The all-new MGS5 is sleek, stylish, and ready to take on the SUV EV market.
Now on display until Sunday (13 April), the car arrives not only as a fresh face in the compact electric crossover space but also as a subtle passing of the torch. This model will eventually succeed the brand’s ZS EV.
But to dismiss the MGS5 EV as a mere “ZS 2.0” would be missing the point entirely.
Built as an EV from the ground up
While the ZS EV was essentially an internal combustion car in EV clothing (a good effort constrained by its bones), the MGS5 EV is a whole different animal.
This is the first MG crossover in Singapore to be built from scratch atop the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the same underpinnings used by the MG4 EV and the MG Cyberster roadster.
This translates to more cabin space, better weight distribution, and architecture truly tailored for electrification.
Stretching out to just under 4.5 metres in length, with a 2,730mm wheelbase, it offers generous legroom at the rear and a pleasingly flat floor.
Boot space is a healthy 453 litres, accessible via a hands-free powered tailgate.
Unlike its front-wheel-drive predecessor, the MGS5 EV sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels.
Underneath the sculpted bonnet lies a 99kW electric motor producing 250Nm of torque, enough to keep things brisk without tipping the car into the Category B COE bracket.
The century sprint is accomplished in under 10 seconds, and handling gets a helping hand from MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear.
Its 62kWh battery can charge from 10 to 80% in just 26 minutes with a DC charger (150kW peak), while serving up a WLTP-rated range of 425km
High tech, high comfort
Inside, MG has taken a step up in design maturity. The cabin, with its symmetrical layout and minimalist lines, feels far more premium than you’d expect at this price point.
A large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen takes centre stage, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while even popular apps like Spotify and YouTube are natively supported.
Ahead of the driver sits a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s a touch of fun too: look closely at the seats and you’ll find MG’s initials perforated into the upholstery.
Prefer something less sombre? MG is offering a lighter beige-and-grey interior colourway as well. Either way, a wireless phone charging tray, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and even Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities come standard.
Where the MGS5 EV really throws its weight around, though, is in its safety and driver assistance systems.
There are no fewer than 16 active driver aids built-in, ranging from Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Keep Assistance to Exit Warnings and Adaptive Cruise Control.
A “Strategic Leap” for MG
Speaking at the launch, Mr Raymond Ng, Managing Director of Eurokars EV, was succinct but confident in his verdict, “the MGS5 EV is a strategic leap, perfectly aligned with our market’s demands.”
And the numbers make it a compelling one: $165,888 including COE, backed by a 10-year battery warranty, eight-year vehicle warranty, and five years of complimentary servicing.
As part of the launch roadshow, MG is also dangling extra carrots, including $5,000 off the car, $500 in aftersales vouchers and another $500 in shopping vouchers.
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