The electric vehicle (EV) battle in Australia has never been fiercer. For years, the affordable end of the market was dominated by the value proposition of the MG ZS EV, while the mid-range was all about the disruptive arrival of the BYD Atto 3. Then, there was the Tesla Model Y, which redefined performance and tech in the family SUV space.

But now, a new challenger has arrived, and it’s making a serious statement: the 2025 MG S5 Essence. Built on the acclaimed modular platform that underpins the fun-to-drive MG4 hatch, the S5 isn’t just a replacement for the older ZS EV; it’s a revolutionary leap forward. Early reviews from Australian motoring journalists suggest that this small electric SUV has the polish, price, and practicality to become the new benchmark, directly challenging its key rivals, the BYD Atto 3 and even the ubiquitous Tesla.

💰 Sharp Pricing Meets Premium Kit: The Essence of Value

MG’s strategy has always been aggressive pricing, and the S5 EV is no exception. With a drive-away starting price that undercuts key rivals like the BYD Atto 3, the S5 immediately commands attention.

The top-of-the-range Essence variant, which we are focusing on, is where the value proposition truly shines. For a drive-away price just shy of $48,000 for the 62kWh Long Range model, you get a significant amount of standard equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• 360-degree camera
• Wireless phone charging
• Powered tailgate

This kind of feature list in a sub-$50k EV is what the Australian market craves—a premium feel without the premium price tag. The consensus from reviewers is that the S5’s interior is a vast improvement over previous MG models, with a blend of synthetic leather and cloth, appealing colour palettes, and soft-touch materials that genuinely elevate the cabin beyond its rivals.

🎛️ An Interior That Listens: Design & Tech Refinement

One of the S5’s most crucial upgrades, and a clear sign that MG is listening to customer feedback, is the brilliant reintroduction of physical controls. Below the sharp, new 12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen sits a panel of beautifully designed, metal-look physical switches and dials for climate control and audio volume.

“The new metal-look physical switchgear is intelligently designed—replacing screen-embedded HVAC for a proper external set-up… it’s exactly how all new cars should be.” – Australian Automotive Review

This simple addition transforms the daily driving experience, making essential adjustments quick, intuitive, and safer to use on the go—a significant win against the screen-heavy, button-less approach of some competitors. The new infotainment system itself is also rated highly, with vastly improved processing speed, better clarity, and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

🛣️ Drive Like an Aussie: Handling and Chassis Dynamics

The S5 EV is built on the same rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) as the highly praised MG4. This is a game-changer. Where the outgoing ZS EV felt like a regular SUV retrofitted with an electric motor, the S5 is a bespoke EV that benefits from a near 50:50 weight distribution and a sophisticated chassis.

Australian reviews consistently highlight the S5’s improved driving dynamics:

• Rear-Wheel Drive Feel: The RWD configuration provides a genuinely engaging, balanced, and sometimes even playful driving experience, giving it a dynamic edge over front-wheel-drive rivals like the Atto 3.
• Refined Suspension: MG has finessed the MSP platform for the S5, smoothing out the vertical abruptness over urban road scars that some critics noted in the MG4. While it remains a firm-riding car at low speeds, reviewers note it effortlessly absorbs the intrusive lumps and bumps of Aussie country roads at highway speeds.
• One-Pedal Braking: The regenerative braking is now superior, with the one-pedal mode finally delivering on its promise by being capable of smoothly bringing the car to a complete stop.

While the Australian-spec 125kW/250Nm motor across all variants isn’t going to win any drag races (0-100km/h in a respectable 8.6 seconds for the Essence 62kWh), it offers more than enough punch for zipping around town and feels urgent thanks to the instantaneous electric torque.

🔋 Range and Practicality: Hitting the Sweet Spot

The S5 Essence is available with two LFP (Lithium-Iron Phosphate) battery options:

For most Australian commuters, the Essence 62kWh with its real-world range of around 380km strikes the perfect balance for daily duties, occasional day trips, and value. While it may not challenge the long-distance touring capabilities of a Tesla Model Y Long Range, its urban-focused range is more than sufficient for the vast majority of drivers. The DC fast charging capability of up to 150kW in the larger battery is solid, allowing a 30-80% top-up in under half an hour.

Crucially for families, the S5 is a genuinely practical SUV. It’s noticeably longer and wider than the ZS EV it replaces, positioning it as a proper small-to-mid-sized SUV—similar in size to a Toyota Corolla Cross and longer than a BYD Atto 3.

• Boot Space: A healthy 453 litres (expanding to 1441L with seats folded) is an excellent figure, far more practical than the MG4.
• Rear Seats: The dedicated EV architecture means a flat floor and generous rear legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable space for adults or growing kids.

The Verdict: A New Benchmark is Cast

The 2025 MG S5 Essence is a compelling EV that simply cannot be ignored. It takes the dynamic excellence of the MG4 and wraps it in a larger, more mature, and significantly more practical SUV body.

It directly challenges the BYD Atto 3 by offering a more refined, higher-quality interior, better driving dynamics (thanks to RWD), and a much-needed suite of physical controls. While the Tesla Model Y still holds the crown for raw performance and maximum range, the S5 Essence offers a level of usable luxury, practicality, and driving enjoyment at a price point that makes the Model Y look like an aspirational stretch.

For the Australian EV buyer seeking an affordable, feature-packed, and genuinely enjoyable electric small SUV, the MG S5 Essence delivers. It has moved the affordable EV goalposts, proving that you no longer need to compromise significantly on driving pleasure or cabin quality when choosing to go electric. The competition has been put on notice.

Comparison of MG S5 Essence, BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, and Tesla Model Y RWD: Australian Features and Pricing Overview

Comparing electric vehicles can be complex, so a side-by-side table is the perfect way to look at the MG S5 Essence 62kWh, the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, and the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in the Australian market. Please note that pricing for EVs can fluctuate and indicative drive-away prices are an estimate based on a standard NSW delivery and may vary by state, options, and dealer.

⚡ EV SUV Comparison: MG S5, BYD Atto 3, and Tesla Model Y (Australia)

Key Takeaways:

• Price and Value: The MG S5 and BYD Atto 3 are positioned as direct and highly competitive rivals in the affordable EV SUV segment, with very similar pricing and range figures. The Tesla Model Y RWD is a significant step up in price.
• Performance: The Tesla Model Y offers substantially more power and a quicker 0-100 km/h time, making it the most performance-oriented of the three base models.
• Practicality: The Tesla Model Y leads significantly in cargo capacity, offering a much larger rear boot and the inclusion of a frunk. The MG S5 and BYD Atto 3 are closer in size.
• Technology & Charging: The Tesla Model Y has the highest DC fast-charging rate (along with its dedicated Supercharger network) and a unique, minimalist interior design. Both the MG S5 and BYD Atto 3 offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which is a useful feature for camping or power tools, and include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Note 1: The MG S5’s $47,990 is listed as a drive-away price on some sources, while others indicate a higher price, with the ex-government charges price around $47,990.

Note 2: The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range generally has a list price (before on-road costs) of $44,990, leading to the higher drive-away figure.

Note 3: The Tesla price range reflects the indicative drive-away pricing from various sources, which may include state-based taxes and charges. The list price (excluding on-road costs) is typically $55,900.

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EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.