2025 MG S5: ZS EV successor one step closer to Australia

The replacement for the MG ZS EV – one of Australia’s most affordable electric vehicles (EV) – has been approved for local roads, ahead of its release here in the first half of 2025.

Australian Government approval documents show the MG S5 small electric SUV – sold in China as the ES5 – has received design certification, after camouflaged prototypes of the new model were spotted on local roads in recent months.

MG Motor Australia has received certification for the S5 with the choice of three batteries and a single rear electric motor layout. The all-new small SUV is based on the same Modular Scalable Platform that also underpins the MG 4 electric hatch and Cyberster electric roadster.

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According to the documents, locally homologated battery options include 49kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP), 62kWh lithium iron phosphate and 64kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) packs – however, not all of these might go on sale.

The related MG 4 is sold in Australia with a choice of lithium iron phosphate (51kWh) or nickel manganese cobalt (64kWh and 77kWH) batteries, meaning we could only see the E5 with its 49kWh (LFP) and 64kWh (NMC) power packs.

Unlike the front-wheel drive MG ZS it replaces, drive is sent to the S5’s rear wheels only, through a 125kW/250Nm electric motor, also identical to that found in the MG 4.

In China, MG claims driving range figures of 425km for 49kWh versions and up to 525km for 62kWh versions, both on the lenient CLTC lab test cycle.

It hasn’t published provisional driving range figures for 64kWh battery-equipped S5s.

Measuring 4476mm long, 1849mm wide, and 1621mm tall, with a 2730mm wheelbase, the MG S5 is slightly larger than the outgoing ZS EV, and marginally bigger than the new-generation ZS small hybrid SUV.

Its size is also closer to the BYD Atto 3 than the Tesla Model Y, which are both classed as mid-sized SUVs, though the S5 is expected to be priced in competition with the former.

Overseas, standard equipment in the MG S5 includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, leather upholstery and both heated and ventilated seats.

While MG has received ADR approval for the S5 in ‘COM’ and ‘LUX’ guises – or comfort and luxury – it’s expected it’ll move to the brand’s Excite and Essence variant branding when it officially launches.

More information on the MG S5 is expected to be officially announced ahead of its Australian launch in the first half of 2025.

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