mReview: MG S5 EV – The family EV Thais trust the most

Reviewing the MG S5 EV: A highly popular EV's B-SUV, not completely perfect, but hits the sweet spot for Thai buyers.

What’s Great?

• Extremely spacious with plenty of passenger room, all at a very reasonable price.
• The top-spec V+ offers the best package, adding extra driving range and power.
• Firm and planted suspension that makes daily driving feel very secure.

What’s Good?

• The updated steering column gear stalk and larger central screen make the car much easier to use.
• The interior space feels bright, roomy, and not so cramped.
• Highly reliable after-sales service and spare parts network across Thailand.

What’s Not Great?

• The keyless entry and lock/unlock functions on the door handles feel a bit dated.
• The cabin design is practical but lacks a standout "wow" factor.
• Despite being a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car, there is no storage space under the bonnet.

Built on the excellent driving platform of the MG4, the new MG S5 EV delivers a firm, well-controlled ride, with the top-spec V+ trim offering a much punchier driving experience.

The D+ and X+ trims come with a 170 hp (125 kW) electric motor, offering a smooth and comfortable ride that handles the SUV's larger body with ease. Meanwhile, the top-spec V+ trim ups the game to 245 hp (180 kW) and 350 Nm of torque (compared to 250 Nm in other trims). This is perfect for parents who want to drop the kids off at school and then enjoy a fast, energetic commute to the office.

On cross-province highway trips, the more powerful V+ motor shines, making overtaking effortless and highway cruising highly confident.

Even though the MG S5 EV is rear-wheel drive, you will not find a front boot (Frunk) under the bonnet. Instead, MG has used this space to maximize cabin room and ensure easy access for routine servicing.

There is also a safety benefit here: the front area is designed as a dedicated crumple zone, packed with protective steel beams to absorb impact forces and keep passengers safer during a collision.

The absolute highlight for Thai families is the interior space. Measuring 4,476 mm long, 1,849 mm wide, and 1,621 mm high, with a 2,730 mm wheelbase, this car is so large it almost steps into the larger C-SUV class.

Every seat in the cabin feels incredibly open and airy. Rear passengers have enough legroom to easily cross their legs, and getting in and out of the car is effortless—making it an excellent choice for family trips with elderly relatives.

The rear styling clearly carries the sporty hatchback DNA of the MG4, featuring a single-bar LED taillight design that fits Asian design tastes perfectly. The charging port is placed on the rear left side, much like a traditional fuel cap.

Charging performance is highly impressive, especially on the top V+ trim, which supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging. This can charge the large 62.2 kWh battery from 10% to 80% in under 26 minutes, giving a maximum driving range of up to 550 km (NEDC standard).

Meanwhile, the D+ and X+ trims use a 50.3 kWh battery supporting 88 kW DC fast charging (10% to 80% in 35 minutes), delivering a driving range of 416 km.

*Note: The test vehicle provided by the factory was a pre-production unit, which may show minor assembly imperfections (such as the condensation shown in the photo). However, there have been no customer-reported issues regarding build quality on production models.

Carrying MG’s signature sporty DNA, the cabin of the S5 EV maintains its athletic lines, even though the 2026 facelift simplifies the layout for a cleaner, more minimalist look.

For 2026, the X+ and V+ trims receive a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen, which handles over 80% of the car's controls. It also features Gesture Control, allowing you to easily adjust the air conditioning with simple hand movements—a very handy feature for Thailand's hot weather.

The gear selector has also been moved from a rotary dial on the console to a convenient column stalk behind the steering wheel (on X+ and V+ trims only). This makes shifting much simpler, especially when parallel parking.

Note that only the top-spec V+ trim gets the wireless phone charging pad.

The large Panoramic Sunroof (available on X+ and V+ trims) adds a premium feel to the cabin, which children will love. It is also perfect for car camping trips, allowing you to run the air conditioning and gaze at the stars.

The boot offers a generous 453-litre standard capacity with a dual-level adjustable floor partition. Folding the 60:40 rear seats flat expands this cargo space up to 1,441 litres.

One minor annoyance is the door handles. They do not support automatic proximity unlocking or touch-to-unlock when you slide your hand behind the handle. Instead, you still have to physically press the locking button on either of the front doors, which can be a bit awkward when your hands are full of shopping bags.

By ticking almost every box on a Thai buyer’s wishlist—including a spacious cabin, family-friendly utility, long driving range, smart technology, stylish looks, and a highly reliable after-sales network—the MG S5 EV stands out as one of the best choices for buyers wanting a truly practical family EV.

Pricing is highly attractive, especially with the Thai government's EV 3.5 subsidy program:

• Base D+ Trim: 649,900 THB
• Mid-spec X+ Trim (Value Choice): 759,900 THB
• Top-spec V+ Trim (High Power & Long Range): 849,900 THB

Author's Note –  MG’s latest electric vehicles are becoming highly refined and well-targeted. Supported by a long-established, nationwide service and spare parts network that has operated in Thailand since the pre-EV era, the MG S5 EV gives buyers peace of mind that parts will be readily available, making it one of the most reliable EV brands to own today.

Want a car valuation? Contact us to get a free car valuation within 24 hours…