MG S5 EV vs BYD Atto 3 Battle Begins in Australia

Australia’s EV market is about to get another small electric SUV, with MG set to introduce the all-new S5 EV as a replacement for the ever-popular ZS EV. This highly anticipated model will officially arrive down under in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), bringing with it a fresh design, improved range, and a tech-laden interior that EV enthusiasts will love.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Atto 3 Price and Specs

A Sportier Successor with Shared DNA

The S5 EV isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a complete rethink of MG’s electric SUV offering. Built on the same Modular Scalable EV Platform as the sporty MG 4, the S5 EV boasts a well-balanced 47:53 weight distribution and a sophisticated five-link rear suspension setup. That means better handling, improved ride comfort, and a more engaging driving experience.

In the UK, where MG has already unveiled the S5 EV in detail, the SUV will be available in three configurations:

• SE Standard Range (49kWh battery, 340km WLTP range, 125kW motor, 8.0s 0-100km/h time)
• SE Long Range (64kWh battery, 480km WLTP range, 170kW motor, 6.3s 0-100km/h time)
• Trophy Long Range (64kWh battery, 463km WLTP range, 170kW motor, 6.3s 0-100km/h time)

▶️MORE: Australia's EV Market Set for a Big 2025

Charging speeds are solid, with the Standard Range model supporting DC fast charging up to 120kW (10-80% in 24 minutes), while the Long Range variants step it up to 139kW (10-80% in 28 minutes).

A High-Tech, Driver-Focused Cabin

Step inside the S5 EV, and you’ll be greeted by a feature-packed interior designed for modern EV drivers. MG has struck a balance between digital and physical controls, ensuring ease of use without burying essential functions in touchscreen menus. Highlights include:

• 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Physical controls for key functions like climate control and audio
• Programmable shortcut buttons on the steering wheel
• iSmart connectivity, allowing remote access to vehicle status, location, and air-conditioning controls
• Premium materials, including soft-touch plastics and available two-tone leatherette upholstery

Luxury features like a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and power-adjustable heated front seats are also available, depending on the variant.

▶️MORE: 2025 MG4 Price and Specs

Safety First: MG’s New “Pilot Custom” System

MG has always taken safety seriously, and the S5 EV is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert

One of the standout additions is MG Pilot Custom, which allows drivers to personalise and save their preferred driving assistance settings in an easily accessible menu.

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Practicality & Design Inspired by the Cyberster

MG has drawn inspiration from its eye-catching Cyberster roadster for the S5 EV’s design, and it shows. A bold split grille, distinctive chequered-flag LED lighting signatures, and a sporty stance give it a modern yet aggressive look.

With boot space measuring 453L (expanding to 1441L with rear seats folded), practicality hasn’t taken a backseat either. A power tailgate comes standard, making loading and unloading a breeze.

The S5 EV also offers an array of stylish colour options (UK lineup shown below, with Australian colours yet to be confirmed):

• Black Pearl
• Arctic White
• Cosmic Silver
• Camden Grey
• Dynamic Red
• Piccadilly Blue

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Atto 3 Price and Specs:

Size: Bigger and Bolder Than Before

For those wondering how the S5 EV stacks up against the outgoing ZS EV, the answer is simple, it’s bigger in every dimension. This makes it about the same size as the popular BYD Atto 3 SUV.

• Length: 4476mm
• Width (including mirrors): 2094mm
• Height: 1849mm
• Wheelbase: 2730mm
• Kerb weight: 1635-1725kg

The flagship Trophy trim rides on 18-inch alloys, slightly reducing its range compared to the 17-inch wheels on lower trims.

Coming to Australia Soon!

The MG S5 EV will make its Australian in-person debut in Melbourne at the Auto Show in April, where pricing and final specifications will be announced. Given MG’s aggressive pricing strategy in the EV market, we can expect it to be a compelling option for those looking for an affordable, feature-rich electric SUV.