MGS5 EV : The morning sun gleams off the sleek metallic body of the MGS5 EV as it sits quietly on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia. This moment marks a pivotal chapter in the electric vehicle revolution sweeping across the continent.
I’ve been given exclusive access to take the wheel of what many industry insiders are calling the most significant electric SUV to reach Australian shores this year.
Breaking New Ground
The automotive landscape in Australia has been transforming dramatically over the past three years. Electric vehicle adoption has doubled annually since 2022, with SUVs leading the charge in consumer preference. Yet amid this surge, a significant gap remained in the market: a genuinely Australian-focused electric SUV that combines rugged capability with the refined technology modern drivers expect.
The MGS5 EV emerges as a direct response to this void. Engineered through a collaboration between Australian automotive designers and an international technology consortium, this vehicle represents something genuinely novel—an electric SUV built with Australian conditions foremost in mind rather than adapted as an afterthought.
“We approached the MGS5 project with a fundamental question,” explains Olivia Thornton, Lead Engineer on the project. “What would an electric SUV look like if Australia’s unique driving conditions were considered from the first sketch?” The answer to that question now sits before me, its distinctive silhouette challenging conventional SUV design while promising to deliver a driving experience specifically calibrated for our roads, climate, and distances.
First Impressions: A Design Philosophy
Walking around the MGS5 EV, it becomes immediately apparent that this isn’t merely another entry in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market. Its exterior design strikes a compelling balance between futuristic elements and practical robustness. The vehicle stands taller than many competitors, with a ground clearance of 235mm that hints at serious off-road capabilities.
The front fascia abandons the sealed “grille” that has become somewhat clichéd in electric vehicle design. Instead, the MGS5 features an active cooling system with visible heat exchangers behind a protective mesh. This practical approach continues throughout the vehicle’s design language, where function consistently informs form rather than the reverse.
Perhaps most striking is the vehicle’s side profile, which incorporates what the designers call a “billabong line”—a distinctive flowing character line that sweeps from the front wheel arches across the doors before dramatically rising toward the rear quarters. This element not only gives the MGS5 a uniquely Australian visual signature but also serves aerodynamic purposes, reducing drag coefficient to a remarkable 0.27.
The vehicle’s dimensions (4,850mm length, 1,980mm width, and 1,760mm height) position it squarely in the mid-to-large SUV category, offering generous interior space while maintaining a footprint that remains manageable in urban environments.
Interior: Where Technology Meets Practicality
Stepping inside the MGS5 reveals an interior that defies the minimalist trend that has dominated electric vehicle cabins in recent years. Instead of removing physical controls in favor of touchscreen-only interfaces, the MGS5 strikes a thoughtful balance between digital and tactile interaction.
The driver faces a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while a 15-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment and vehicle settings. However, climate controls, drive modes, and other frequently used functions retain dedicated physical buttons and dials, positioned logically within easy reach. This hybrid approach acknowledges a reality that many manufacturers seem reluctant to accept: that touchscreens, while versatile, aren’t always the safest or most intuitive option while driving.
Materials throughout the cabin reflect both premium aspirations and practical considerations for Australian conditions. Seats upholstered in a breathable synthetic material developed specifically for hot climates resist heat buildup even when parked in direct sunlight. Surfaces that drivers frequently touch—the steering wheel, door handles, and center console—feature a unique cooling technology that maintains comfortable temperatures regardless of external conditions.
The MGS5’s interior space impresses with genuinely usable room for five adults, while cargo capacity stands at 675 liters with all seats in place, expanding to 1,840 liters with the rear seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions abound, including a 45-liter “frunk” (front trunk) that houses the vehicle’s portable charging equipment while leaving room for additional items.
Technological Integration: Beyond the Expected
The MGS5’s technological package extends well beyond the now-standard offerings found in premium electric vehicles. The infotainment system runs on an Australian-developed operating system called OzDrive that incorporates local mapping data with unprecedented detail, including off-road trails, remote fuel stations, and charging infrastructure.
Connectivity extends to a sophisticated smartphone integration system that not only mirrors apps but allows the vehicle and phone to function as an integrated ecosystem. The MGS5 app provides expected functions like remote climate control and charging management, but goes further with features like predictive range calculations based on planned routes, weather conditions, and even driving style.
Perhaps most impressive is the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance suite, which has been specifically calibrated for Australian conditions. The adaptive cruise control recognizes kangaroos and other wildlife through a specialized algorithm, while the lane-keeping system has been taught to interpret the sometimes faded or inconsistent road markings common on rural Australian roads.
Powertrain: Australian Engineering Meets Electric Performance
Under the skin, the MGS5 houses a dual-motor electric powertrain that delivers impressive numbers: 390kW (523 horsepower) combined output, 700Nm of instant torque, and acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. While these figures place the MGS5 firmly in performance territory, raw acceleration isn’t the primary focus of this powertrain.
Instead, the engineering team prioritized efficiency and thermal management—crucial considerations for Australian driving conditions. The battery system employs an advanced 98kWh lithium-ion pack with integrated cooling technology specifically designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures even during extended high-speed cruising in hot climates.
This focus on thermal efficiency pays dividends in both performance consistency and charging capability. The MGS5 supports DC fast charging at up to 250kW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 28 minutes under ideal conditions. More importantly for Australian drivers, the system maintains high charging rates even when battery temperatures rise after extended driving—a limitation that affects many current electric vehicles.
The claimed WLTP range of 510km is competitive, though perhaps not class-leading. However, real-world testing suggests this figure is genuinely achievable in mixed driving conditions, unlike the optimistic ratings of some competitors.
On The Road: The Australian Driving Experience
Setting off from Sydney toward the Blue Mountains provides an ideal testing ground for evaluating the MGS5’s on-road dynamics. Initial impressions center on the vehicle’s refinement—road and wind noise are exceptionally well suppressed, creating a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds.
The ride quality strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control. The adaptive air suspension, standard on all Australian MGS5 models, offers three distinct height settings and continuously variable damping. In its standard configuration, the system absorbs road imperfections with sophisticated compliance while maintaining body control during directional changes.
Steering feel, often a weakness in electric vehicles, deserves special mention. The variable-ratio system offers precise response around center with natural-feeling resistance that builds proportionally with steering angle. This characteristic makes the MGS5 feel surprisingly agile for its size during spirited driving while remaining relaxed and stable during highway cruising.
The brake system seamlessly blends regenerative and friction braking, with three selectable regeneration levels controlled via steering wheel paddles. At its highest setting, the system enables genuine one-pedal driving, though the middle setting proved most intuitive during my test drive, providing meaningful energy recovery without feeling artificially abrupt.
Off The Beaten Path: SUV Credentials Tested
Venturing off sealed roads reveals another dimension of the MGS5’s character. Engaging the off-road driving mode raises the air suspension to its maximum height, recalibrates throttle response, and activates the advanced traction control system optimized for low-grip surfaces.
On a challenging trail through the Blue Mountains, the MGS5 demonstrates capability that extends well beyond the “soft-roader” category where many electric SUVs belong. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers precise torque vectoring, sending power exactly where needed to maintain forward momentum.
Ground clearance proves more than adequate for moderate off-road use, while approach (32°), departure (28°), and breakover (22°) angles compare favorably with traditional internal combustion SUVs. The underfloor battery pack is protected by a substantial aluminum skid plate, alleviating concerns about damage during off-road excursions.
Perhaps most impressive is the MGS5’s off-road range management system, which dynamically calculates remaining range based on terrain difficulty, elevation changes, and driving style. This feature addresses one of the primary concerns Australian drivers express about taking electric vehicles into remote areas.
Charging Infrastructure: The Australian Reality
No review of an electric vehicle in Australia would be complete without addressing the charging infrastructure question. The MGS5’s navigation system includes real-time charging station availability and integrates with multiple charging networks through a unified account system.
During our test drive loop, we utilized three different fast-charging stations, each delivering performance in line with expectations. The MGS5’s charging port is sensibly positioned on the driver’s side front fender, making pull-through charging stations easily accessible without awkward cable stretching.
The vehicle’s onboard route planner intelligently incorporates charging stops into longer journeys, considering factors like charger speed, current station utilization, and even preferred stop locations for meals or breaks. This system functioned impressively during our test, accurately predicting charging times and energy consumption.
Value Proposition and Market Positioning
With a starting price of AUD $78,990 for the base “Expedition” model and extending to $96,990 for the range-topping “Outback” variant tested here, the MGS5 positions itself in the premium segment of the electric SUV market. This pricing structure places it in direct competition with established players like the Tesla Model Y Performance and Kia EV9, while undercutting the luxury offerings from European manufacturers.
The value equation strengthens when considering the comprehensive standard equipment list, which includes features often optional on competitors: the adaptive air suspension, premium audio system, advanced driver assistance suite, and heat pump climate system all come standard even on the base model.
Warranty coverage extends to 7 years for the vehicle and 8 years/200,000km for the battery system, with a guaranteed minimum 70% capacity retention over that period. Servicing costs are predictably lower than internal combustion alternatives, with scheduled maintenance required only every 24 months or 30,000km.
A Genuinely Australian Electric Option
After spending two full days with the MGS5 EV across varied driving conditions, its position in the market comes into clear focus. Rather than attempting to outdo established competitors in the numbers game of range, acceleration, or charging speed, the MGS5 distinguishes itself through thoughtful adaptation to Australian driving conditions and preferences.
The result is an electric SUV that feels purpose-built rather than adapted—a vehicle that acknowledges the realities of Australian distances, climate, and infrastructure while delivering a driving experience that combines refinement with genuine capability.
Is it perfect? No vehicle is. The infotainment system, while feature-rich, occasionally exhibited minor lag during our testing. The second-row seats, while spacious, lack the sliding functionality found in some competitors. And purists might question the artificial sound enhancement system that delivers a synthesized engine note in sport mode.
Yet these minor criticisms fade against the MGS5’s substantial achievements. By prioritizing real-world usability over headline-grabbing specifications, the development team has created an electric SUV that directly addresses the concerns that have made some Australian drivers hesitant to embrace electrification.
The MGS5 EV doesn’t merely match its international competitors—it establishes a new standard for vehicles developed with Australian conditions as a primary consideration rather than an afterthought. For drivers seeking an electric SUV that combines performance, practicality, and purpose-built design, the MGS5 represents not just a compelling option, but potentially a new benchmark.