2025 MG S5 EV Essence vs Geely EX5 Inspire: Spec battle

With more than 60 nameplates in the mid-size SUV segment alone, it’s hard to know where to look for the right family car.

Which makes it equally as difficult for any of these soft-roaders to stand out, especially for newer brands like MG and Geely, except when it comes to fully electric alternatives.

Only a quarter of the sprawling mid-size SUV category is offered with a zero-emissions powertrain – and most of them are from luxury brands, putting them out of reach for average Aussie families.

So, if you are on a budget and considering the transition to electric motoring, the shortlist isn’t very long and includes these two: the MG S5 EV and Geely EX5.

Both are tempting enough to potentially quit fossil fuels thanks to decent driving range and performance; both cost around the same as – or even less than – a petrol-powered equivalent; and both come stacked with standard equipment and safety features.

So, let’s compare the MG S5 EV and Geely EX5 to see which one stands tallest.

How much?

First of all, the MG offers double the choice of Geely, with the availability of two battery sizes.

The S5 EV is available in two model grades – Excite and Essence – each with the option of either a 49kWh or 62kWh battery.

Prices start at $40,490 drive-away for the entry-level Excite with the smaller battery, and top out at $47,990 drive-away for the flagship Essence with the long range battery we’re testing here.

The Geely EX5 is also offered in two model grades – Complete and Inspire – but both share the same powertrain and battery, and do not include statutory charges and dealership fees in their advertised prices.

Therefore, while the range-topping EX5 Inspire looks more affordable on paper than the S5 EV Essence 62, it will cost fractionally more to land in your driveway.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Geely EX5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

What do you get?

Both models come equipped with a generous list of standard equipment.

The extensive list of features on both vehicles includes:

• LED headlights
• Keyless entry and push button start
• Climate control with rear air vents
• Power tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated front seats
• Twin digital displays
• Satellite Navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless smartphone mirroring
• Wireless phone charger
• Vehicle-to-load functionality

However, the Geely trumps the MG with a few extras, such as full synthetic leather upholstery (the S5 EV has a combo of fake leather and cloth-trimmed seats, which admittedly looks and feels just as nice), larger 19-inch alloy wheels, massaging front seats with ventilation, a bigger 15.4-inch infotainment display and a more powerful 1000W 12-speaker audio system.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Geely EX5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

Are they safe?

Both the MG S5 EV and Geely EX5 have scored the maximum five-star ANCAP rating under the latest – and strictest – protocols. Seven airbags are standard in both vehicles, providing coverage for all occupants and including a centre airbag between the front seats.

They are also fitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance aids, including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking
• Lane Keeping Assistance
• Speed Limit Assist with road sign recognition
• Safe Exit Warning
• Driver Monitoring
• 360-degree parking display
• Rear parking sensors

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Geely EX5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

What are they like inside?

There’s not much separating these two in terms of overall dimensions.

The Geely EX5 is slightly longer, wider and taller and has more space between the front and rear axles, but we’re talking centimetres of difference here.

Both are built on dedicated electric vehicle platforms, which frees up space inside the cabin where there’s more than enough room to seat five in relative comfort.

However, the MG makes better use of its cargo capacity, despite having an electric motor on the rear axle, offering more boot space when the second row is in use.

The Geely does have more room for large items when the back seat is folded flat, plus a handy extra section under the floor.

As far as form and function are concerned, the S5 EV and EX5 tread a very similar path with stylish cockpits that mix the latest in digital technology with quality materials and conveniences.

The MG is a little more traditional in its design, as the digital instrument cluster is situated under a cowl within a floating two-piece dashtop that wraps into the door cards, whereas the EX5 has an asymmetric centre console and an exposed tablet-style instrument display behind its oddly squared-off, two-spoke steering wheel.

Both feature some interesting material choices, like the fake woodgrain panel on the console of the EX5 with flowing lines etched into surface, and the felt panels throughout the S5 EV.

Personally, I think the MG’s material choices, lighter colours and the mixed fabric/leather seat trim creates a warmer, more tactile environment than the EX5, especially with its standard ‘Geeluxe’ Midnight (black) upholstery.

The flagship Inspire variant does have the option of an alternative Cloud (white) colour palette, which would brighten things up but might not be as easy to keep clean for small families.

No matter which colour you choose, there is a neat party trick in the form of a retractable leg rest for the passenger seat, which makes long journeys even more comfortable or creates a nice place to relax when replenishing the battery at a public charging station. And the massage function is among the best in the business.

Both cars have plenty of convenient small-item storage spaces throughout the cabin, both allow lots of light in via a panoramic glass roof, and both offer a commanding view of the road ahead from the driver’s seat.

The Geely’s larger infotainment screen is just that… larger, but it’s no better for it as houses all the major vehicle system controls.

It’s not too hard to find your way through the myriad menus, although it must be noted that smartphone mirroring as as yet unavailable. Apple CarPlay is due to be added through an over-the-air software update before the end of September and wireless Android Auto won’t be added until early next year.

It’s all there now in the MG, which also houses physical buttons for the climate control and audio volume in a panel below the screen for easy access.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Geely EX5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

What’s under the bonnet?

The biggest difference between these two cars is the driven axle, with MG mounting the S5 EV’s electric motor at the back to power its rear wheels, while the Geely has its motor under the bonnet to drive the EX5’s front wheels. Otherwise, they both use roughly the same powertrain configuration to arrive at the same destination.

The MG is slower to 100km/h and has a less powerful motor (125kW/250Nm versus 160kW/320Nm), but a slightly larger battery (62kWh versus 60.2kWh) that can replenished more quickly via a DC fast-charger and provides a longer claimed driving range (425km versus 410km).

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Geely EX5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

Cost of ownership

MG sets the benchmark for long-term ownership in Australia with a 10-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for all of its vehicles including the S5 EV (for private buyers who service within the MG dealer network), including free roadside assistance.

Geely isn’t that far behind with seven years of coverage for the vehicle, and an eight-year guarantee for the battery and traction motor.

It also offers free roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty period, but only if the vehicle is maintained according its prescribed service schedule each year or every 20,000km, whichever occurs first.

While the MG has longer, 25,000km service intervals, its capped-price scheme is only offered for the first five years of ownership, and costs more on average than the Geely.

The EX5 has a seven-year capped-price servicing scheme as standard, but buyers can also choose to pre-purchase maintenance plans for the first three, five or seven years at a discounted rate, offering potential savings of up to $410.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG S5 EV. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Geely EX5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

CarExpert’s Pick

There’s a lot to like about both of these mid-size electric SUVs, and not much to separate them.

Both deliver enough range and performance to tempt urban families away from a petrol-powered runabout, as well as a lot of kit within their spacious and classy cabins, plus the latest in safety systems, for affordable price tags.

Ultimately, the MG is the nicer car to drive thanks to its well-sorted dynamic character. Plus, it looks more interesting on the outside, has more tactile touches to its interior, and brings greater peace of mind with its longer warranty.

MORE: Check out the MG S5 EV showroom

MORE: Check out the Geely EX5 showroom