S5 EV in two trim levels, two battery choices … big boots to fill.

THE successor car to an MG that was an earlier pioneer during the electric car boom of 2020 to 2023 has finally arrived.

The Sino-Brit brand’s distributor is not sharing any volume potential thoughts it has for the MGS5, a compact rear drive car with two sizes of battery and two trim levels which starts out at $44,990 and tops with a $10,000-dearer flagship.

However, the poor climate for EVs means it would be hard-pressed to immediately replicate the astounding run enjoyed, if just for a year or so, by the ZS EV it takes over from, but doesn’t build off.

What’s coming now is a fully fresh car - MG’s first dedicated battery-wed sports utility, albeit sharing a platform with a more recent hit, the MG 4 electric hatchback. ZS, meantime, continues, but now as seperate, petrol car.

EV selection has expanded considerably since the ZS’s heyday; whereas ZS was one of a few, the MGS5 faces many - the Omoda E5, Kia EV3 and BYD Atto3 would seem to stand out among potential rivals.

MG Motor’s regional chief executive officer Peter Ciao, is confident the car will resound with Kiwis on strength of its styling and technology.

“New Zealanders loved the driving dynamics of the MG4, with these carried over to the MGS5 EV. Our love of an SUV, combined with MG’s upgraded tech features, the MGS5 EV is sure to be embraced by Kiwi motorists.

“2025 continues to be an exciting year for MG Motor New Zealand and the MGS5 EV reflects the value MG is committed to delivering.”

Notwithstanding, electric sales are in a glacial recovery from the huge sudden slump of 2024 and only a few months ago Ciao indicated his make was putting more emphasis on hybrids than full electrics.

Restoring lost ground for the latter will be a priority for the make’s latest country manager, Dean Sheed. A very seasoned and highly respected industry figure who has worked for Ford, Volkswagen and Audi he has massive experience with electrics, having been integral to establishing the e-tron brand during his time heading Audi.

Last year MG was among distributors forced into heavily discounting product after interest in the tech all but skidded to a stop, a repercussion of a general new car buying slowdown, the loss of rebates and battery cars being hit by Road User Charges.

The MGS5 was revealed internationally last year and hit Australia, the regional base for MG and also common market, in May.

At that time, MG here said it had nothing to share about when for NZ.

It has, predictably, arrived in the same formats already being sent to Australia by the factory in China.

The car runs a single 125kW electric motor, and a choice of either a 49kWh or 62kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, in entry Excite and higher-trimmed Essence.

The entry model sells for $44,990 and $48,990; the Essence is $50,990 and $54,990.

The make might cause confusion by having sent out economy data measured to two formats - NEDC and WLTP - but astute Kiwis will understand the first outcomes, which are far moree flattering than the second, are considered a nonsense by NZ regulators. Hence why WLTP has been favoured since 2022.

The WLTP returns reflect that the Excites benefit from having slightly narrower and smaller diameter tyres than the Essence; the best performer for range is the 62kWh Excite with 430km predicted, a 5km gain over the Essence with the same battery.

The 49kWh cars achieve 340km and 335km.

The NEDC figures, which are still offer by some brands because they remain valid in Australia - are 75km to 90km more optimistic.

The entry car’s trim has 18-inch alloys wheels, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. Wireless and cabled Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is satellite navigation.

Essence scores synthetic leather and cloth seat upholstery with seat heating up front, the driver’s seat power-adjustable. A panoramic glass sunroof is standard in Essence grades, as is a powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, wireless smartphone charging and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Early bird buying has been incentivised with the make saying the first 30 customers who take delivery will receive a 7kW MG Charge Hub home charger when they collect their car.