MG S5 will be the ZS EV successor

The replacement for the MG ZS EV is coming, with an imminent reveal due. 

The name for the all-new small electric SUV is the MG S5 EV, at least in the UK. It evidently uses mechanicals from the MG4, and the same Modular Scalable Platform (MSP). Some of the hatch styling cues are present in the MGS6 too, like a full-width light bar and Y-shaped tail-lights. 

Much the same vehicle was released in China last year, where it is called the MG ES5. While export versions will be slightly different, there’s still a close family resemblance to MG’s other EVs. There’s the same large chrome MG octagon badge on the nose, and the distinctive rear light signature.

Inside is a minimalist feel, a 15.6-inch touchscreen controlling most everything. However, the MG S5 for export may be slightly different inside as well. 

MG says it’s a “completely reimagined premium cabin”. It says the MG S5 will “showcase a striking new cabin appearance with advanced and premium features unique to this model”. 

The MG S5 is larger all round than the ZS EV it is replacing. At 4476mm, it’s about 120mm longer than the latest Kona Electric. Boot space is evidently 462L.

MG S5 EV batteries and range

While not yet confirmed, the base model will have range of around 400km. The longest-range version will offer nearly 500km to a charge. Battery packs are said to be all LFP in design.

See our review of MG ZS Hybrid+ here.

The ES5 is rear-wheel drive, like MG4, with power of up to 180kW. Whether or not an MG S5 XPower AWD version emerges is unclear. 

Cost will be key, up against rivals like Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. MG hopes to undercut each of these.

The company is also developing a larger, mid-size electric SUV at present. It will use the same MSP platform as the MG S5. Currently, it has no name but will be the biggest SUV from the brand for the foreseeable future.

Currently MG Motor New Zealand has no timeline on the replacement for the MG ZS EV, nor any nomenclature for the new model.