MG MGS5 EV (2025-2026)

This is a review at 5 months after purchase of a new vehicle (2025 build date) now I am more used to its peculiarities. The user manual is on a phone app and is almost useless (charging instructions are ambiguous and ~300pages in!) but there are good 3rd party videos readily available online, and ChatGTP is a good resource. The build quality is good as is the ride, the road holding and the brakes, and the acceleration is very adequate. The worry-free range is ~350km from a full charge ( can probably go 400km), but I wouldn't plan a long trip with more than 250km between charging stations. The bad aspect is the user interface. The accelerator, brakes and steering are fine, but everything else seems like a first experiment in the use of computer control via momentary switches and touch screens. Most of the buttons and functions are not where a driver might expect, and their functions change depending on the previous state of the system. The only direct hazard is when parking: the Forward/Park/Reverse momentary switch often doesn't work first time: it's erratic, so you must check the visual indicator on the switch each time before applying accelerator.

There is no "power off" function that can be accessed from the driver's seat: sitting in the seat activates all systems. There is a "power off" touchscreen control a couple of menus in, but this only disconnects the main , high voltage battery, leaving all the lights and accessories to run down the 12v system battery. The only way to power off is to leave the vehicle and lock it. Failure to lock the car will mean the headlights will come on when it gets dark. There is often a cacophany of unnecessary a and prolonged alerts when driving, e.g. when entering real or imagined speed zones and many make little sense ("WARNING! READY MODE!" if door not properly closed) I could imagine this all working ok if there were a heads-up display and sensible messages, but it takes a while to get used to ignoring the distractions and keeping eyes on the road. Overall, this is a good vehicle and good value, but if you are new to EVs, you might need to spend rather more and get a more developed model like a Volvo, which is more intuitive.

So disappointed with the quality of this vehicle. I purchased it brand new in 2025 at launch. Since then it's been nothing but problems. I've had the same part replaced three times without the issue being resolved, not to mention the bugs that show up (the system updated while I was doing 110kmph on the M1 going down to the gold coast, which activated every safety system it had and almost threw me off the road). The dealership doesn't care or want anything to do with it, and keeps insisting I have "warranty" and that should be good enough. This will most likely end up with lawyers involved because I'm sick of this safety hazard on wheels.

We purchased this car in November 2025, it is our second MG. It is our first EV and we are very pleasantly surprised. It’s hard to fault the car. Build quality is good, accessories are comprehensive and we’ve had no problems. It obviously very quiet and smooth with plenty of acceleration. As with most modern cars the accessories can be annoying but we’ve overcome that matter. The best feature is the MG App allowing us to control many features via WIFI.