The MGS5 electric compact SUV wades into a crowded market segment, where things are price sensitive and also where lines get blurred
Singapore – Chinese carmakers have clamoured their way to the top of Singapore’s car sales numbers, most notably BYD, that overtook the stalwart Toyota in 2024 til today, largely with the help of its wallet-friendly Atto 3. With a combination of competitive prices and a surge of new equipment to behold, conditions were ripe for many local car buyers to adopt electric mobility.
While the BYD Atto 3 won with the formula of great pricing, equipment and all that… so much that it now shares the space with the previous generation Honda Vezel as one of Singapore’s most ubiquitous. The Atto 3 also now competes with the likes of the Aion V and the MG S5, among others.
Nice and neat
It is inoffensive to look at, therefore, it is safe. Large air intakes, split headlights, and sharp lines that balance strength and subtlety while flowing smoothly over the rest of its body until the tailgate. One might even think it carries a bit of sportiness to it, though still leaning towards exhibiting a modest calm.
It’s safe to say the MGS5 is a good example of not overthinking things. It’s kept simple but pleasing on the eyes nonetheless.
In a time of new cars springing up all the time left and right in a competition to outbid each other in terms of looks, it can be ironically refreshing to gaze at and spend time in something more uncomplicated yet well-put together.
Delicate designs
The interior carries the same level of user-friendly straightforwardness. Driver controls are intuitive to get used to immediately, with a good scatter of physical buttons for the all-important air-conditioning as well as the sunshade and/or sunroof. Steering wheel controls have physical buttons as well (phew).
The overall textures and touches of the cabin, while well-organised, might come across as a little dated, truth be told. The 12.8-inch infotainment system touchscreen is a notable improvement over MGs a generation back, though there is still some annoying lag. That said, the system is pretty much a breeze to navigate.
The front and rear seats are generally comfortable. The rear footwell has a flat floor, since it does not need a tunnel in the middle. As a plus, you do get an assortment of storage compartments, cubbies and USB ports dotted throughout the car.
Nothing speaks more Chinese car, than dropping equipment upon more equipment, but with things kept at an affordable price. So you also get a large electric sunroof to get the kiddos sold on your purchase.
The 453 litre boot is decent, and can be expanded to 1,423 litres, with the rear seats folded down. This makes it perfectly adequate as a daily driver and errand-goer, and do anything-er.
Driving matters
The MGS5 is overall a very calm car… as calm as a seehum in a bowl of Laksa from Queensway Shopping Centre (I hear my Ed has gone so many times, till the auntie knows him). 133hp and 250Nm of torque and a WLTP combined range of 425km is nothing much to send home about. But when it comes to picking and driving a car, the numbers don’t matter as much as feelings, like when someone climbs into the cabin of the MGS5 and immediately points out its clearly family-oriented sensibilities and prides itself on being easy to get familiar with.
It doesn’t try to be overly exciting, although its rear-wheel drive nature makes it possible for you to drive it with a little more gusto if you feel like it. The MGS5 doesn’t feel reluctant to tag along. In fact, it’s pretty nimble, with power delivery tuned to be smooth and not nauseating. Ride experience in both the front and back seats are commendably pleasurable.
Regenerative braking is superbly implemented, and goes a long way to inspire confidence in driving and trust in your car to get you from A to B safely. One-pedal driving mode makes commuting an enjoyable breeze. It’s factors like these that came together to give me a satisfying time with the car.
Conclusion
One thing’s for certain, for small to medium-sized families looking for a COE Cat A compact electric SUV that looks clean, drives calm, and still allows some space for driving fun if desired, the MGS5 is a pretty good pick.
Competition though is thick, with similar size and class vehicles like the Aion V, the Cat A version of this Jaecoo J6, the BYD Seal 6 and the Leapmotor C10.
If you are not keen on doing the electric thing, by price comparisons, there is the Honda Jazz Crossstar Hybrid, Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and the KIA Niro Hybrid… all which directly compete with each other.
Text: Titus Tang
Photos: Kalani
Edits for Both: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RWD means its more entertaining to drive | Sluggish infotainment system |
| Comfortable | Some material quality could be better |
| No fuss |
MG S5 EV 62kWh
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, Rear-wheel Drive |
| Motor power / torque | 131hp / 250Nm |
| Battery capacity | 62kWh |
| Efficiency | 17.2kWh/100km |
| Electric Range | 425km |
| 0-100km/h | 9.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Eurokars EV |
| Price | S$177,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Simple, no fuss, affordable family transport. Nuff said |
