This all-electric C-segment SUV from MG will be landing locally with two rear-driven powertrain options.
When MG first arrived in Malaysia a couple of moons back, one of their first two debut offerings was the ZS EV. And the fact that most outside of the MG dealer network won’t have even known of its existence is probably a good indication of how well it sold locally…
MG Motor Malaysia does however still seem to want to be a player in the e-SUV segment over here, and thus has recently previewed the S5 EV locally. This upcoming all-electric C-segment crossover is currently the Sino-British automaker’s plan to take on the (all-conquering) Proton e.MAS 7 and BYD Atto 3, with its estimated price tag of RM 115,000 being a clear indication of that intent.
The upcoming MG S5 EV measures 4,476 mm long, 1,849 mm wide and 1,621 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm. This puts it about the same size as the BYD Atto 3, but slightly smaller in exterior dimensions compared to the Proton e.MAS 7.
As for the exterior aesthetics, the sharp front end of the MG S5 EV is accentuated by a set of split LED headlights and a central lower air intake that incorporates an active shutter. A full-width rear light bar with T-shaped ends sits just below a subtle tailgate spoiler lip, adding a sporty flair to its rump.
Two variants of the MG S5 EV will be offered in Malaysia, with the major differentiating factor between them being their battery capacity.
All S5s to be sold locally will be powered by a single rear-mounted motor that produces 170 PS and 250 Nm of torque, with its maker claiming that this e-SUV can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in as little as eight seconds flat. Feeding said motor meanwhile will be either a 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a WLTP-rated range of 340 km, or a larger 62.2 kWh unit that is supposedly good for 430 km.
The smaller-capacity battery pack in the S5 EV is capable of 120 kW DC fast charging, topping up the battery from 10 to 80% charge in 24 minutes; whereas the larger unit bumps the maximum fast charging rate to 150 kW, though its increased capacity means that a 10 to 80% charge will take 26 minutes. Both packs accept only 6.6 kW of AC charging.
Standard interior equipment within both specs of the MG S5 EV include a 12.8-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on its layered dashboard layout, as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of its octagonal multifunction steering wheel. Seven airbags and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) will feature across the lineup too. A panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, heated leather steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 6-speaker premium audio setup, rear reading lamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree surround view camera are exclusive to the higher-end variant with the larger-capacity battery.
The MG S5 EV is available in five exterior color options: Arctic White, Monument Silver, Camden Grey, Dynamic Red, and Elegant Latte, while the interior features a dark leather and fabric combination seat with MG perforated pattern.
“The MG S5 EV is the very first model we are introducing as part of a fresh new chapter for MG in Malaysia. It sets the standard for what drivers can expect from our brand, with best-in-class driving dynamics for this segment. Following its global debut in China last October, the MG S5 EV is purpose-built for Malaysian roads and marks a significant step forward in our electric journey,” said Emory Qifeng, Managing Director of SAIC Motor Malaysia.
