2025 Volvo XC90 price and specs: Updated style, more kit and higher prices
The upgraded 2025 Volvo XC90 is now on sale, bringing refreshed styling and more standard equipment, but slightly higher prices and one less model variant.
The entry-level Ultra B5 Bright version of the large SUV is priced at $104,990 before on-road costs, up $3252 on its predecessor.
It features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
The flagship Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid is priced at $130,990 before on-roads, up $801. This mates a 233kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo four with a 107kW/309Nm electric motor, producing up to 340kW/709Nm and offering a claimed WLTP electric-only range of 77km from an 18.8kWh battery.
The Ultra B6 Bright, which had a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre mild-hybrid powertrain than the B5, is no longer available.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
For 2025, the upgraded seven-seat, all-wheel drive luxury SUV features revised headlights and tail-lights, plus a new grille and air intakes.
Inside, it has upgraded from a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen to a higher-resolution 11.2-inch unit, which retains Android Automotive with Google built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The cabin is now quieter due to increased sound insulation, while the centre console has been tweaked, the crystal-like gear selector redesigned, and the dashboard refreshed. There's also an extra cupholder.
Volvo claims the XC90's suspension has been improved, with each damper 'now able to adapt mechanically to current road conditions to optimise both comfort and stability – for a more confident and relaxed driving experience.'
Servicing information has yet to be outlined, and the updated XC90 is yet to be crash-tested by ANCAP or its sister organisation Euro NCAP. We'll update this article if that changes. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Volvo Australia backs its cars with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and its high-voltage electric and PHEV batteries with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty. It is yet to outline servicing information for the updated XC90. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
For context, Volvo Australia offers three-year, 45,000km and five-year, 75,000km service plans for its vehicles. For the pre-update XC90, these cost $2380 and $3870 respectively.
It's likely the updated XC90 will have the same service intervals (12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first) as its predecessor, but it's not yet clear whether servicing requirements will differ for PHEV vehicles.
The Volvo XC90's five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2015 has now expired, leaving it unrated for the time being. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Standard safety equipment includes: 7 airbags
Surround-view camera
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane-keep assist
Rear cross-traffic alert
Hill descent control
Traffic sign recognition
Tyre pressure monitoring
There are two grades of the updated Volvo XC90 available, with the dearer option bringing several enhancements to cosmetics and ride quality. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
2025 Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 Bright equipment highlights: 21-inch alloy wheels
Space-saver spare wheel
Matrix LED headlights
Chrome-finish grille
Aluminium trim and roof rails
Proximity entry with push-button start
Hands-free power tailgate
12.3-inch digital instrument display
11.2-inch infotainment display
DAB+ digital radio
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Integrated Google services
Wireless phone charger
Auto-dimming rear-view mirrors
Head-up display
Nappa leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, lumbar
Cushion extenders
Power folding rear headrests
Heated, ventilated front seats
Heated outboard rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Quad-zone climate control incl. third row
14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
XC90 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid adds: 22-inch alloy wheels
Tyre repair kit
Active air suspension (Four-C Chassis)
Rear privacy glass
Dark-finish grille
Black trim and roof rails
Panoramic sunroof
Tinted rear windows
Power-adjustable seat bolsters
19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system
Multiple options are available for the XC90 Ultra B5 Bright, almost all of which are standard on the Ultra T8 PHEV. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The Lifestyle Pack ($5564) adds: Panoramic sunroof
Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system
Tinted rear windows
Alternatively, these items can be optioned for the Ultra B5 Bright individually. Panoramic sunroof ($3488)
Tinted rear windows ($1134)
Front seat massage ($1184)
Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system ($3210)
Active air suspension ($3210)
The only option available for the Ultra T8 PHEV is front seat massaging for $1184.
There are seven exterior paint colours available for the Volvo XC90, as well as three interior colours. All are no-cost options. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Volvo XC90 exterior colours: Crystal White
Silver Dawn
Bright Dusk
Vapour Grey
Onyx Black (standard)
Denim Blue
Mulberry Red Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Volvo XC90 interior colours: Blond nappa leather in Blond/Charcoal interior
Cardamom nappa leather in Charcoal interior
Charcoal nappa leather in Charcoal interior (standard)
MORE: Everything Volvo XC90
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2025 Renault Trafic: More safety gear, small price bump for French van
Renault has updated its mid-size Trafic van, bringing a suite of safety gear and lightly tweaked styling. Prices are up by $490 across the board, which means the range now opens at $49,490 before on-roads for the base Trafic SWB Pro manual and extends to $63,490 before on-roads for the full-fat Trafic LWB Crew lifestyle. Tweaks include new Renault logos and a bulkhead with a glazed window, as well as a middle-seat work station and document holder with hidden laptop storage. New safety gear includes a driver attention monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a "QR rescue code", an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) shortcut button, and automatic bi-LED reflector-style headlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Renault says the ADAS shortcut button provides "direct access to an on/off switch for ADAS features". It also unlocks a "perso" mode, which allows drivers to set up personal favourites to activate or deactivate certain features "at the press of a button". Similarly, the QR rescue code is a digitised barcode on the windscreen that allows first responders "quick access to the vehicle's structural and technical information in the event of a crash". Other changes include making a factory-fitted steel bulkhead standard, which features a glazed window to reduce road noise. This was previously an option on Trafic Pro van models. Fitted inside is a 7-inch digital information display in the instrument cluster, chrome trim for Trafic Crew models, and under-seat storage for the rear seats of Trafic Lifestyle models. Several option packs are also available, which will be detailed in a separate article. Under the bonnet is still a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which produces 125kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It's mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, with drive sent to the front wheels only. Renault backs its Trafic with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km – whichever comes first. The French brand also offers capped-price servicing for the first five visits. A full price and specs article for the updated Trafic will be published in due course. 2025 Renault Trafic pricing: MORE: Everything Renault Trafic Content originally sourced from: Renault has updated its mid-size Trafic van, bringing a suite of safety gear and lightly tweaked styling. Prices are up by $490 across the board, which means the range now opens at $49,490 before on-roads for the base Trafic SWB Pro manual and extends to $63,490 before on-roads for the full-fat Trafic LWB Crew lifestyle. Tweaks include new Renault logos and a bulkhead with a glazed window, as well as a middle-seat work station and document holder with hidden laptop storage. New safety gear includes a driver attention monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a "QR rescue code", an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) shortcut button, and automatic bi-LED reflector-style headlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Renault says the ADAS shortcut button provides "direct access to an on/off switch for ADAS features". It also unlocks a "perso" mode, which allows drivers to set up personal favourites to activate or deactivate certain features "at the press of a button". Similarly, the QR rescue code is a digitised barcode on the windscreen that allows first responders "quick access to the vehicle's structural and technical information in the event of a crash". Other changes include making a factory-fitted steel bulkhead standard, which features a glazed window to reduce road noise. This was previously an option on Trafic Pro van models. Fitted inside is a 7-inch digital information display in the instrument cluster, chrome trim for Trafic Crew models, and under-seat storage for the rear seats of Trafic Lifestyle models. Several option packs are also available, which will be detailed in a separate article. Under the bonnet is still a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which produces 125kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It's mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, with drive sent to the front wheels only. Renault backs its Trafic with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km – whichever comes first. The French brand also offers capped-price servicing for the first five visits. A full price and specs article for the updated Trafic will be published in due course. 2025 Renault Trafic pricing: MORE: Everything Renault Trafic Content originally sourced from: Renault has updated its mid-size Trafic van, bringing a suite of safety gear and lightly tweaked styling. Prices are up by $490 across the board, which means the range now opens at $49,490 before on-roads for the base Trafic SWB Pro manual and extends to $63,490 before on-roads for the full-fat Trafic LWB Crew lifestyle. Tweaks include new Renault logos and a bulkhead with a glazed window, as well as a middle-seat work station and document holder with hidden laptop storage. New safety gear includes a driver attention monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a "QR rescue code", an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) shortcut button, and automatic bi-LED reflector-style headlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Renault says the ADAS shortcut button provides "direct access to an on/off switch for ADAS features". It also unlocks a "perso" mode, which allows drivers to set up personal favourites to activate or deactivate certain features "at the press of a button". Similarly, the QR rescue code is a digitised barcode on the windscreen that allows first responders "quick access to the vehicle's structural and technical information in the event of a crash". Other changes include making a factory-fitted steel bulkhead standard, which features a glazed window to reduce road noise. This was previously an option on Trafic Pro van models. Fitted inside is a 7-inch digital information display in the instrument cluster, chrome trim for Trafic Crew models, and under-seat storage for the rear seats of Trafic Lifestyle models. Several option packs are also available, which will be detailed in a separate article. Under the bonnet is still a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which produces 125kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It's mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, with drive sent to the front wheels only. Renault backs its Trafic with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km – whichever comes first. The French brand also offers capped-price servicing for the first five visits. A full price and specs article for the updated Trafic will be published in due course. 2025 Renault Trafic pricing: MORE: Everything Renault Trafic Content originally sourced from: Renault has updated its mid-size Trafic van, bringing a suite of safety gear and lightly tweaked styling. Prices are up by $490 across the board, which means the range now opens at $49,490 before on-roads for the base Trafic SWB Pro manual and extends to $63,490 before on-roads for the full-fat Trafic LWB Crew lifestyle. Tweaks include new Renault logos and a bulkhead with a glazed window, as well as a middle-seat work station and document holder with hidden laptop storage. New safety gear includes a driver attention monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a "QR rescue code", an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) shortcut button, and automatic bi-LED reflector-style headlights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Renault says the ADAS shortcut button provides "direct access to an on/off switch for ADAS features". It also unlocks a "perso" mode, which allows drivers to set up personal favourites to activate or deactivate certain features "at the press of a button". Similarly, the QR rescue code is a digitised barcode on the windscreen that allows first responders "quick access to the vehicle's structural and technical information in the event of a crash". Other changes include making a factory-fitted steel bulkhead standard, which features a glazed window to reduce road noise. This was previously an option on Trafic Pro van models. Fitted inside is a 7-inch digital information display in the instrument cluster, chrome trim for Trafic Crew models, and under-seat storage for the rear seats of Trafic Lifestyle models. Several option packs are also available, which will be detailed in a separate article. Under the bonnet is still a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which produces 125kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It's mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, with drive sent to the front wheels only. Renault backs its Trafic with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km – whichever comes first. The French brand also offers capped-price servicing for the first five visits. A full price and specs article for the updated Trafic will be published in due course. 2025 Renault Trafic pricing: MORE: Everything Renault Trafic Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
2025 Omoda C9: Flagship PHEV mid-size SUV locked in for Australia
Vehicles are already arriving at Omoda Jaecoo dealers in Australia, but thus far they've all been Jaecoo-badged vehicles. Models wearing the Omoda nameplate, however, are coming soon. The first will be the Omoda C9, due on sale here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV for the marque. Considered a single brand by parent company Chery, Omoda Jaecoo is referred to as 'the next level up' with a mixture of more rakish (Omoda) and more traditionally styled (Jaecoo) models. Thus far, the Jaecoo arm of this brand is topping out with the J8 large five-seat SUV launching this month, with the Jaecoo J5 small SUV coming later this year and both models bookending the J7 mid-size SUV already on sale. The Omoda C9 is set to be followed later by the smaller Omoda 7. Timing for this model has yet to be announced. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine previously featured in documents has been joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. Supplied Credit: CarExpert While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. There's also a different PHEV powertrain with dual electric motors in markets like the UK. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. As mentioned, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variants – with either front- or all-wheel drive – also appear in the Australian approval documents. These incorporate an eight-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 183kW (torque figures aren't listed in these documents). Unusually, that differs from the South African-market model, which produces 192kW and 400Nm. Supplied Credit: CarExpert If we look again to other export markets, the Omoda C9 is offered with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. There are also features unique to the flagship Jaecoo J8, such as speakers mounted in the driver's head restraint and an in-car fragrance system. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Boot space is a claimed 660 litres. Omoda C9 is the export name for Exeed Yaoguang, also known in some markets as the Exeed RX. It first entered production in 2022. While Chery Australia hasn't announced local launch plans for the Exeed brand, it has confirmed the door is open for more brands to join Chery and Omoda Jaecoo, albeit not in the short term. There's one model that won't be sold under the Omoda Jaecoo brand in Australia and, confusingly, that's the first vehicle to wear the Omoda name in our market: the Chery Omoda 5. Instead, it has been rechristened as the Chery C5, with its electric counterpart renamed to Chery E5.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 review
The MG S5 EV has arrived, and by golly has it made an impression. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert Not so much because of its appearance, which is arguably a touch too generic, but because it offers one of the cheapest entry-points into an electric SUV… since the old ZS EV, which this car essentially replaces. With assertive pricing for the entry-level variant and impressive levels of equipment if you spend a little more, we got a chance to see if the 49kWh version in Essence trim might be the sweet spot for city-dwellers. And I've gotta say, this is probably the most agreeable electric crossover I've driven yet. I'll tell you why in this review. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, 'doesn't the BYD Atto 3 start at less than forty grand?', and you'd be bang on the money, so to speak. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert But that doesn't include on-road costs. Whereas MG's local pricing for the MG S5 EV does include that, so no matter where you buy it across the country, the price is the same. While the ZS EV has been cheaper over its time, that model was outdated and not so sophisticated. This one, however, is a serious contender. MG is known for playing around a lot with its drive-away deals, so here's what the price list looks like at launch in May 2025. A few scrolls down you'll see the details on what you get if you spend the extra money to get into the Essence over the Excite, and I think it's money well spent. If you're keen to get in on the action early, the brand will include a free 7kW MG Charge Hub valued at $1199 (limited to the first 500 customers who place a refundable $500 deposit at their local MG dealership). If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool It is as though MG actually listened to every major point of criticism about the interior of some of its earlier EV models, because this is a seismic improvement in terms of cabin design and usability. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The Essence grade tested has a more upmarket design than the entry version, with different trim on the seats (which are heated), a leather-lined steering wheel (also heated), and a panoramic glass roof to let even more light into the cabin. And thankfully it has a lighter cabin design than plenty of the rivals, with a multi-grey colour palette that makes it significantly more interesting than the MG 4 hatch, which I've regularly described as having an austere cabin. This is more opulent, more upmarket and more enjoyable to sit in, and frankly a lot easier to live with. The main reason is the introduction of some physical controls for the climate system, including a temperature dial, fan speed and direction toggles, and there's also a volume knob. Above those, on the infotainment, you'll find icons for seat heating and steering wheel heating when on the main screen (they disappear when you're using smartphone mirroring). 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The menus on the main display are really easy to get to grips with too, with connected services offering you a glimpse at the weather, and if you choose the Essence, the second page has available apps like TikTok and YouTube (when parked). There are menus upon menus in the settings and controls for the car, but it is better organised than most info-rich screens, and you will get used to them pretty quickly. And if you want to just use CarPlay wirelessly, it'll seamlessly connect up each time you get back in. The S5 EV can also use your phone as a key via Bluetooth – like the Leapmotor C10. Once you've got it all set up you can simply walk up to unlock (and walk away to lock) the car. There's a regular key, but it doesn't have any other form of proximity unlocking. And there is the iSmart app available as well, which will make living with it a lot easier. Some cars double the price (Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan) don't even have fully connected tech like this car. Hell, even the $120k-plus Cadillac Lyriq doesn't! 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert One other plus of the CarPlay setup is that you can still use the swipe-down menu to get access to quick controls. Some other systems don't let you do that when you're smartphone mirroring. Other elements of the cabin are well considered, too. There's a driver info screen that has some easy functionality to it, and you can keep an eye on vitals like tyre pressure on there, too. There's a big digital speedo, and you can configure the gauge cluster to a degree as well. The steering wheel has cruise controls on the left, and the right side manages media and info controls. There are stalks for wipers and lights, but the blinkers are on the 'wrong' (left) side. Console storage includes a pair of cupholders, a little slot for your key, a wireless phone charging pad (which was a little temperamental with my iPhone 13 Pro), and a covered centre bin with USB-C ports. There's also an additional stowage area below the 'bridge' of the console, while the doors have sizeable bottle holders and there's a glovebox that'll fit more than just gloves. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The front passenger has manually adjustable seating, while the driver gets an electric seat setup in this spec, but without memory settings. The seat trim is a fake leather and cloth combo, and it looks terrific, plus it feels good on your skin. The seats are comfy and easy to adjust, and of course the driver gets reach and rake adjust for the steering wheel too. Back seat space is reasonably good for a smallish SUV like this – I had about five centimetres (roughly two inches) of space in front of my knees when sitting behind my own driving position (I'm 182cm/6'0'), not to mention enough space to wiggle my size 12s, and a handspan of space above my head, too. Suffice to say, this one will be fine for those with growing kids or taller teens, and while it will be comfier for two occupants, there is a possibility you'd be able to fit three across at a pinch. Seat comfort is excellent too. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert Of course there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the outboard seats plus three top-tethers, and those in the back get a pair of directional air-vents and a USB-C port. Just the one. And if you choose the base version you don't get map pockets or a flip-down centre armrest with cupholders, which are standard in the Essence. The boot is a decent size, with 453 litres of cargo capacity on offer. There's an adjustable floor section, with a space below it to house your charging cables – and under that floor is a space marked TOOLS for your tyre repair kit. There's no spare. But you do get shopping bag hooks either side, a light in the back, and a parcel shelf. Remove that and drop the rear seats down and there's 1441L of usable space in the back. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool There's no frunk, despite the MG S5 being a rear-motor EV. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert Compared to some rivals the AC charging is a bit low, but at least the CCS Type 2 charging port is conveniently located on the rear passenger side of the vehicle, so street-parkers should be happy. While the claimed range seems decent, and you might be able to get closer to it if you spend a lot of time in max-regen mode in traffic snarls, that wasn't what I did for this review. On test – across a mix of driving, including some enthusiastic cornering and boring commuting, plus urban running and highway driving – I saw a displayed return of 17.1kWh per 100km, meaning a theoretical full-charge driving range of 286km from the 49kWh battery. That's not terrific, and probably reason enough to consider the bigger-battery version unless you are the sort of person who will drive to the airport rather than go for a long-distance road trip. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool It drives really, really well. If you've read any reviews of the MG 4 – particularly the 51kWh variant – you'll understand the concept is similar here. Not the most power and torque, not the most extreme level of performance. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert But that's okay. In fact, that's great. Because it means this offers a purer driving experience. Rear-wheel drive, a pokey powertrain and a frankly delightful driving experience make this a far more appealing option than the Atto 3 for those who like to drive. This version weighs about 1680kg, so it's not quite as light as the MG 4, but it's a more practical package and still makes you smile when you push it a bit. The steering is sweet, offering great responsiveness and turnability in twisty bits, and it's also easy to park around town, too. The surround-view camera in the Essence grade is a big plus, but it's a shame there are no front parking sensors. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert And the suspension is very well calibrated, too. It has a European feel to it, with suppleness to the ride and a great level of body control that means it handles bumps and corners admirably, and while sharp edges can be felt in the cabin, it is very planted and controlled. You won't break any land speed records in it, but it doesn't feel slow or gutless. There's a good amount of shove when you plant your foot, be that from a standstill or while rolling. It has a few settings for drive modes, and of course if you choose sport mode it makes it feel even more sprightly. You can also configure the regenerative braking system, including choosing a single-pedal driving mode which will come to a complete stop. And if you prefer to pedal the brake, it has a good progressive feel to it. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert It's also pretty quiet inside, too. It was raining during my testing and the drops on the glass were noisy, but there wasn't an excessive amount of wind or tyre roar, even over coarser surfaces. So, it's a peach of a thing to drive, and all of the 'actual' driving impressions aside, it's the driving technology stuff that really impresses. You can configure the safety systems so that you have a simple 'custom mode' option to disable active annoyances like driver monitoring and speed sign recognition bing-bongs. Just swipe down from the top of the screen, tap one icon, and it'll all go away. Ahhhh. What a relief. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The MG S5 EV has a low price, but a long list of standard equipment across all grades. Here's the rundown. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Excite (49kWh and 62kWh) equipment highlights: 17-inch alloy wheels with aero covers LED lighting front and rear Cloth interior trim Manual seat adjustment 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless smartphone mirroring DAB+ digital radio Four-speaker sound system Satellite navigation iSmart connected app services Climate control with rear air vents Mobile Bluetooth key Keyless entry AC charging cable Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality Mode 2 AC charging cable Essence variants add: 18-inch alloy wheels with aero covers Rain-sensing wipers Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel Synthetic leather/fabric trim Heated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat Six-speaker sound system Wireless phone charger Voice control Rear centre console Rear seat lighting Online entertainment (YouTube, TIkTok) Surround-view camera system To me, the step up to the Essence isn't just an investment in better stuff – it'll be a better resale proposition, too. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The MG S5 EV has just been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, with solid results across the strictest criteria to date. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert As standard it comes with the following safety technology and equipment for all versions: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Blind-spot camera (kerb side) Rear cross-traffic alert with braking Driver monitoring system Lane-keep Assist Intelligent speed limit assist Safe exit warning Reversing camera Rear parking sensors Essence variants add: 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The best bit about the safety tech in the MG ZS EV is that it is so much simpler than many rivals when it comes to customising the stuff you don't want on, and setting that as a quick action on the media screen drop-down menu. So if you get annoyed with speed alerts and driver monitoring cameras that constantly get it wrong, this car could be a walk-up start for you. I found it so impressive to be able to tailor elements of the drive without diving deep into sub-menus each time I drove the car, as is the case in something like a Kia EV3 (which takes a dozen screen presses just to get it how I want it!). There are seven airbags in the S5 EV, including dual front, front side, front centre, and curtains for both rows of seats. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool MG has a stellar 10-year, 250,000km warranty for its model range for private (non-commercial) buyers, and the battery even scores the same level of cover. That's right, a decade of backing for the battery – no other brand offers that in our market. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert If you're curious, the warranty for commercial buyers is seven years or 160,000km for both the car and the battery. Private buyers get access to 10 years of roadside assistance included, no matter whether the maintenance is carried out with MG or any other certified workshop. The MG S5 EV has a five-year capped-price servicing plan, with maintenance due every 12 months or 25,000km. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool I am convinced this is the best affordable EV on the market. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert There's less compromise when it comes to the tech and safety systems, it feels primo inside in Essence form, and the price is better than competitive. The mega warranty? Just the cherry on top. It drives great, is easy to live with and spacious enough for a young family. Apart from lacking driving range in the entry-level variant, there's not a whole lot to dislike about the MG S5 EV. Interested in buying a MG S5 EV? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything MG S5 EV So sweet to drive Great price and standard gear Easily switch-off-able safety tech Slower charging than some Shorter range than rivals Generic exterior design
