2025 MG S5 EV Review: Why This £28,495 Electric SUV is Europe's Best Budget Choice

Picture this: you walk into a car showroom with a £30,000 budget, expecting to compromise on either space, range, or features when choosing an electric SUV. Then you discover the 2025 MG S5 EV – a vehicle that challenges everything you thought you knew about budget electric vehicles. With its starting price of just £28,495 and a maximum range of 298 miles, this Chinese-engineered SUV is making waves across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands where practical, value-conscious electric vehicle adoption continues to surge.

The electric vehicle landscape has transformed dramatically over the past year, with numerous manufacturers rushing to fill the affordable family SUV segment. Yet none have managed to strike quite the same balance between price, practicality, and performance as MG's latest offering. Built on the same dedicated electric platform as the acclaimed MG4 hatchback, the S5 EV represents a quantum leap from its predecessor, the ZS EV, addressing virtually every criticism leveled at the older model while actually reducing the price.

From Compromise to Competence: The S5 EV's Market Position

The S5 EV enters a fiercely competitive segment, facing established rivals like the Kia EV3, Škoda Elroq, and Renault Scenic E-Tech, while also competing against newer Chinese alternatives including the BYD Atto 3 and various emerging brands. What sets the MG apart isn't just its aggressive pricing strategy, but the comprehensive approach to addressing real-world family needs without the typical budget compromises.

Starting at £28,495 for the SE Standard Range model, the S5 EV undercuts key rivals like the Jeep Avenger Electric while offering significantly more interior space. This positioning becomes even more compelling when you consider that the fully-loaded Trophy Long Range model costs just £33,495 – often less than entry-level versions of premium competitors.

The vehicle's significance extends beyond mere affordability. MG sees its closest electric rivals as the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq and Hyundai Kona Electric, with additional competition from the BYD Atto3, Peugeot e-2008, and Honda e:Ny1. This positioning places the S5 EV directly in the mainstream family SUV segment, competing not just on electric vehicle terms but against traditional combustion alternatives.

During our extensive evaluation period, we discovered that the S5 EV's appeal lies not in revolutionary technology or cutting-edge design, but in its mature, well-rounded approach to electric family transport. For Nederlandse families considering their first electric vehicle or upgrading from an older EV, the comprehensive test results and detailed specifications reveal a vehicle that prioritizes substance over style, delivering genuine value without the usual compromises associated with budget offerings.

Engineering Excellence: Platform and Powertrain Innovation

The S5 EV is built on MG's dedicated Modular Scalable Platform, the same architecture underpinning the highly successful MG4 electric hatchback. This ground-up electric vehicle design eliminates the compromises inherent in converted combustion platforms, enabling optimal battery placement, superior weight distribution, and enhanced interior packaging efficiency.

The powertrain specifications reveal thoughtful engineering decisions that prioritize real-world usability over headline-grabbing performance figures. The entry-level Standard Range SE features a 47.1kWh battery with a 168bhp electric motor, achieving 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds with an official range of 211 miles. While these figures might seem modest compared to performance-focused alternatives, they represent a carefully balanced approach that maximizes efficiency and minimizes cost.

For buyers requiring extended range capability, the Long Range variants employ a larger 61.7kWh battery pack paired with a more powerful 227 horsepower motor. This configuration delivers an impressive 298 miles of WLTP range (288 miles for the Trophy due to larger wheels) while maintaining the same rear-wheel-drive architecture that provides engaging handling characteristics. The rear-motor placement not only improves weight distribution compared to front-drive alternatives but also enables the completely flat floor that enhances interior space utilization.

Charging capabilities reflect modern EV requirements without unnecessary complexity. The S5 EV supports DC rapid charging up to 139kW for the larger battery and 120kW for the standard pack, enabling 10-80% charging in approximately 24-28 minutes. These speeds, while not class-leading, prove perfectly adequate for real-world usage patterns and represent a significant improvement over the predecessor ZS EV.

Interior Revolution: Premium Feel at Budget Prices

Step inside the S5 EV and you're immediately struck by the transformation MG has achieved compared to previous budget offerings. MG has clearly listened to customer feedback, upgrading interior materials with soft-touch surfaces, perforated faux-leather steering wheel, and improved seat comfort. The cabin environment successfully avoids the hard, scratchy plastics that typically plague vehicles at this price point.

The technology integration deserves particular praise for its user-centric approach. The technology package includes a 12.8-inch HD landscape touchscreen – the largest ever fitted to an MG – complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Crucially, MG has resisted the industry trend toward touch-only interfaces, retaining physical controls for essential functions like climate adjustment and volume control.

Space utilization benefits enormously from the dedicated EV platform. The flat floor design, enabled by the rear-wheel-drive configuration, creates genuinely usable space for three rear passengers while maintaining comfortable accommodations for adults. This represents a significant advantage over many combustion-based competitors where transmission tunnels compromise rear seat comfort.

Real-World Performance: Efficiency Meets Practicality

During our comprehensive testing program across various Dutch driving conditions, the S5 EV demonstrated competent real-world performance that prioritizes consistency over excitement. The electric motor delivers seamless, smooth acceleration with instantaneous torque that feels "just right" rather than overwhelmingly powerful. This calibrated approach proves ideal for family use, providing adequate performance for highway merging and overtaking without the aggressive characteristics that can make some EVs challenging to drive smoothly.

Road testing revealed consumption figures around 17kWh/100km, suggesting real-world driving ranges of approximately 400km for the larger battery variant. These efficiency figures, while not exceptional, prove entirely adequate for typical family usage patterns and represent a significant improvement over the predecessor model.

The driving dynamics surprise with their sophistication, particularly given the budget positioning. The steering is light but accurate, allowing precise placement, while body control remains well-judged with mid-corner bumps barely fazing the S5 EV. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provides more engaging handling than typical front-drive alternatives, though the suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over outright sportiness.

Value Proposition: Disrupting Traditional Hierarchies

The entry-level SE Standard Range starts at £28,995, while the SE Long Range comes in at £30,995 and the Trophy Long Range at £33,495. This pricing structure disrupts traditional automotive hierarchies, offering equipment levels typically reserved for premium segments at mainstream prices.

The value equation becomes even more compelling when considering the comprehensive warranty coverage. The S5 EV comes with MG's class-leading seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, providing peace of mind despite the brand's historical reliability concerns. This extended coverage effectively mitigates ownership risks while demonstrating manufacturer confidence in the product.

For context, you'll get the base Kia EV3 for slightly less than the top-spec S5 Trophy, while the MG undercuts alternatives like the Renault Scenic by many thousands. This positioning strategy places maximum pressure on established manufacturers to justify their premium pricing while providing compelling value for budget-conscious buyers.

Competition Analysis: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

The electric family SUV segment has become increasingly crowded, with manufacturers racing to capture market share in this crucial category. The S5 joins the parade of Chinese-made electric crossovers in the UK, including the BYD Atto3, Omoda E5, Leapmotor C10, and others, illustrating the value available when manufacturing costs are optimized.

Against direct rivals, the S5 EV carves out a unique position through its combination of space, range, and equipment at its price point. The Long Range SE offers nearly 300 miles of range for under £31,000, positioning it as one of the best value propositions in the electric SUV market. This achievement becomes more impressive when considering that many competitors charge significantly more for equivalent range capability.

The vehicle's pragmatic approach to electric mobility resonates particularly well in markets like the Netherlands, where environmental consciousness combines with practical value considerations. Dutch buyers, who have led European EV adoption rates, appreciate vehicles that deliver genuine substance rather than superficial appeal – exactly what the S5 EV provides.

Future Prospects: Sustainable Success Strategy

The MG S5 EV represents a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers looking to enter the electric vehicle market, excelling in the areas that matter most to family buyers: space, range, equipment, and value. This focus on fundamentals over flashiness positions the vehicle well for sustained success as the EV market matures.

The S5 EV's arrival coincides perfectly with broader market trends toward affordability and practicality in electric vehicles. As early adopters transition to their second or third EVs, the emphasis shifts from novelty to competence – precisely where the S5 EV excels. For Nederlandse families, the combination of competitive range, comprehensive charging capability, and aggressive pricing aligns perfectly with local preferences for practical, value-oriented transport solutions.

Looking ahead, the S5 EV's success will likely depend on MG's ability to maintain quality while scaling production and managing supply chains. The comprehensive warranty provides confidence, while the dedicated EV platform offers scope for future developments and improvements. For buyers considering their electric vehicle options in 2025, the MG S5 EV presents a compelling argument that premium features and genuine capability need not require premium prices.

The electric revolution is no longer about early adoption or environmental statements – it's about practical, affordable transport that happens to be electric. The MG S5 EV understands this shift perfectly, delivering exactly what most families actually need rather than what automotive journalists might want. In doing so, it may well define the template for successful electric vehicles in the mainstream market.