The Chinese-owned motor marque MG has announced major changes to the lineup of its MGS5 small electric SUV, ditching the base variants of the model and focusing on higher-end variants that adds a more powerful electric motor and increased driving range.
Citing what the company described as “strong customer demand for its higher-specification models”, MG has ditched the MGS5 EV’s entry-level Excite variants (Excite 49 and Excite 62) and boosted the specifications on the line’s flagship Essence 62.
The Essence 49 remains unchanged,and is now the entry-level model, priced at $41,990 driveaway, while the Essence 62 will retain its driveway price of $46,990, despite the upgrades.
The new MY26 Excite 62 boasts an upgraded electric motor that delivers higher power density and improved efficiency, now producing 150 kW of power and 350Nm of torque, up from 125 kW and 250 Nm respectively.
This has dropped the car’s acceleration from 0-100km/h down to only 7 seconds, from 8.6 seconds previously, but increased the car’s driving range up to 450 kilometres (WLTP). Battery capacity for each variant is in the name – 62 kWh for the Essence 62 and 49 kWh for the Essence 49.
MG says the Essence variants have attracted more than 80 per cent of customer orders since launch.
“The Australian EV market continues to grow, but it’s also maturing, and customers have a much clearer understanding of what they’re looking for in an electric vehicle,” said Dimitri Andreatidis, MG Motor Australia marketing director for Australia and New Zealand.
“When EVs first entered the market, many buyers were focused on making the switch. Today, they’re comparing vehicles much more closely and placing greater emphasis on how a vehicle performs in everyday driving, the range it offers, and the technology it provides.
“Driving range continues to be a key consideration for Australian customers, and every improvement helps build confidence that an EV can meet the demands of everyday life, whether that’s the daily commute or longer trips away.
“The updated Essence 62 delivers more power and greater driving range while remaining at the same price, and we’ve simplified the line-up to better reflect what Australian customers are choosing.”
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both now come as standard across both trims, along with wireless phone charging and a hands-free power tailgate.
See The Driven’s detailed EV sales data here: Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026; by model and by brand.
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