MG Motor Australia has strengthened the MGS5 EV line-up for 2026, giving the flagship Essence 62 more power, greater driving range and improved performance without increasing its drive-away price.
The update reflects strong customer demand for the higher-specification versions of the compact electric SUV. More than 80 per cent of MGS5 EV orders since launch have been for Essence variants, while the Essence 62 has accounted for 58 per cent of total sales.
A stronger flagship model
The upgraded MGS5 EV Essence 62 now produces 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque, up from 125kW and 250Nm.
That improvement reduces the claimed 0–100km/h time from 8.6 seconds to 7.0 seconds, giving the vehicle more confident performance for urban driving, motorway merging and longer regional trips.
Driving range has also increased to up to 450km under the WLTP testing standard. MG says the upgraded motor uses advanced technology to deliver higher power density and improved efficiency.
For Fleet Managers, the additional range is likely to be the most valuable part of the update. A longer operating window can make the vehicle suitable for more daily fleet tasks and reduce the likelihood of drivers needing to use public charging during working hours.
More capability at the same price
MG has retained the current drive-away price for the Essence 62 despite the increase in power and range.
That gives organisations assessing electric SUVs a stronger value proposition, particularly when vehicle capability is considered alongside whole-of-life cost, charging requirements and driver acceptance.
The improved range may also provide more flexibility for fleets that operate across a mix of metropolitan and regional routes, or where daily travel varies between drivers.
MG Motor Australia Marketing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Dimitri Andreatidis, said the update was shaped by customer feedback and purchasing behaviour.
“That customer feedback and buying behaviour has helped shape these latest updates. The updated Essence 62 delivers more power and greater driving range while remaining at the same price, and we’ve simplified the line-up to better reflect what Australian customers are choosing.”
A simpler line-up
As part of the update, MG has streamlined the MGS5 EV range.
The Excite 49 and Excite 62 are no longer available for customer orders, while the Essence 49 remains unchanged. The move leaves buyers with a clearer choice between two well-equipped variants and reflects the strong preference for higher-specification models.
For fleet buyers, a simpler range can make vehicle comparison and policy development easier. It also reduces the complexity involved in selecting standard fleet grades across different business units.
Buyers are becoming more confident about EVs
MG says the purchasing pattern shows that Australian EV customers are moving beyond simply choosing an electric vehicle and are placing greater emphasis on range, technology and everyday performance.
“The Australian EV market continues to grow, but it’s also maturing, and customers have a much clearer understanding of what they’re looking for in an electric vehicle,” Andreatidis said.
“When EVs first entered the market, many buyers were focused on making the switch. Today, they’re comparing vehicles much more closely and placing greater emphasis on how a vehicle performs in everyday driving, the range it offers and the technology it provides.”
This is a positive development for the fleet market. As more organisations gain experience with electric vehicles, vehicle selection is becoming more closely aligned with operational needs rather than broad sustainability targets alone.
Fleet Managers can now compare a growing number of EVs based on daily kilometres, overnight parking, driver requirements, charging availability and whole-of-life cost.
Well suited to everyday fleet use
The MGS5 EV is built on the same Modular Scalable Platform as the MG4 EV and uses a rear-wheel-drive layout.
Its 110mm-high battery pack helps maximise interior space, supporting the practical cabin expected from a compact SUV. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a hands-free power tailgate are standard across the remaining variants.
The model also carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which will support organisations with minimum safety requirements in their fleet policies.
