MG S5 EV runner-up in Car of the Year

By Ashley Morgan 29/07/2026 3 min read 10 views

The MG S5 EV secured a runner-up position in the CarsGuide Car of the Year awards within the Best Small Car Starting Under $50K category. The category featured ten entrants, with one winner and two runners-up decided after a rigorous debate. Judges noted the competition was fierce, making the decision to award the car a spot on the podium difficult. Unlike other categories in the awards, the winner in this specific division was decided unanimously, leaving the two runner-up spots to be contested by a few front-runners.

A Shift in Perception

MG vehicles have often received mixed reviews since the brand relaunched in Australia a decade ago. Critics frequently pointed to low pricing as the primary selling point rather than build quality or performance. The S5 EV appears to be challenging this perception. The SUV represents a significant jump in quality, ergonomics, and driving ability compared to previous models in the lineup. This shift in performance and build quality suggests the brand is moving away from relying solely on the “cheap” label.

James Cleary, a Deputy Editor with the outlet, provided a concise summary of the vehicle’s attributes. He listed looks, performance, practicality, space, reasonable range, and warranty as the key reasons for the S5 EV’s success. His assessment suggests the car approaches the front of the pack in terms of buying propositions, despite not taking the top prize. The detailed scoring in the War Room highlighted that while the S5 EV might lack a few premium touches found in the winner, it offers a complete package for the buyer.

The starting price for the MG S5 EV is listed at $40,490 drive-away. This price point places it firmly in the affordable compact electric SUV segment. Laura Berry highlighted the financial argument for the vehicle during the judging discussion. She noted that the S5 EV is $7,000 less expensive than the category winner.

Berry stated that this price difference creates a compelling case for the runner-up. Even though the winner covers all other areas, she believes the cost saving is a strong reason to consider it. She described the SUV as fantastic value and a great vehicle overall. Her comments in the room pointed to the car as a realistic alternative for buyers who might not have the budget for the top-placed vehicle.

Tom White echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the value proposition. He stated that the MG S5 EV gives everything a run on the cost front. White added that the car changed his mind about MG’s electric vehicles in that specific segment, marking a shift in his personal opinion regarding the brand’s offerings. This change of heart among senior journalists is a significant indicator of the vehicle’s improvement.

Such a dynamic could make the current price advantage of the S5 EV temporary, depending on how quickly rivals respond to its features and warranty terms. It appears the S5 EV’s success will likely pressure other manufacturers to lower their prices or improve the standard features in their own small SUVs.

As competitors react to the MG’s value positioning, the market for affordable electric vehicles may see a shift toward higher specs rather than lower prices. Despite the selection process, the judges still recognized the significant improvement in the MG lineup. The S5 EV stands out as a model that attempts to bridge the gap between budget-friendly pricing and premium quality. The lack of a complaint regarding the driving characteristics or interior ergonomics in the judging session was a rare occurrence for the brand.