MANILA, Philippines — SAIC Motor-backed MG Motor Philippines expanded its local electric vehicle lineup late last month with the official launch of the S5 EV, a rear-wheel-drive compact crossover aimed squarely at the country’s growing battery-electric vehicle market.
The debut, held at the TriNoma, a huge mall just north of the capital city of Manila, also served as the launchpad for the brand’s Multiply Greatness Tour 2026. The promotional roadshow is scheduled to visit key regional population centers, including Pampanga in Central Luzon, Laguna in Southern Luzon, and Metro Cebu in the central Philippines.
The new entry represents a push by MG to capture volume in the accessible electric utility segment. The crossover joins an established local portfolio that includes the Cyberster roadster, MG4 Urban EV, G50 PHEV, RX9 PHEV, HS PHEV, MG3 Hybrid+, and ZS Hybrid+.
Built on SAIC’s Modular Scalable Platform, the S5 EV utilizes a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture. Power comes from a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor generating 170 metric horsepower (125 kW / 168 hp) and 250 Newton-meters (184 lb-ft) of torque. Energy storage relies on a 49-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery pack, yielding an estimated maximum driving range of 415 kilometers (258 miles) under the NEDC testing cycle.
Charging performance includes support for 7-kilowatt AC home charging and up to 120-kilowatt DC fast charging. Under optimal conditions, the DC fast-charging system replenishes the battery from 10 to 90 percent in approximately 24 minutes. Additional feature sets include an integrated thermal management system, scheduled charging controls, four selectable regenerative braking modes including an adaptive setting, a single-pedal driving mode, and external Vehicle-to-Load output capabilities.
In terms of physical dimensions, the crossover measures 4,476 mm (176.2 inches) long, 1,849 mm (72.8 inches) wide, and 1,621 mm (63.8 inches) high, anchored by a 2,730 mm (107.5 inches) wheelbase. Cargo capacity stands at 453 liters (16 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1,441 liters (50.9 cubic feet) with the 60:40 split rear bench folded flat, supplemented by additional storage beneath the cargo floor. Exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic inserts, full LED lighting, integrated roof rails rated for up to 75 kilograms (165 lbs), and a top-mounted rear spoiler.
The interior layout centers around a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. MG retained physical switches for primary climate control settings, defoggers, hazard lights, and audio volume, avoiding complete reliance on touch menus.
Safety systems center on the MG Pilot active driver assistance suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and a driver monitoring system. Passive safety relies on seven airbags alongside electronic stability and traction control systems. The model holds five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP testing programs.
MG Motor Philippines set the standard retail price for the S5 EV at 1,448,888 pesos ($23,180), with an introductory price of 1,408,888 pesos ($22,540). Early reservation holders during the launch tour received a promotional price of 1,398,888 pesos ($22,380), paired with a charging equipment package valued at 30,000 pesos ($480) that includes a 7-kilowatt home wallbox charger and a 3.3-kilowatt portable trickle charger.
