Image: SAIC via Weibo
Chinese owned MG Motor Australia has followed up its announced plans for new premium electric cars with news of the imminent unveiling of a new low cost EV, to be known as the MGS5.
The MGS5 is being billed as the successor to the MG4 and the ZS EV – the first low cost electric cars that were introduced to the Australian market by MG in recent years. It is expected to be one of its best sellers in 2025 with a price of around $40,000.
The MGS5 EV, along with the IM5 and IM6 luxury EVs, are expected to be unveiled at this week’s Melbourne Motor Show.
“At MG, we’re committed to delivering best-in-class value across every segment, with a vehicle for every Australian motorist – no matter your lifestyle or life stage,” MG Motor Australia CEO peter Ciao said in a statement.
“From cutting edge EVs to spacious hybrids and luxury models, our line-up reflects our promise to offer high-quality, technology-led options that meet the diverse needs of Australian drivers.”
The MGS5 EV was first picked up as approved by ADR for sale in Australia in December 2024 after multiple sightings of the model being tested and evaluated in the months prior.
According to the approval documentation, the new S5’s showed 3 battery packs on offer, ranging from 49 kWh up to 64 kWh. Of these packs, two are of Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which includes 49 kWh and 62 kWh capacities.
The top-spec has the 64 kWh battery pack with the Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) chemistry.
On the powertrain front, it’s expected to be based on the MG4. Like the MG4’s rear-wheel-drive variants, the new MGS5 comes with a single rear-mounted motor that delivers up to 125 kW of power.
This helps this small SUV get from 0-100 km/h in around 8 seconds, which is reasonable for a family SUV.
There may also be a 170 kW rear-wheel-drive variant available as is the case in the UK but that’s to be confirmed in the local specifications that are yet to be released.
On the inside, there is an upgraded infotainment system, which is increased to 15.6 inches from the 10.25-inch screen found in Australian-bound MG4 models.
MG originally launched it’s first electric car under the ZS EV SUV badge in November 2020. Since then, the ZS EV has had a Long Range variant added to it to offer options to buyers looking for an affordable electric SUV.
More details on the upcoming S5, including key local specifications and pricing, are likely to be announced in the coming weeks, although we expect the starting price of this model to be closer to $40,000 when it is announced.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
MG's premium brand IM launched in Australia with the release of the IM5 and IM6…
Xpeng's local distributor has announced arrival of 1,000 new G6 electric SUVs along with plans…
Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised,…
BYD has launched a 24/7 roadside assistance program across Australia, linking up with the country's…
Falling battery costs are bringing price parity for electric cars ever closer, with the tipping…
Nissan opens orders on its next electric car in Australia, announcing a lower than expected…