MG S5 EV Lux Review Offers Better Value and Drive

The MG S5 EV (Lux variant) is a locally assembled (CKD) five-door electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by MG and marketed in Malaysia. Built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture, the vehicle solves the need for an accessible, family-sized electric crossover by offering improved powertrain output, extended driving range, and substantial cabin equipment at a competitive local price point. For Malaysian motorists navigating urban congestion and intercity highway commutes, it delivers high electrical efficiency, practical boot utility, and fast DC charging capabilities suitable for the nation's expanding public EV charging network.

Key Facts

The locally assembled MG S5 EV Lux delivers 203PS and a 446km WLTP range at an on-the-road price of RM117,528 in Malaysia.

How Does the MG S5 EV Powertrain and Battery Perform?

The MG S5 EV Lux features a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 203PS (151kW) and 350Nm of torque, achieving 0-100kph in 7.0 seconds. Its 62kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery yields a WLTP range of 446km, whilst recording an efficient real-world consumption of 13.3kWh/100km during urban driving.

Power delivery is calibrated for progressive acceleration without sudden torque spikes, aiding drivers transitioning from internal combustion vehicles. Charging flexibility is supported via DC fast charging up to 150kW, replenishing the 62kWh LFP pack from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes. Standard AC charging is capped at 7kW, requiring nearly 9 hours for a full replenishment from a standard Malaysian 240V single-phase home wallbox.

"Efficiency was also respectable, averaging 13.3kWh/100km over a cumulative 220km of mostly urban driving. The 62kWh LFP battery delivers an improved WLTP-rated range of 446km over the previous version."

Zachary Ho, CarSifu

The rear-wheel-drive MG S5 EV Lux accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 7.0 seconds and supports 150kW DC rapid charging.

What Are the Handling and Suspension Characteristics on Malaysian Roads?

The MG S5 EV prioritises ride comfort over aggressive sportiness, utilising front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link independent suspension configuration. While this soft calibration cushions uneven surfaces effectively, the vehicle exhibits noticeable vertical float over undulating or broken tarmac commonly encountered on secondary Malaysian thoroughfares.

Highway refinement remains strong with low cabin noise intrusion, complemented by accurately weighted steering. The chassis benefits dynamically from its rear-wheel-drive architecture, maintaining balanced weight distribution during daily cornering manoeuvres. Standard fitment includes 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 R18 tyres, contributing to compliant road absorption across varying urban conditions.

The MG S5 EV relies on a comfort-biased independent suspension that effectively absorbs bumps but produces mild body float over uneven surfaces.

How Practical Is the Interior Layout and Storage Capacity?

The MG S5 EV cabin incorporates physical switchgear alongside a 12.8-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver instrument display. Practical cargo storage totals 453 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,441 litres when folded, complemented by an underfloor storage compartment with a dedicated nook for the portable charger.

Front passengers receive ventilated, electrically adjustable leatherette seats, tailored for warm tropical climates, accompanied by single-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning vents. Two customisable steering wheel buttons provide direct access to drive modes, the 360-degree camera, or regenerative braking levels without accessing sub-menus. Notable compromises include the absence of a front trunk (frunk) for charging cables and a short rear seat base that reduces under-thigh support during long road trips.

The cabin provides 453 litres of boot space with underfloor cable storage, paired with ventilated front leatherette seats for tropical comfort.

What Active Safety and Driver Assistance Systems Are Included?

The MG S5 EV comes fitted with the MG Pilot 2.5 driver assistance suite and seven airbags. Safety systems comprise adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, lane change assist, traffic jam assist, forward and rear collision warnings, drowsiness monitoring, and intelligent headlamp control.

Additional technology includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, a power tailgate with kick sensor, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) discharge capability, and one-pedal driving functionality with three-level Kinetic Energy Recovery (KERS). While the hardware package is comprehensive, real-world ADAS calibration displays occasional software abruptness, and several comfort settings mandate configuration via the companion MG iSMART mobile application.

MG Pilot 2.5 integrates adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and seven passive airbags as standard safety equipment.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The MG S5 EV Lux is designed for middle-class Malaysian families and daily commuters seeking an entry-to-mid-tier electric SUV priced under RM120,000. It is well-suited for buyers residing in landed residential properties where a 7kW AC wallbox can deliver complete overnight charges on standard 240V infrastructure in under nine hours.

For high-rise condominium residents in urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur or Penang who depend on commercial charging hubs, the vehicle's 150kW DC compatibility enables fast top-ups in 26 minutes. Its ventilated seating, rear air-conditioning vents, and efficient 13.3kWh/100km consumption address the demands of tropical heat and congested city traffic, making it a viable long-distance cruiser between states via the PLUS expressway network.

Common Questions

What is the real-world charging duration of the MG S5 EV?

Using a 150kW DC fast charger, the MG S5 EV charges from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes. On a standard 7kW AC domestic wallbox, a full recharge requires nearly 9 hours.

Does the MG S5 EV have front bonnet storage for charging cables?

No, the MG S5 EV lacks a front storage compartment (frunk). Charging cables and the supplied portable charger are stored in a dedicated underfloor nook within the 453-litre rear boot.

How does the suspension handle poor road surfaces?

The front MacPherson and rear five-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort. It absorbs road imperfections smoothly, although it displays mild floatiness over broken, undulating tarmac surfaces.

Sources and Methodology

This technical review synthesises verified vehicle performance data and qualitative test findings from the automotive evaluation published by CarSifu (Star Media Group Berhad), authored by Zachary Ho on 8 October 2026. All listed technical parameters—including motor output (203PS/350Nm), energy consumption (13.3kWh/100km), battery specifications (62kWh LFP), acceleration figures, and retail pricing—are derived directly from the primary evaluation text without external aggregation. Localisation details correspond to Malaysian automotive assembly standards (CKD) and national retail pricing without insurance. This article was last updated on 8 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the official CarSifu test evaluation.