• Two battery sizes and power outputs
• Brisk acceleration
• Sport mode unlocks full power

Electric motors and batteries

Entry-level SE Standard Range has a 47.1kWh usable battery and has an electric motor that produces 170hp. We’ve not driven it, although the 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds flat suggests performance will be more than adequate as it’s quicker than a base Skoda Elroq 50, and matches the 60’s acceleration time.

Spend a bit more for a Long Range version – the only option if you want Trophy trim – and battery capacity increases to 62.1kWh usable with power up to 231hp. Due to to the S5’s relatively light weight it can hit 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds, or slightly faster than the big battery Elroq despite that car packing an extra 50hp or so.

Normal drive mode only gives you about 90% power up to 30mph, with Sport unleashing the full 231hp. Traction from the rear-wheel drive platform is good, so while it doesn’t ping off the line like some twin-motor alternatives, it feels brisk in urban environments with Sport mode engaged and gets up to motorway speeds in short order.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Comfort bias
• But doesn’t handle badly
• Good traction

The MG S5 indirectly replaces the old MG ZS EV, a car that was mediocre at best to drive. Switching to the MG4 hatcback‘s rear-wheel drive platform has helped greatly, making the S5 perfectly pleasant to pilot.

You won’t ever wake up at 5am for a dawn raid on your favourite B road, but there is satisfaction to be had. The steering has a reassuring weight and well-judged response so it never feels flighty or nervous, and the brakes are more responsive and confidence-inspiring than many rivals including the Renault Scenic.

Hard cornering generates a bit more body roll than many rivals, with grip levels proving sufficient if nothing special. The rear-drive platform means its better at putting its power down out of tight corners than front-wheel drive rivals, and there’s no tugging from the steering, either.

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While enthusiast drivers will enjoy the feeling of being pushed rather than pulled out of corners, the always on stability control makes sure the S5 always stays neat, tidy and unlikely to slide. An Elroq has a little more polish and keeness to the handling.

Crucially, the S5 is comfier than many rivals, Scenic included. Massive tyre sidewalls and relatively soft suspension means it soaks up the worst effects of most bumps. An Elroq has a little more polish when it comes to dealing with a succession of nasty obstacles, but I’m nitpicking here.