Will the next-gen MG ZS EV (MG S5) hit UK dealers in early 2025?

Update (September 30, 2024): ‘Spotted testing in UK, Prague & Australia’ section included to the story.

MG has sold well over a million vehicles in overseas markets since its revival in 2007. The ZS model – offered as an EV variant – has played a significant role in reaching this sales milestone, as well as giving the brand a much-needed image makeover. The next-gen MG ZS EV is anticipated to build on this success. With sweeping changes, the new ZS EV could be more popular than its predecessor, especially in Europe, where demand for electric SUVs is soaring.

Design & Branding

A new model called ‘MG S5 EV’ has popped up in a Chinese government filing, and is expected to replace the MG ZS EV in global markets. MG is employing alphanumeric and words for the branding of its electric models, while likely designating the ‘ZS’ name for the petrol and hybrid variants.

The MG S5 is significantly bigger and more assertive, marking a major departure from the basic styling of the current ZS EV. Measuring 4,476 mm in length, 1,849 mm in width, and 1,621 mm in height, respectively, it is 153 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and up to 28 mm lower. Its wheelbase, at 2,730 mm, is 149 mm longer.

The split headlights, wider air intakes, and aggressive front bumper give it a more fierce look. On the sides, the flush roof rails, curvier glasshouse, and bigger (18-inch) wheels complete its more sophisticated appearance. At the back, the sleek and super-wide tail lamps meet the brand logo in the centre and emphasize the high-tech nature of the vehicle.

Gauging from photos of test prototypes, it appears that at least three different wheel designs will be available globally. In addition to the dual-spoke wheels revealed in the MIIT filings, we’ve observed a design similar to the ‘Jetstream’ wheels offered on the Cyberster, as well as a prototype featuring wind-resistant aero covers.

Interior

Going by recent spy photos, the interior will have plenty of similarities with the MG4 EV electric hatchback. Besides being minimalist and more elegant than today’s SUV, it is expected to offer better space and practicality.

MG iSMART infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, power adjustable driver’s seat, and a 360-degree camera system are expected to form the equipment highlights. The MG Pilot suite of ADAS, including new features like Door Opening Warning and Driver Attention Alert, is all but given.

Specifications

MSP Platform

We can tell from the proportions that the MG S5 has upgraded to the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), used in the MG4 EV. This is a big departure from the ZS EV which shares its bones with the petrol variants. MSP is a new rear-wheel drive platform SAIC has developed exclusively for EVs, and it allows an AWD drivetrain layout as well, with an additional motor mounted on the front axle. It is flexible and suitable for wheelbases between 2,650 and 3,100 mm.

Battery & Range

Our expectation is that the MG S5 will come with a 64 kWh (nominal) battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of over 250 miles, and a 77 kWh (nominal) battery pack that returns a higher WLTP range of around 300 miles.

Motor & Charging

Preliminary data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) suggests that MG will install a 125 kW (168 hp) motor in the base S5 EV. The company should offer a 150 kW (201 hp) motor also higher up the range, for a balance of fun and range.

If MG is feeling playful, a 320 kW (429 hp) dual-motor performance variant would be the range-topper. We say this as the platform is capable of high specification and the same is available in the MG4. The performance variant could be called MG S5 XPower. The ‘XPower’ moniker carries a legacy of performance and sportiness within MG, which was reintroduced in May 2021 with the performance version of the MG6.

The highest charging power could be 11 kW (AC)/140 kW (DC), a significant improvement over today’s car. Expect a typical 10-80% DC fast-charging session to take close to 30 minutes.

Price & Release Date

MG will replace all its models in the UK, except for the MG4 EV, by the end of 2024, Guy Pigounakis, the Commercial Director at the company’s local subsidiary, said, as per an Autocar report dated November 28, 2022.

However, as often happens in the auto industry, the timelines may have experienced some slight delays. MG is now likely to unveil the next-gen model in Q4 2024, with a potential UK sales launch in early 2025. Positioned above the MG4 EV, the all-new compact SUV is expected to retail between £32,000 and £40,000.

Spotted testing in UK, Prague & Australia

The MG S5 has been spotted testing in Sydney, Australia. CarExpert reports that the upcoming model will arrive in the first half of 2025 down under, sporting the S5 badge. Reddit users have also spotted test units in Prague, Czech Republic, and in the UK. These camouflaged prototypes suggest MG is developing both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive versions simultaneously and is nearing the final stages of global testing and validation.

TopElectricSUV says

The next-gen MG ZS EV/MG S5 EV should be bolder, more digitalized, safer, and perhaps better VFM. As a dedicated EV, it should offer significant performance, efficiency, and space improvements over today’s car. Priced around GBP 32,000, it could be an attractive choice for electric SUV buyers seeking a practical vehicle, and might pose a difficult challenge to competing Korean and European models.

Next-gen MG ZS EV/MG S5 FAQs

Featured Image: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)