EPMB will apparently also be assembling hybrid and even ICE MG models in Melaka in due course.
With the CBU EV incentives now on their way out, prepare to see more and more automakers scrambling to locally assemble its fully-electric models locally. And just the latest to do so is MG, which has recently announced that it will begin producing its S5 e-SUV right here in Malaysia by the first half of next year.
The local assembly of these MG e-SUVs is set to take place at EP Manufacturing Berhad’s (EPMB) plant in Pegoh, Melaka. And if that name rings a bell, that is because it is the very same facility currently assembling cars for GWM, including the Haval H6 HEV.
Incidentally on the topic of the hybrid Haval, this local assembly deal with MG will reportedly also see the plant producing hybrid and even full-ICE models in due course. There is however no confirmation yet on which specific models will roll off the line, but the two ICE-powered MGs currently on sale in Malaysia are the MG5 sedan and the MG HS mid-sized SUV.
Beyond Malaysia and its home market in China, MG also operates CKD facilities in neighbouring Thailand and Indonesia. It still maintains the historic Longbridge plant in the UK (where MGs were once built before its acquisition by Chinese owners), as well as another production facility in India.
Since its local debut just over a year ago, MG has expanded rapidly to a network of 26 authorised dealerships nationwide. This includes three showrooms in Sarawak, with another three set to open soon.
As for the S5 itself, this currently fully-imported e-SUV is priced from RM 115,900 for the base Com variant with a 49 kWh battery, RM 125,900 for the Com Long Range with a larger 62 kWh pack, and RM 135,900 for the range-topping Lux Long Range.
All variants are powered by a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 170 PS and 250 Nm of torque This powertrain configuration also notably makes the MG S5 EV the only rear-wheel-drive EV in its segment available in the Malaysian market.
Charging capabilities include 7 kW AC charging across all variants, while the Lux variant additionally supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in around 26 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality also comes standard, enabling the S5 to power external devices when needed.
Standard equipment across the range includes LED headlamps with a distinctive ‘Racing Flag’ DRL design, MG’s signature arch-style LED taillights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and MG’s iSMART connectivity suite.
The Lux variant further ups the ante with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather-fabric seats with perforated MG logos, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated leather steering wheel, wireless charging pad, six-speaker audio system, powered tailgate, and a 360-degree surround view camera. Advanced driver assistance features, including automatic high beam, are also bundled with the Lux package.
