The MG S5 EV receives updates including a stronger electric motor and improved driving range for its top Essence 62 model, as the brand trims the small electric SUV range to better compete with rivals like the BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5 and Hyundai Kona Electric.

For model year 2026 the MG S5 EV range shrinks from four variants to two after the entry-level Excite 49 and Excite 62 grades are removed.

Only the higher-specified Essence models remain, which MG Motor Australia noted represent about 80 per cent of current S5 EV sales.

The Essence 49 becomes the new base model and keeps its drive-away price of $42,990.

It retains the 125kW/250Nm rear-mounted electric motor and offers a claimed WLTP range of 335km from its 49kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

The most significant updates apply to the Essence 62, which continues at $47,990 drive-away and sits just below the new mid-size MG S6 EV Essence priced at $49,990 drive-away.

It now uses a stronger 150kW/350Nm electric motor, adding 25kW and 100Nm, which reduces the claimed 0-100km/h time from 8.6 seconds to 7.0 seconds.

These revisions also extend its claimed WLTP range by 25km to 450km on a full charge.

Driving range remains an important factor for Australian buyers, and ongoing gains help demonstrate that an EV can handle daily commutes and longer journeys, MG Motor Australia marketing manager Dimitri Andreatidis said.

Customer input and sales patterns guided these changes. The updated Essence 62 provides extra power and range at the same price, while the simplified range better matches buyer preferences, he added.

Both the Essence 49 and Essence 62 come with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 360-degree camera.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and a power tailgate with kick sensor are also included as standard.

The MG S5 EV arrived in Australia in April 2025 as the successor to the ZS EV. It ranked as the brand's second-best-selling electric vehicle after the MG 4 hatchback in the first half of 2026.

Pricing

Model	Drive-away price
2026 MG S5 EV Essence 49	$42,990
2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62	$47,990

MG is providing a $1000 discount on both S5 EV variants until July 31, 2026, lowering prices to $41,990 and $46,990 drive-away respectively.