2025 MG S5 EV arrives with BYD Atto 3-beating price! But it’s also more expensive than the ancient MG ZS SUV it replaces
The 2025 MG S5 EV has been priced for Australia and the good news is the new SUV is between $500 and $2500 cheaper than its closest rival, the BYD Atto 3.
That will make it the country’s most affordable small electric SUV when sales start this month (May).
The bad news – once a drive-away offer expires May 31 – is even the entry-level $40,490 version of the new MG S5 EV will be significantly more expensive than the final run-out pricing of the ancient MG ZS it replaces.
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The most expensive MG ZS EV 72kW Long Range model is currently pitched at $36,888 drive-away.
Based on the same platform that underpins the popular MG 4 hatchback, the S5 is priced at least $4000 higher model-for-model, but is still forecast to be the brand’s top selling EV.
It comes to market with either a 49kWh or larger 62kWh battery, both employing a lithium iron phosphate chemistry.
In Australia, two model grades will be available that come with either battery – Excite and Essence – with prices kicking off at $40,490 plus on-road costs – or $40,490 drive-away with the nationwide offer that lasts until May 31. However, that doesn’t mean it wont be extended or resumed at a later date – MG is prone to such things!
The cheapest S5 price is actually $500 higher than the BYD Atto 3 Essential ($39,990), but if you include the drive-away deal the MG is the better value SUV, saving buyers between $500-$2500 depending on which state you’re buying in.
Also incentivising owners to rush out and snap up the later more advanced MG S5 SUV over the outgoing ZS, the first 500 Australians to take delivery of the new MG, will get a free 7kW MG Charge Hub home charging point valued at $1199.
At the top of the tree the MG S5 Essence 62 costs $47,990 drive-away until May 31.
Combined with a single e-motor that produces 125kW/250Nm, the quickest versions of the MG S5 take 8.0 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h dash.
Driving range for the Excite 49 is 340km, while the flagship Essential 62 with the bigger battery can cover up to 425km, with both ranges recorded on the European WLTP testing.
DC charging for the 49kWh battery is up to 120kW, while the 62kWh accepts a charge at up to 150kW. A 30 to 80 per cent top up optimally takes around 19 minutes.
AC home charging is limited to just 6.6kW whichever model you choose.
A one-pedal driving setting is available, plus three levels of regenerative braking.
Choose the Excite trim and you get a 12.8-inch infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a four-speaker stereo, climate control, keyless entry and start.
The Essence trim adds heated faux leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, 360-degree camera, six-speaker sound system and wireless phone charging.
The new 2025 MG S5 SUV is expected to start deliveries in June.
How much does the 2025 MG S5 EV cost?
S5 EV Excite 49 – $40,490* or $40,490 drive-away**
S5 EV Essence 49 – $42,990* or $42,990 drive-away**
S5 EV Excite 62 – $44,990* or $44,990 drive-away**
S5 EV Essence 62 – $47,990* or $47,990 drive-away**
*plus on-road costs
**drive-away pricing expires May 31
