Push, not pull: MG S5 EV makes the case for rear-wheel drive fun
Of all the MG vehicles introduced locally by MG Motor Philippines, the one I have been most curious to try is the recently launched S5 EV (on display until today at the Central Atrium of SM Mall of Asia).
The Morris Garages brand, which marries British design heritage with modern Chinese engineering, claims that unlike many compact electric crossovers, the S5 EV sends power strictly to the rear wheels. The goal here is to deliver engaging, agile road dynamics without compromising everyday utility for city commutes, errands, and weekend road trips.
The spec sheet shows a thoughtful setup. Drivers can toggle between normal, sport, comfort, snow, and custom drive modes. Powering the compact SUV is a 49-kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery capable of up to 120-kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10% to 90% top-up in roughly 24 minutes under optimal conditions. AC charging is rated up to 7 kW, with a claimed 415-km NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) range.
Real driving feel
MG Motor Philippines positions the rear-wheel-drive layout as the key differentiator in a sea of “ordinary” commuter EVs.
During last month’s Multiply Greatness Tour at the Trinoma Activity Center, MG Philippines vice president Karl Magsuci explained the rationale:
“The market we envision consists of young professionals who want a reliable daily electric car, but refuse to settle for a glorified golf cart. They want the dynamic performance and tactile feedback they enjoyed in their old internal combustion vehicles, paired with modern tech and genuine practicality. There has to be enough cargo room for work gear during the week and bicycles or beach bags on the weekend—yet remain a car you genuinely look forward to driving every day.”
Beyond dynamic steering feel, a rear-wheel-drive architecture naturally aids traction under load.
“That’s very true,” Magsuci noted, drawing on his background with European luxury marques. “BMW became legendary for sticking with rear-wheel drive when the rest of the market shifted to front-wheel setups. The steering precision and balance are fundamentally different. Paired with a 5-link rear independent suspension and front MacPherson struts, the S5 was engineered for genuine agility.”
Magsuci stressed that breaking EV stereotypes remains central to MG’s identity.
“People often assume EVs feel like appliance toys—sterile, desensitized ‘gas-and-go’ pods. We want to challenge that perception. MG’s largest market is Europe, where drivers demand refined road feedback and reassuring high-speed stability. We translate that solid European driving character and build quality into our lineup without breaking the bank.”
Everyday utility and safety suite
On the technology and versatility front, the S5 EV features scheduled charging, battery thermal management, multi-level regenerative braking (low, medium, strong, and adaptive), one-pedal drive, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) reverse-charging capability.
Sized neatly for urban streets, the crossover measures 4,476 mm long, 1,849 mm wide, and 1,621 mm tall, riding on a 2,730-mm wheelbase. Luggage capacity starts at 453 liters, expanding to 1,441 liters with the 60:40-split rear seats folded and underfloor compartments utilized. Functional roof rails rated up to 75 kg, 17-inch aero-fin alloy wheels, and signature LED lighting round out the exterior.
The digital cockpit pairs a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Convenience appointments include automatic climate control with a PM2.5 filter, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and smart keyless entry.
Active safety is managed by the MG Pilot ADAS suite, encompassing front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic jam assist. Passive safety includes seven airbags, comprehensive stability and traction controls, and 5-star crash-test credentials from both Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP.
After-sales and long-term support
Beyond showroom appeal, MG Motor Philippines president Wei Wei Zhang emphasized that brand confidence rests on infrastructure and ownership support.
“Filipino car buyers look closely at track records. We have operated in the Philippines for over seven years, building a nationwide network of more than 40 full-service 3S dealerships equipped with dedicated service bays and comprehensive parts inventories,” Zhang stated.
Zhang also highlighted the vehicle’s Tier-1 hardware backing: “Our battery packs come directly from CATL, the global leader in EV battery manufacturing. While the S5 currently carries Level 2 driver assistance via MG Pilot, we are already preparing to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities to our Philippine portfolio in the near future.”
******
Get real-time news updates: inqnews.net/inqviber
