Exclusive: MGS5 EV set to score new 151kW electric motor in 2026 update

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Chinese manufacturer MG has lodged formal approval documents to introduce a new 151kW version of the MGS5 EV small-midsize SUV in Australia, paired to a 62kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

This is the first time that a motor of that power output has been revealed globally, with only 100kW, 125kW and 170kW configurations being public knowledge. The latter motor is sometimes sold with 180kW overseas.

Presently, the MGS5 is available with two LFP battery sizes (49kWh and 62kWh), both paired solely with the 125kW motor.

The new 151kW motor, which has been approved by the Australian federal government’s transport regulator, could replace the existing 125kW/250Nm rear motor fitted to all local versions of the MGS5.

Alternatively, the 151kW motor might become a premium motor paired to the 62kWh battery, leaving the lower output 125kW version for the smaller 49kWh battery option.

The MGS5 is currently priced from $40,490 driveaway in 49kWh form while the 62kWh battery attracts a $4500 premium, adding 90km additional range (425km vs 335km).

The new motor would put the rear-drive MGS5 on squarer footing to key front-drive electric rivals such as the 150kW BYD Atto 3 (from $40K plus on-road costs) and 160kW Geely EX5 (from $41K + ORCs).

To the end of October 2025, MG has delivered 1466 MGS5s in Australia, all with the 125kW motor.

MG Australia has also held a standing approval for about a year for the high-power 170kW version, but it has so far chosen not to import an MGS5 with that power level.

The 151kW motor would be easier to bring to Australia because it uses the 62kWh LFP battery, whereas the hitherto unavailable 170kW utilises a 64kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack not seen here.

Unknown is how much torque the 151kW motor makes but given the existence of the 125kW/250Nm and 170kW/350Nm configurations, the 151kW powertrain could produce around 300Nm.

Fitment of the 151kW motor would enhance the MGS5’s performance and decrease acceleration times compared to the 125kW version’s circa-8.0 second 0-100km/h sprint.

When Chasing Cars tested the S5 EV earlier this year, we described the performance of the 125kW version as “a bit lazy”, not leaving “much in reserve for effortless country-road overtaking or brisk standing-start acceleration.”

While the apparently incoming 151kW version doesn’t pack the full-fat MGS5’s unbridled 170kW, it would almost certainly represent progress.

We’ve asked MG Australia what its intentions for the new motor are. If we receive word, we’ll update this story.