SAIC-MG has unveiled its new electric SUV in China, which will serve as a replacement for the ZS EV and will be exported to markets including Europe, the UK and Australia.
The export of the MG ES5 model will start next year, and rivals such as the Kia EV4 and the Peugeot e-2008 are waiting for it in Europe.
The MG ES5 shares an electric car platform with the MG4 hatchback, has a wider wheel track and a sleeker design compared to its predecessor.
The MG ZS received a new generation for 2025, but it only has a hybrid drive, so it was left without a fully electric option. Instead of adopting a similar design for the successor to the all-electric ZS EV, the company decided to launch a completely different model and take advantage of the latest advances in its electric vehicle technology.
The ES5 adopts a clean design language and grille-less grille that differentiates it from MG’s combustion engine models. The intakes in the bumper are reminiscent of the MG Cyberster roadster, while the split LED lights are slimmer and more aggressive than before. The profile is fairly generic, while the full-length taillights have a similar shape to those on the MG4.
The electric SUV is 4,476mm long, which means it’s 162mm longer than the outgoing ZS EV, and most of the extra length comes from the wheelbase, which has been increased to 2,730mm.
Inside is a steering wheel with a flat bottom, behind which is a digital instrument panel. There is also a large touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a “floating” center console.
The MG ES5 shares the MSP platform with the MG4 hatchback, and is powered by a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, delivering 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It is still unknown whether this model will be available with two electric motors in the future.
It will be sold in China with three different ultra-thin lithium-iron-phosphate batteries produced in collaboration between SAIC and CATL. The largest battery will have a capacity of 62.2 kWh and will enable a range of 525 kilometers.
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