MGS5 vs MG4: Has MG Successfully Transformed Popular Electric Hatch Into Compelling SUV?

No automotive journalist has conducted this comprehensive head-to-head comparison between MG's popular MG4 electric hatchback and its new SUV sibling, the MGS5.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

After spending a week with a media loan MGS5 Essence 62 alongside my own MG4 Essence 77 Long Range, I can definitively answer whether transforming the MG4's electric chassis into an SUV format has resulted in a genuinely compelling vehicle.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

The MGS5 represents MG Motor Australia's direct response to owner feedback from the MG4, one of Australia's most popular electric cars. The question remains: does this elevated, more expensive SUV variant justify its premium while maintaining the driving characteristics that made the MG4 so appealing?

MG Motors Australia Listens to Customer Feedback

MG Motor Australia has genuinely listened to MG4 owner feedback, retaining successful features whilst addressing common complaints. The company has preserved beloved elements like one-pedal driving while introducing practical improvements that owners specifically requested.

The most significant enhancement comes via MG Pilot Custom functionality.

This system allows drivers to configure safety settings once and save them permanently, eliminating the frustrating need to reconfigure settings every time the vehicle starts — a common complaint amongst many electric car owners.

Enhanced Technology and Visual Systems

360-Degree Camera Quality The MGS5's 360-degree camera system delivers substantially clearer imagery compared to the MG4's Essence specification camera, providing excellent visibility during both day and night conditions.

Infotainment Boot Speed While some MG4 owners complained about infotainment system startup times, the MGS5 demonstrates noticeably faster boot speeds, though the improvement may only matter to particularly impatient drivers.

Modern Screen Technology The MGS5 features larger, more responsive touchscreens compared to the MG4's slightly smaller and occasionally laggy displays, though functionality remains largely identical once Android Auto connects.

Powertrain and Performance Differences

The MGS5 essentially represents the MG4 platform elevated into an SUV configuration, but with significant powertrain changes.

All MGS5 variants sold in Australia utilise LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, contrasting with the MG4 range which predominantly features NMC batteries in Excite and Essence specs beyond the base model.

Every MGS5 variant produces identical outputs of 125kW and 250Nm.

Unlike the MG4, where power increases with higher trims, the MGS5 maintains consistent performance across the range.

As a result, the MGS5 doesn’t deliver the zippy acceleration of the MG4, which helped it stand out from rivals like the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora. Performance remains adequate for size and purpose.

Practical Key and Access Features

Multi-Modal Key Operation MG's key system offers excellent versatility, supporting traditional button-press operation alongside proximity-based access where owners can simply approach the vehicle with keys in pockets or bags.

Door Handle Integration Both driver and passenger door handles feature integrated unlock buttons, whilst the mobile app provides additional remote access options.

Charging Capabilities Show Clear Advantages

AC Charging Specifications The MGS5 delivers 6.6kW single-phase AC charging across all Australian market variants, providing consistent home charging capability regardless of specification level.

DC Fast Charging Performance MGS5 DC fast charging rates significantly exceed many competitors, with Excite models achieving 120kW and Essence variants reaching 150kW - substantially faster than alternatives like the GE EX5 which peaks at 100kW.

MG4 Charging Comparison The MG4 range presents mixed charging capabilities: Excite and Essence 51 and 64 variants offer 6.6kW home charging, while the MG4 Essence 77 provides 11kW capability.

DC charging varies considerably, with the base model managing just 88kW, whilst Excite 64, Essence 64, and Essence 77 variants achieve 144kW DC fast charging rates.

Exterior Design and Premium Touches

Automatic Mirror Functionality Like the MG4, wing mirrors automatically extend when unlocking and retract when locking the vehicle, though this feature remains exclusive to Essence specification levels.

Interior Design Philosophy Comparison

The MGS5 interior represents a modernised interpretation of the MG4's cabin architecture. The most noticeable difference involves the introduction of a central console area, contrasting with the MG4's more open floor space design.

Personal preference will determine whether drivers prefer the MGS5's more enclosed, storage-focused layout versus the MG4's spacious feel.

Some MG4 owners found the gear shifter positioning problematic, occasionally striking their knees during entry and exit.

The MGS5 addresses this concern by relocating the shifter to a lower, less intrusive position, though this change may not suit all drivers' preferences.

Interior Quality and Materials

The MGS5's interior demonstrates subtle but noticeable premium improvements over the MG4 without representing a dramatic quality leap.

Essence specification models feature identical half-pleather, half-fabric seat combinations, though personal preferences vary between all-fabric and all-pleather options, with aftermarket seat covers remaining viable for customisation.

Rear Passenger Improvements

Enhanced Rear Amenities The MGS5 rear seating area includes fold-down cup holders with integrated stands, providing improved passenger convenience compared to the MG4.

Improved Lighting MG has finally addressed rear passenger lighting deficiencies by including individual reading lights for each rear seating position, each with independent control functionality.

USB Charging Limitations Despite improvements elsewhere, the MGS5 retains just one USB-C port for rear passengers, matching the MG4's limited rear charging provision.

Sunroof Integration

Built-In Sunroof System The MGS5 Essence includes an integrated sunroof with built-in cover functionality, representing a significant advantage over the MG4 which offered no sunroof options.

Practical Considerations While sunroofs provide desirable features for many buyers, Australian climate conditions may make this feature problematic for vehicles parked outdoors during summer months, potentially creating excessive cabin heating.

Superior Integration The built-in sunroof cover eliminates the need for aftermarket accessories, contrasting favourably with brands like Tesla which require additional purchases for sunroof covers.

Controls and User Interface

Steering Wheel Consistency Both vehicles utilise virtually identical steering wheels from MG's parts inventory, with only minor button functionality differences between models.

Climate Control Improvements The MGS5 features physical knobs for air conditioning, volume, and fan speed control, representing a substantial improvement over the MG4's touch-screen-only climate interface.

Traditional Control Elements Both vehicles maintain separate window controls rather than combining front and rear functions into single buttons, avoiding the frustrating approach adopted by some manufacturers.

Boot Space and Practicality

The MGS5's 19cm length advantage over the MG4 translates into significant cargo capacity improvements.

While the MG4 Essence 77 Long range provides approximately 350 litres of boot space, the MGS5 delivers 450 litres - an additional 100 litres of cargo capacity.

Under-Floor Storage The MGS5 includes substantial under-floor storage compartments with sufficient space for spare wheel storage and tie-down points in each corner for cargo security.

Dual-Level Configuration The boot features adjustable floor levels, allowing users to prioritise either maximum depth or convenient loading height depending on cargo requirements.

Powered Tailgate MGS5 Essence models include powered tailgate functionality, distinguishing it from the manual-only MG4 tailgate operation.

Standard Equipment and Value Considerations

Included Charging Equipment Both vehicles include basic power socket chargers, though these provide slow charging speeds unsuitable for regular use.

Missing Accessories. Neither includes a Type 2 cable or V2L adapter — unlike BYD which offers more inclusions.

Practical Storage Solutions Both models accommodate charging cable storage within boot side compartments for owners preferring to carry cables permanently.

Final Verdict

The MGS5 successfully translates the MG4’s appeal into an SUV format while adding practicality, technology, and charging improvements.

The elevated driving position, increased boot space, enhanced technology, and superior charging capabilities justify the premium positioning, though the reduced performance compared to higher-specification MG4 variants may disappoint driving enthusiasts.

For buyers prioritising practicality, technology, and SUV styling over maximum performance, the MGS5 represents a compelling evolution of MG's electric vehicle formula.

However, drivers seeking the spirited performance characteristics that distinguished the MG4 from competitors should carefully consider whether the MGS5's more conservative power delivery meets their expectations.