The MG S6 is the car the Shanghai outfit has shaped to take on a Tesla setting a hot sales pace.

EXPECTATION is high for the MG model that sets out to match the best-selling electric in the market - though to meet, let alone beat, the best will demand a massive sales count.

The MG S6 revealed to motoring media today is a sister model to the S5 that came out late last year, also solely in top-end Essence specification.

The MG S6 is a bit larger, has a more rakish styling, stronger range from a bigger (77kWh) battery and the opportunity for all-wheel-drive.

In provisioning in $56,990 rear and $63,990 all-wheel-drive configurations, with the latter’s large glass roof the chief visible difference between the two, it sites slightly higher in the price structure than the S5, which has just gone to an improved drivetrain and a slightly decreased sticker.

Despite offering a healthy range in either format, MG S6 is aiming at the city-focused medium SUV segment, where a premium feel with attention to detail counts as highly as a decent range.

As such it can be expected to go head to head against the biggest new electric seller here, Tesla’s Model Y, which is back in fine form and making the most of resurgent interest in electric fired since February by awkward ‘Trump effect’ fossil fuel fluctuation.

In achieving 1908 registrations between January 1 and the end of June the Model Y is outselling the next most popular EV, BYD Atto 1, four-fold.

Last month was also the biggest yet in 2026 for Tesla’s SUV, with 908 registrations.

The best selling MG electric at the moment is the MG4, with 350 registrations as of end of June. The S5 has achieved 225 registrations.

Other competitors for the MG are the BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr’s 7X, respectively claiming 257 and 248 registrations year to date.

At today’s media event, MG NZ boss (country business manager in MG-speak) Dean Sheed proposed the MG S6 as being a car created for drivers seeking an elegantly designed, comfortable and capable mid-size SUV that supports school runs, city commutes, weekend escapes and the evolving needs of growing Kiwi families.

“This year has been a milestone for MG, with the MG S6 EV marking our third all-electric launch in 2026 so far and completing our most comprehensive EV lineup to date,” said Sheed.

“At a time when cost of living pressures are shaping household decisions, we’re proud to offer New Zealanders genuine choice.”

The MG4 and MG4 EV Urban hatchbacks, MG S5 and S6, IM6 and the Cyberster together formed “a full spectrum of electric mobility, spanning accessible everyday options right through to premium, high-performance models.

“The MGS6 EV plays a key role in that story, delivering refined comfort, smart technology and long-term value for families who want to step confidently into the future of electric mobility.”

The rear-drive MG S6 offers 180kW/350Nm and a WLTP range of 530km. The all-wheel-drive has 266kW/540Nm, a WLTP range of 485km and by delivering 0-100kmh in 5.1 seconds is 2.2s faster than its sibling.

Another rear-drive with a 62kWh battery has been discounted from NZ selection.

For comparison, that Tesla rear-drive Premium asks $67,900, has 220kW/440Nm from what’s believed to be a 64kWh battery (battery size is not published by Tesla and is an estimate), offers 466km WLTP, tops at 201kmh and lends 0-100kmh in 5.9s.

The LR Performance AWD is $77,900, also clocks 201kmh, does 0-100kmh in 4.8s and has a WLTP range of 600km. It has 378kW/493Nm.

MG’s AWD isn’t quite as it is labelled, as it only automatically engages the front motor when traction is limited.

Both versions are electronically limited to 200kmh, towing capacity of 750kg unbraked and 1500kg braked is cited either way and both can charge from 10-80 percent in 38 minutes at the maximum 144kW DC fast charge rate, with 11kW AC charging also available.

Built on MG’s Modular Scalable Platform, already used in the MG4, the MG S6 is all about space, family-friendly practicality, refinement and sharp handling, the brand says.

In MG-parlance, Essence is a high trim grade and as such, the S6 features an extensive list of standard equipment. They include: 20-inch alloy wheels, a tyre repair kit, automatic LED headlights, auto high-beam, electric tailgate, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth key, digital radio, on-board satellite navigation, 11-speaker audio system, 50W wireless phone charging, heated, leather trimmed steering wheel, one touch up and down power windows, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, six way electric driver seat and four way electric passenger seat, combination leatherette/suede trim, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, and two front USB-C outlets and two rear USB-C outlets.

At 4708mm long with a 2835mm wheelbase, the S6 is 232mm longer overall than the S5 and and has a 105mm more generous wheelbase. Kerb weight is 1880kg.

The RWD gets an 86-litre frunk, while the AWD can store 67 litres. The boot space offers up 581 litres (so about 40 ,litres more than the S5) with the second row in use, expanding out to a hefty 1690 litres with the 60:40 split second row folded down.

It offer five drive modes - ‘Normal’ is the default but there’s also ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, ‘Snow’ and ‘Custom’ to choose from - plus five levels of energy regeneration, including One-Pedal driving.

Seven airbags are standard, supported by the latest version of MG Pilot driver-assistance suite.

This includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping, Intelligent Speed Assist and a driver-monitoring system. Drivers can also customise assistance features through MG Pilot Custom.

MG says it collaborated with Continental on a new integrated braking booster for sharper brake response.

The model’s release comes just a week on from announcement of it having achieved a maximum five star result from national crash test regulator ANCAP.

The car’s styling is described as being technical and influenced by MG's Cyberster convertible.

There’s a split front grille, new LED lighting signatures, load-bearing roof rails and a full-width rear light bar designed for both aesthetics and improved aerodynamics.

Brand supports runs to a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and the opportunity to unlock up to 10 years or 250,000km of MG Service activated extended warranty.

MG says its support packages reflect its long-term investment in the Kiwi market and its expanding range of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Sheed said the car’s performance in ANCAP testing was also a solid sign. He was delighted the organisation had highlighted that the model had ‘very good all-round protection,’ with full points for protection of the driver in the full width and side impact crash tests. Protection of child occupants in the frontal offset and side impact tests was equally impressive.