The End of Cheap: MG S5 EV - A new affordable EV with plenty of space and some surprises
Refurbished SUV Model: MG S5 EV - Efficiency on Wheels, Boasting Minimal Fuel Consumption and Ample Interior Room
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Chinese automaker MG has hit the European market with its new compact SUV, the S5 EV. Contrary to the perception of Chinese brands, MG seems to have cracked the German code - bringing the S5 EV that seamlessly blends affordability with quality. But is it 'cheap'? Let's find out.
Half of Europe covered, Still Pricey
MG smartly caters to segments that matter most – station wagons and small to compact SUVs. As a result, the brand rocks the market, with almost 21,000 cars sold in Germany last year, making it the most successful Chinese brand.
MG S5 EV, Not an Affordable Bargain
Economical it is, but cheap, not really! The S5 EV ranges from €38,000 to €45,000, with small differences between the base and long-range versions. MG has taken a pricing strategy similar to major automakers – in-line with BYD's Atto 3 and Skoda's Enyaq. The Skoda Enyaq has the lower entry point, starting at €34,000.
Since 90% of customers lease their electric cars, monthly rates are more telling. For a four-year term and 20,000 km, MG calculates €259 to €339 for the base and top models, respectively. The competition offers up to twice the range for similar rates.
Sluggish Charging, High-end Features
The base model, with a 47 kWh battery, charges at 120 kW and maxes out at 3.7 kW at home or public 11 kW chargers. With a four-hour charging time, it can add about 100 km of range. The long-range version, visibly superior, charges at DC stations at 140 kW and offers a maximum of 11 kW at an AC charger. The car feels more agile with a 170 kW/231 PS electric motor and faster charging times, but the top trim is required for comprehensive route planning considering charging stops and traffic jams.
Interior space is spot-on, with the longer wheelbase offering more legroom. The rear bench can easily accommodate three child seats side-by-side, and the trunk is also generously sized, making it suitable for everyday family use. The touchscreen is intuitive and quick to respond, and the submenus are logically structured, a major plus for Chinese cars. However, the driving modes and regenerative braking are fiddly, requiring constant touchscreen adjustments.
Price Watch
Every six months, MG updates its models for product freshness and incremental improvements. If past trends continue, MG might aim to address minor issues like the too-soft seats, poor driver display in unfavorable sunlight, and poorly dosed brakes in the upcoming updates. Let's keep watch!
MG S5 EV - Technical Specifications
- Five-seater, five-door compact SUV
- Length: 4.48 meters, Width: 1.85 meters (with exterior mirrors: n/a), Height: 1.62 meters, Wheelbase: 2.73 meters, Trunk volume: 453-1441 liters
Standard Range
- Electric motor with 125 kW/170 PS, Torque: 250 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 8.0 s, Vmax: 170 km/h, Consumption: 16.6 kWh/100 km, Battery size: 47 kWh, Range: 340 km (WLTP), Charging power: 7.2 kW (AC)/120 kW (DC), Charging time AC: 10-80% in approx. 5 hours; DC: 10-80% in 24 minutes
- Price: from 38,000 euros (Comfort)
Long Range
- Electric motor with 170 kW/231 PS, Torque: 350 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 6.3 s, Vmax: 190 km/h, Consumption: 15.5 kWh/100 km, Battery size: 62 kWh, Range: 480 km (WLTP), Charging power: 11 kW (AC)/139 kW (DC), Charging time AC: 10-80% in approx. 4 hours; DC: 10-80% in 28 minutes
- Price: from 43,000 euros (Comfort)
Source: ntv.de, Hanno Boblenz, sp-x
- MG Models
- Chinese Automakers
- The Manufacturer of motor vehicles, MG, has made a significant impact in the European industry with its new electric-vehicle, the S5 EV, catering to segments like station wagons and small to compact SUVs, showcasing its ability to create vehicles that blend affordability with quality, challenging the preconceived notions about Chinese brands.
- While the MG S5 EV offers a combination of affordability and quality, it is not exactly a cheap option, with prices ranging from €38,000 to €45,000 in the European market, similar to the pricing strategies of major automotive players like BYD's Atto 3 and Skoda's Enyaq.
- In terms of financing, the monthly leasing rates for the MG S5 EV are on the higher side compared to competitors that offer up to twice the range for similar rates, making it a considerable investment in the automotive technology sector.
- The MG S5 EV boasts high-end features such as a spacious interior, capable of accommodating three child seats side-by-side, and a generously sized trunk, making it suitable for family transportation needs. However, some aspects like the driving modes, regenerative braking, and certain comfort features require improvement, which the manufacturer may address in future updates.
