MGS5 EV confirmed for Malaysia: Should BYD, Proton be worried?

SAIC Motor is finally ready to continue its journey in Malaysia as the company has confirmed its next model for our market: the MGS5 EV. The new electric SUV will be making its way here following the MG Cyberster that was launched back in December.

SAIC Motor Malaysia has since opened up the registration of interest for the new model via the newly established mini-site for MGS5 EV. The site has also hinted that the model will be launched in May for our market.

Originally launched in China last October, the EV is called MG ES5 over there, but SAIC decided to use MGS5 EV for the international market instead. In the ASEAN region, the MGS5 EV was first launched in Thailand last month and will be making its official debut in Singapore later this week.

MGS5 EV quick specs

It is not yet known at the moment which MGS5 EV variants will be made available in Malaysia. Over in Thailand, the electric SUV is available in two battery configurations but with three trim options.

Built with a rear-wheel drive setup as standard, the MGS5 EV D and X are equipped with a 125kW electric motor that also produces 250Nm of torque.

Both of these variants are powered by a 50kWh LFP battery that allows them to deliver 416km of range, albeit on the more lenient NEDC standards. Under the WLTP standards, their range is much lower at 340km.

On the other hand, there’s the MGS5 EV V variant, which comes with a 64kWh NMC battery pack. This allows the variant to go much further with 550km of NEDC-rated range or 480km under WLTP standards. It also has the beefier 180kW electric motor with 350Nm of torque.

In terms of charging, the lower-end D and X variants support a DC charging speed of up to 88kW, while the top-of-the-line V option can go up to 140kW. Regardless of the variants and trims, all MGS5 EV for the Thai market comes with a 6kW AC onboard charger.

Other notable features across all MGS5 EV variants include a 12.8-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), and 6 airbags. The electric SUV also supports the MG iSMART mobile app that allows owners to remotely lock or unlock their car, check its location and charging status, as well as control the climate settings.

Can MGS5 EV rival the BYD Atto 3 and Proton e.MAS 7?

Given the form factor and design, it is just natural to compare the MGS5 EV with the current EV sales chart leader, the Proton e.MAS 7. The new EV is expected to face another fierce rival in the form of the BYD Atto 3, which was the most popular EV in Malaysia for the past two years.

When you look at its physical dimensions, the MGS5 EV is generally in the same league as other mainstream electric SUVs in Malaysia. While it might not be as roomy as the e.MAS 7, the MGS5 EV appears to have more space than the Atto 3 Ultra.

Here’s a quick physical comparison between the MGS5 EV and other mainstream electric SUVs in Malaysia:

As for performance, it depends on the variants that you choose. This is under the assumption that SAIC Motor will offer both battery options in Malaysia.

In terms of firepower and range, the high-spec MGS5 EV edges its competitors with a noticeable margin. At the same time, the variant with a 50kWh battery will likely go head-to-head against the e.MAS 7 Prime:

Of course, the real test for the MGS5 EV would be its driveability on Malaysian roads, which is something that we hope we can test soon enough. Not to forget, SAIC Motor also has to price it well enough in order to entice Malaysian consumers.