Should you buy one?

If you’re after a bargain, most definitely. Even if your budget is more generous, the MG S5 has an awful lot going for it. The interior is solid, the driving experience is pleasant and the kit list is extensive for the price. It really is a highly recommendable electric car.

I’d probably opt for the bigger 64kWh battery for the 298-mile range – or around 230 real world miles in summer – and a bit more power. SE has all the kit you actually need, but given how cheap top Trophy trim is, you might as well pay the extra for all the toys, including auto wipers.

A Kia EV3 or Skoda Elroq are both better overall and offer even larger batteries for a longer range. However, a top-spec S5 costs about the same as near-entry-level versions of those cars, and still makes a fine family car.

What’s new?

MG has been been hard at work bringing us all new versions of its petrol and hybrid cars, and now it’s the turn of the EVs. The MG S5 is the first of these new cars and is bigger than the old MG ZS EV that’s now out of production. That car was recommendable because it was cheap, the S5 is also good.

The last five years have been a story of incredible success for the brand, having sold the second-most EVs in the UK since 2019, behind only Tesla. But now MG says it’s looking to develop its lineup with a new generation of cars and a more cohesive design language. Though built on the same Scalable Modular Platform, the new S5 departs from the angular looks of the MG4 EV, with softer edges for a less aggressive, more family friendly style. 

So what’s the S5 up against? Strong opposition in the form of the Skoda Elroq and Renault Scenic, both of which are better cars than the S5, but have starting prices around where the S5 ends, as does the Kia EV3.

The S5 EV range is split into three grades, kicking off with standard-range SE trim from £28,495. You get plenty of kit, including the 12.8” infotainment display, vehicle to load charging, a six-way adjustable front seat and more. MG’s suite of safety systems also comes as standard. It includes intelligent cruise control assistance, blind spot detection, front and rear collision warnings and many more. 

The long-range SE car starts from £30,995, while the range-topping Trophy Long Range costs £33,495. The latter includes several additional features including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, auto wipers, an electric tailgate, rear reading lights and more.

MG has so far prided itself on disrupting industry price paradigms, and this S5 EV is no exception. Its price range ends about where competitors like the Skoda Elroq start, and so represents great value for money.

Read on for a first drive review of the MG S5 EV from Parkers, as we explore what it’s like to drive, the quality of the interior and its practicality before reaching a final verdict. Head over to our how we test cars page to find out how we conducted our examination.