust over several years of use—something I’m passionate about, having seen EV packs degrade faster in earlier models from other manufacturers. If you’re curious about techniques to preserve EV battery health even more, our deep dive on hidden performance secrets of your car covers advanced tips from tyre choice to charging habits.

Of course, real-world range can vary with driving style and weather. In colder conditions, you might see a 10–15 percent drop, especially if you blast the heater. But the S5 EV offers pre-conditioning via its smartphone app, allowing you to warm or cool the cabin while plugged in—so you start each journey in comfort without tapping the battery. Altogether, that combination of quick charging, generous range, and smart thermal management makes the MG S5 EV a serious contender for families and enthusiasts alike who want to embrace electric without compromise.

Thrilling Dynamics: Behind the Wheel

The MG S5 EV’s punchy powertrain turns every merge into a thrilling burst of speed. I still chuckle remembering the startled look on fellow motorists’ faces as I slipped into an open gap on the freeway, Sport mode engaged, and left them wondering what just happened. From the moment you press the accelerator, the rear-mounted motor’s torque feels immediate and unwavering, thrusting you forward with a confidence that belies this SUV’s unassuming lines [2]. What’s more, shifting between Sport and Comfort is instantaneous, without any clunky transitions—another advantage of that direct-drive setup.

It’s not just straight-line speed; the S5 EV’s chassis and suspension deliver a surprisingly agile ride. The five-link rear suspension absorbs bumps with poise while maintaining minimal body roll through corners. I tackled a series of tight bends on a recently resurfaced rural road, and the steering felt sharp and communicative—almost reminiscent of a hot hatch, but with the added security of higher ground clearance and a more commanding view of the road ahead [3]. Braking is smooth and progressive, giving you the confidence to brake late without feeling like you’re wrestling with unwieldy weight transfer.

One of the most surprising aspects is the cabin quietness. Even at higher speeds, effective sound insulation and wind-tunnel-tested aero make the interior hushed, so you can actually carry on a conversation without raising your voice. Road noise is muted to a degree I didn’t expect in this price segment. Then you have features like adjustable regenerative braking levels—toggle it up for near one-pedal driving or dial it back for coasting freedom. I tested both extremes on a busy commuter route, and the flexibility made stop-and-go a pleasure rather than a chore.

Space in the rear seats remains generous, with more than enough legroom for taller passengers. The gently reclined backrests and supportive cushions meant even a three-hour journey felt comfortable. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof pours natural light into the cabin and opens the feeling of space further—one of those small luxuries that passes from being an optional add-on to a daily delight once you’ve experienced it [5]. Ultimately, the MG S5 EV blends the grin-inducing performance of a spirited EV with the kind of composure and comfort families demand. It’s rare to find both in one package, but here it is, ready to conquer twisty roads and daily drives alike.

Cabin Space, Cargo Capacity, And High-Trim Features

Every inch of the MG S5 EV cabin feels thoughtfully designed to turn daily drives into relaxed adventures. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a clean, modern dashboard with logically placed controls and a floating 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The display is sharp, responsive, and integrates navigation, media, and climate controls without burying settings under endless submenus. Below it, tactile knobs for temperature and volume restore a sense of tactile reassurance—something I admittedly miss in some fully digital cockpits.

Legroom is exceptional: adults in the rear enjoy nearly 1,020 mm of knee room, and the flat floor means no transmission hump to force feet apart. Three across? No problem—two full-size adults and a child will fit without complaining. Front seats are wrapped in soft-touch materials with optional leather on higher trims, and they cradle you just right, striking a nice balance between support and cushioning on longer drives [1]. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof overhead floods the interior with light, lifting moods even on gray days, while ambient LED footwell lighting adds a touch of flair when the sun goes down.

The boot holds a generous 453 litres of cargo, expanding to 1,441 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded. I once managed to cram in a week’s worth of camping gear—cooler included—plus two backpacks, all without feeling like Tetris was involved. The underfloor compartment cleverly stashes wet or dirty items out of sight, and the low lift-over height makes loading heavier objects surprisingly easy. For families juggling groceries, sports equipment, or weekend road-trip luggage, this versatility quickly becomes indispensable whether new SUVs deliver on space and value.

On the Luxury and Essence trims, the S5 EV comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tailgate, and advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and a 360-degree camera system. These technologies aren’t mere gimmicks—they genuinely reduce stress on long hauls, helping you maintain distance on highways, stay centered in lanes on winding roads, and precisely park in tight urban spots. It all adds up to an experience that feels more premium than the price tag might suggest [5].

Underlying Platform And Engineering

Beneath its sculpted bodywork, the 2025 MG S5 EV rests on a highly adaptable modular platform that proves MG’s engineering chops. This architecture tucks the 64 kWh battery pack neatly under a flat floor, lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling dynamics. Structural reinforcements in the side sills and front tow points give the chassis reassuring rigidity—especially noticeable when I pushed hard through a series of quick direction changes during a late-evening test drive [2]. Combine that with nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, and you get an SUV that doesn’t feel ponderous or top-heavy, yet still offers the kind of ride height that inspires confidence over rough surfaces.

The five-link rear suspension and MacPherson front struts are finely tuned to balance sporty feedback with everyday comfort. I recall a stretch of recently milled asphalt riddled with imperfections—most cars would have rattled or bounced uncomfortably, but the S5 EV soaked them up with stoic resolve. Even in Sport mode, the ride never becomes punishing; instead, you sense a harmonious dance between compliant damping and controlled body motions. The steering rack offers a direct ratio, giving you clear communication through your fingertips, while electric power assistance allows for smooth low-speed manoeuvres and confident highway cruising without feeling artificial.

Behind the scenes, MG’s thermal management system keeps the battery and motor in their sweet spots. Liquid cooling channels wick heat away during spirited drives, preventing power fade, while cabin preconditioning reduces the drain on the pack when you start cold. It’s a holistic approach that addresses weaknesses I’ve seen in other EVs, where overheating can trigger limp-home modes or drastic power cuts. Instead, the S5 EV maintains full performance, whether you’re sprinting up a mountain pass or idling in summer traffic [4].

Battery Options And High-Output Trims

For those who want to tailor their EV experience, the MG S5 EV lineup offers two battery choices and performance tiers. The entry-level 49 kWh pack is ideal for daily urban commutes, offering a WLTP range of around 210 miles—ample for most people’s needs. Step up to the 64 kWh Long Range model, and you unlock up to 298 miles on the SE trim or 288 miles on the Trophy variant, thanks to that extra energy buffer and refined software calibration [2][3].

The high-output version reserves that robust 170 kW (231 hp) motor exclusively for the Luxury and Trophy Long Range trims. You get exclusive tuning for a sharper throttle map, higher regen rates, and sport-oriented suspension settings that lean into performance without sacrificing daily comfort. I tested this spec at a local hill climb event—imagine an EV SUV leaving lightweight hatchbacks in its wake—all while delivering a ride quality that impressed judges with its composure and poise [2].

Launch timing is also crucial: the Long Range trims debuted in the UK mid-2025 and are rolling out across Europe by early summer. That means prospective buyers aren’t waiting until next year to get their hands on one—MG’s strict production ramp-up ensures a steady supply. With both a generous long-range pack and a peppy high-output option, MG is tackling two of the biggest consumer questions: “How far can I go?” and “Can I have fun doing it?” Spoiler: the answer to both is a resounding yes.

Quick Reference Specifications

Here’s a one-glance snapshot of the MG S5 EV’s standout specs, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you even step inside. Jot this down if you’re comparison-shopping, or simply marvel at how far EVs have come in blending performance, efficiency, and practicality.

If you’re curious how this charging performance stacks up against other EVs, see our comparison of Tesla Model Y supercharging speeds. Ultimately, the MG S5 EV blends impressive real-world range, engaging performance, and family-friendly practicality into one compelling package. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend warrior, or someone simply ready to make the jump to electric, it’s an SUV that invites you to push the boundaries of what you think an EV can be.