MG boosts S5 EV performance

MG MOTOR Australia has upgraded its MG S5 EV range for 2026, delivering more power, stronger performance, and increased driving range for its range topping Essence 62 while streamlining the line-up to reflect changing customer demand.

The MY26 update sees the entry-level Excite grades removed from the retail range, leaving two Essence variants that MG says already account for more than 80 per cent of Australian customer orders.

Pricing remains unchanged, with the Essence 49 opening the range at $42,990 driveaway and the upgraded Essence 62 priced from $47,990 d/a.

A limited-time $1000 promotional offer reduces those prices to $41,990 and $46,990 respectively until 31 July.

The biggest changes centre on the Essence 62.

Its rear-mounted electric motor has been upgraded from 125kW/250Nm to 150kW/350Nm, representing increases of 25kW and 100Nm.

The revised powertrain cuts the claimed 0-100km/h sprint from 8.6 seconds to 7.0 seconds while simultaneously extending WLTP driving range by 25km to 450km from its 62kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

MG Motor says the revised motor features higher power density and improved efficiency, allowing the performance increase without sacrificing driving range.

The entry-level Essence 49 remains mechanically unchanged, retaining its 125kW/250Nm rear-mounted electric motor, 49kWh LFP battery, and 335km WLTP driving range.

According to MG Motor, the revised line-up reflects how Australian buyers are purchasing the vehicle, with the Essence 62 alone accounting for 58 per cent of total MG S5 EV sales since launch.

MG Motor Australia marketing director Dimitri Andreatidis said local buyers were becoming increasingly discerning as the EV market matured.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“That customer feedback and buying behaviour has helped shape these latest updates. 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.”

Built on MG's Modular Scalable Platform shared with the MG4 hatchback, the MGS5 EV retains its rear-wheel-drive layout and low-profile battery pack measuring just 110mm thick, helping maximise cabin space and contributing to balanced handling.

Both remaining variants continue to offer generous equipment levels.

Standard specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Additional features include a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable driver's seat, synthetic leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, and MG’s online connected services.

The MG S5 EV retains its five-star ANCAP safety rating and competes in Australia’s increasingly competitive small electric SUV segment against rivals including the BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5, and Hyundai Kona Electric.

With stronger performance, increased range, and a simplified model strategy aligned to customer demand, MG is reinforcing the S5 EV’s position as a compelling value proposition in Australia’s rapidly expanding electric SUV market.

2026 MG S5 EV pricing*:

*National driveway promotional pricing until July 31.