SAIC Motor Malaysia, which distributes MG vehicles, has expanded its locally assembled range with the addition of a new base version of the MGS5 rear-wheel-drive electric B-segment crossover SUV.
The MGS5 EV COM variant enters the market with a pricetag starting from RM103,900 (Peninsular Malaysia, excluding roadtax and insurance), positioning it below the existing LUX version to broaden access to the fully electric crossover.
The differences
The new entry-level variant has a smaller 49 kWh battery pack which can be recharged at up to 120 kW (DC). It powers a rear-mounted motor that generates 170 ps/250Nm of torque. A drive range of 340 kms is claimed.
The higher-spec MGS5 EV LUX uses a 62 kWh battery that can be recharged at up to 150 kW at a DC fast-charger. Power output is 203 ps/350 Nm, with a claimed range of 446 kms.
The lower price does mean that the COM variant has fewer premium features. For example, the upholstery is fabric rather than ventilated leatherette, and items such as the panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seating, heated leather steering wheel, and hands-free powered tailgate are omitted. It also rolls on 17-inch black alloy wheels rather than 18-inch ones.
Body colour choices are limited to silver and grey exterior shades, while the LUX has additional colour choices including Gold.
Core architecture unchanged
Despite the cost reduction, core chassis architecture and safety equipment remain similar. The COM retains the ultra-thin battery design to keep the centre of gravity low for improved vehicle stability.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags alongside the MG Pilot ADAS 2.5 suite, which bundles driver assist features like Traffic Jam Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control.
Standard factory warranty is 7 years/150,000 kms while the battery warranty is 8 years/180,000kms battery warranty, with additional 8 year/160,000 km warranty coverage for the Motor Control Unit.
