Here are MG S5 EV's strengths, weaknesses

Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines has recently expanded its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the S5 crossover. Furthermore, it has also gained another contender in the very competitive compact crossover segment. 

But does the MG S5 EV have any particular weaknesses? Also, what are its key strengths? Let's find out here. 

Pros

Peppy, efficient performance

Propelling the MG S5 EV is a rear-mounted electric motor that can deliver up to 167 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of torque, giving the EV ample performance for everyday driving. The motor is paired with a 49-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, providing the EV with a range of up to 415 kilometers, according to the New European Driving Cycle.

Topping up the model is done through direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) charging. It likewise comes with regenerative braking and a vehicle-to-load feature, adding convenience and versatility to its electric powertrain.

Using its DC port, the model can be charged from 10-80 percent in just 24 minutes, making it easier to get back on the road during longer trips.

Notably, the car boasts a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28, which helps contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency. The aforementioned was achieved by the S5 EV through its active grille shutters, aerodynamic wheels, and air dams.

For ride quality and stability, the model uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. It also has front and rear disc brakes. 

However, another reason to buy the MG S5 EV, apart from its powertrain, is the fact that it is rear-wheel-drive. This can result in a better or more enjoyable driving experience for most, as it separates the steering axle from the one that propels the car. This creates better rotation when cornering. And coupled with the car’s low center of gravity, it has better weight balance and slightly better traction during takeoff as well. 

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Sensible interior, plenty of safety gear

Inside the MG S5 EV, a minimalist cabin is brimming with technology, making it a well-equipped space for both drivers and passengers. Specific components in this regard include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

These are paired with fabric/leather seats, automatic climate controls, a dial-type gear selector, an electronic parking brake, and a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel, adding both comfort and convenience to the cabin.

For device charging, the model comes with multiple USB charging ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad, making it easy to keep devices powered while on the go.

Safety-wise, the MG S5 EV’s standard kit is what you’d expect from a modern crossover. Its standard kit has anti-lock braking, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, ISOFIX, tire pressure monitoring, and a total of seven airbags.

It adds to these passive safety features with the MG Pilot suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), giving the S5 EV an added layer of protection and convenience. These include, but are not limited to:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic jam assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Blind spot detection with lane change assist
• Intelligent speed limit
• Driver monitoring

Attractive exterior 

Another reason to buy the MG S5 EV is its head-turning good looks. Specifically, it features MG’s current sleek, modern design language, giving the S5 EV a clean, contemporary appearance. The MG S5 EV has a pointed front end, sharp LED headlamp fixtures, and a straightforward front bumper. The vehicle doesn’t have a grille, resulting in a clean and elegant look.

This is paired with a minimalist side profile with some measure of black plastic cladding on its side sills and wheel arches. The vehicle also gets chrome trimmings on its windows, physical door handles, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 tires.

At the rear of the MG S5 EV is a horizontal light bar, a lower rear bumper decorated with a silver garnish, and a roof-mounted spoiler, completing its modern crossover look.

Size-wise, the model is 4,476 millimeters (mm) long, 1,849 mm wide, and 1,621 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,730 mm, giving the S5 EV a well-proportioned footprint for a modern electric crossover.

Cons

Touchscreen dependent

The MG S5 EV does get some physical controls, but some functions, especially in connection to its automatic air-conditioning, are tied to the car's touchscreen. 

We understand that having fewer physical buttons can make the cabin sleeker (and cheaper to produce/easier to design around), but as we've said before, most drivers will always prefer having actual buttons or knobs, especially for climate controls. 

This is because it is the most actively used feature of the car when driving, and having something that you won't need to look at directly to use will always be safer. 

MG S5 EV: specifications

Model	MG S5 EV
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,476 x 1,849 x 1,621
Wheelbase (mm)	2,730
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Manual-adjust front seats Four-piece speaker set Automatic climate control USB Ports Smart entry system 10.25-inch digital gauge  Tilt and telescopic steering column Electronic parking brake Roof rails Active grille shutter Power-adjust side mirrors with heating Automatic headlamps Vehicle-to-load feature 60:40 split-fold rear seats
Infotainment system	12.8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Battery Capacity	49 kilowatt-hour
Range	415 km (NEDC
Charging	AC/DC CCS2/Type 2
Horsepower	167
Torque	250 Nm
Technology
ADAS	Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Traffic jam assist Lane departure warning Lane keep assist Blind spot detection with lane change assist Intelligent speed limit Driver monitoring
Price	P1,448,888

Final thoughts

Overall, the MG S5 EV is well worth what it is offering. Sure, it doesn’t blow you away with loads of amenities, but what it has will keep daily driving or even long road trips relatively comfortable. 

On the one hand, the model has a good array of digital displays and safety technologies. So, while it doesn’t have niceties like power-adjustable seats, it has a very comprehensive ADAS suite and isn’t wanting when it comes to infotainment. 

The crown jewel of this relatively affordable EV crossover, however, is its powertrain. It comes with a decent range, fast charging, and ample maximum output. 

So, if you like what you see in the S5 EV, do not hesitate to visit the nearest MG dealership and ask for a test drive. 

Also read:

MMDA, LGUs boost coordinated traffic, transport management along Marcos Highway

MG Motor PH to launch S5 EV this week

Upcoming MG S5 EV to join PH’s growing compact Chinese RWD EV segment

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