MG is back in the game with another electric contender – the all-new MG S5 EV – and it’s got all the right ingredients to shake up both novated leasing and fleet SUV shortlists. With a starting price under $45,000 for the Excite variant, over 400km of range from a 62kWh battery, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, it might just be the best-value electric SUV in the country right now.
A Familiar Shape with a Bold New Mission
Slotting between the smaller MG ZS EV and the MG4 hatch, the MG S5 EV offers a more traditional SUV silhouette but brings with it a dose of MG4 attitude – starting with the platform and drivetrain. Built on MG’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), it shares its underpinnings with the MG4 and the sporty Cyberster roadster. The standout mechanical trait? Rear-wheel drive. Yes, like the MG4, power goes to the rear wheels – a welcome change in a sea of front-drive electric SUVs and something keen drivers will appreciate on twisty roads or slippery inclines.
That rear-drive layout also helps balance the car’s handling and traction, particularly under acceleration or cornering – handy whether you’re tackling an urban roundabout or country backroad. It also gives the MG S5 EV a 53:47 weight distribution and benefits from MG’s five-link rear suspension for improved comfort and control.
Two Battery Options, One Clear Winner
The base Excite trim is available with either a 49kWh or a larger 62kWh battery, offering up to 515km of NEDC range – or more realistically, over 400km in typical Aussie conditions. That’s enough for most weekly commutes or a weekend away without anxiety. And DC fast charging will get you from 30–80% in under 20 minutes, if you can find the right charger.
It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), so you can run a laptop, blender, or even power tools straight from the car. That’s a practical edge for fleets doing field work or novated drivers living the #vanlife dream.
Fleet-Friendly Size, Everyday Practicality
At 4,476mm long and 1,621mm high, the MG S5 EV is a Goldilocks-size SUV – roomy without being hard to park, and spacious inside thanks to a super-thin 110mm battery that gives extra headroom. The interior feels larger than expected, helped by a clean design, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and (in the Essence variant) a panoramic sunroof. The boot is practical too, offering 1,441L with the seats folded, plus a hidden underfloor storage compartment.
From a Fleet Manager’s point of view, it hits the sweet spot – not too big, not too thirsty, and safe enough to tick every procurement box.
Safety Without the Premium Price Tag
MG continues its push to make premium features more accessible, and the MG S5 EV doesn’t skimp on safety. In May 2025, it received a full 5-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to a strong structure, seven airbags, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems branded as MG Pilot. This includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Keep Assist
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Door Opening Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
It’s one of the few electric SUVs under $50K that offers such a complete package.
Ideal for Salary Packaging
Let’s talk novated leasing. With an RRP below the $45,000 threshold, the Excite trim with the 62kWh battery qualifies for the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption on EVs. That means big savings on your monthly salary package – potentially thousands per year in take-home pay benefit. For employees looking to go electric without stretching the budget, it’s hard to ignore.
You also get a 10-year/250,000km warranty, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the MG iSMART app that lets you pre-condition the cabin, check charge status, and track your car via GPS.
Verdict: The Everyday EV Hero
The MG S5 EV blends the best of both worlds – a roomy SUV layout with the sporty attitude of the MG4, all at a price that keeps fleets and employees happy. For organisations looking to reduce emissions without busting the budget, or drivers eyeing a novated lease that actually saves money, this rear-wheel-drive SUV is a serious new player in the EV space.
Fleet Buyers:
- Under $45K with fleet potential? ✔️
- 5-star ANCAP safety? ✔️
- Rear-wheel drive with V2L and long range? ✔️
Novated Lease Drivers:
- FBT exemption? ✔️
- EV range with comfort and tech? ✔️
- Real-world practicality with SUV vibes? ✔️
Whether you’re buying for the business or bundling it into a novated lease, the MG S5 EV deserves a test drive – before the word gets out and the waitlists start growing.
For more info on novated leasing benefits or fleet EV comparisons, download the 2025 Novated Leasing Guide or browse the latest EV reviews at Fleet Auto News.
