MGS6 EV first drive: A lot of medium SUV for the money

Electric vehicles don’t make sense to everyone for every purpose. But, one segment they make absolute sense in, is the city-focused medium SUV segment. With most owners living and driving in the city, a range as long as 530km is more than capable of doing what owners will want their SUV to do. When that SUV delivers on a premium feel with attention to detail, and the asking price is still sub-$50,000, it’s even more noteworthy, considering the popularity of this segment.

How much does the MGS6 EV cost to buy?

With a driveaway price from launch of $49,990, MG is delivering a lot of electric medium SUV for the money, and despite the undeniable appeal of the more expensive AWD, the RWD still stands out.

The AWD model costs $56,990 drive away, with the large glass roof the chief visible difference between the two. Keep in mind, the two competitors firmly in MG’s sights, are the Tesla Model Y and BYD sealion 7, both more expensive than the RWD S6, but the BYD undercuts the AWD S6.

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In MG-parlance, Essence is a high trim grade and as such, the S6 features an extensive list of standard equipment. They include: 20-inch alloy wheels, a tyre repair kit, automatic LED headlights, auto high-beam, electric tailgate, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth key, digital radio, on-board satellite navigation, 11-speakeraudio system, 50W wireless phone charging, heated, leather trimmed steering wheel, one touch up and down power windows, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, six way electric driver seat and four way electric passenger seat, combination leatherette/suede trim, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, and two front USB-C outlets and two rear USB-C outlets.

How powerful is the MGS6 EV?

While the AWD S6 has undeniable performance credentials that are hard to ignore – two electric motors and 266kW, 485km WLTP-claimed range, 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds and average energy consumption of 16kWh/100km – the RWD still stands out.

The RWD generates 180kW and 350Nm from its single electric motor, with RWD and a 0-100km/h run of 7.3 seconds. Using a WLTP-claimed 14.5kWh/100km, it has a claimed range of 530km. Both models can charge from 10-80 percent in 38 minutes at the maximum 144kW DC fast charge rate, with 11kW AC charging also available.

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The S6 is enjoyably unfussy to drive. I turned the regenerative braking down to its second lightest setting, and settled on ‘Normal’ driving mode. There’s also ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, ‘Snow’ and ‘Custom’ to choose from. The ride quality – S6 is on 20-inch rims – is excellent, and even sharp speed humps can’t unsettle the sense of calm inside the cabin. There’s a pleasing lack of wind and tyre noise, even at highway speed.

We’d like the electronic driver aids – like the attention monitor and speed limit warning – to be a little less intrusive in default settings, but that’s a minor gripe. Steering, braking, ride quality and insulation, then, are all exactly where this segment demands they be.

The AWD feels rapid, even in the default Normal driving mode. You certainly don’t need the power and performance it offers for around town running, so if you’re on a tight budget, don’t feel like you’re missing out by opting for the RWD. In fact, the sharp pricing of the RWD model, makes it our pick, and it’s fast enough to still feel sharp on the road. Given the only real difference, drivetrain aside is the glass roof, the RWD retains all the appeal of the AWD, especially in regard to the cabin finishing.

How energy efficient is the MGS6 EV?

Our AWD used 17.5kWh/100km on test, and cranked up to the fastest charge rate when plugged into a 150kW charger. Removed the extended highway run we do for Wheels testing, and you’ll use very close to the WLTP claim. The lightweight chassis, and compact battery design, improve range, but also chassis control and dynamic ability. You do of course also get one-pedal drive mode if you want, as well as vehicle-to-load capability as is becoming the norm.

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Is the MGS6 EV practical?

Thanks to the depth of the standard level of equipment, the S6 feels like a premium cabin, with quality materials, solid fit and finish and attention to detail. The controls, whether they be those on the steering wheel, the panel below the 12.8-inch touchscreen or the touchscreen itself – are all easy to decipher and use. We found the screen to be responsive to touch inputs, and while there’s plenty you can control once you start delving into the menu systems, it’s not so complex that you’ll be stuck there for hours working it out.

Two cabin finishes are available, the lighter colour scheme a $500 option, with both appealing for different reasons. I’d go for the dark finish if I had kids for example. Features like heated and vented front seats and heated outboard rear seats, add a touch of luxury.

The digital driver’s display, which is 10.25 inches is enhanced with the excellent head-up display. You can turn it off if you’d prefer, but we found it to be useful in testing. Most importantly, there’s a family-sized space on offer. The RWD gets an 86-litre frunk, while the AWD can store 67 litres. The boot space offers up 581 litres with the second row in use, expanding out to a hefty 1690 litres with the 60:40 split second row folded down. In the second row, the flat floor and sense of space at all points, makes for a comfortable long distance family hauler. MG quotes an ultra thin battery pack (110mm) as not just delivering power, but also adding to the cabin space.

What warranty covers the MGS6 EV?

The S6 is covered by MG’s seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with a service required every 12 months or 10,000km. The cost for the first five years of servicing in total is a competitive $1410.

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Should I buy the MGS6 EV?

After a week with the MG S6, there’s little doubt this new electric SUV has put a stake in the ground to be in the consideration for Wheels COTY judging later in 2026. The field this year – as it is every year – will be strong and competition will be fierce. MG has illustrated once again though, that with every new model it steps its game up both in design and execution.

We’d like the driver attention aids to be dialled down a little, but there’s previous little else to dislike about what is a well-designed, well-specified and enjoyable to drive medium SUV. Both models feature real-world useful driving range, and oodles of cabin space for the family. Once again, MG’s commitment to the electric vehicle market in this country is in full focus.

MGS6 EV features

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing LED headlights with auto high beam
• 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
• AM/FM/DAB radio, satellite navigation, voice control
• 10.25-inch instrument display
• Head-up display
• 50-watt wireless phone charging
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Synthetic leather-look and suede upholstery
• Six-way driver and four-way front passenger power-adjustable seats
• Heated outboard rear seats with backrest recline
• Leather steering wheel
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power-operated tailgate with kick sensor
• Keyless entry with sit-in-seat, foot-on-brake start
• Ambient interior lighting
• 11-speaker sound system with subwoofer
• Power-folding side mirrors with heating, auto tilt in reverse
• Rear privacy glass
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane-centring assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree camera
• Driver attention warning
• Speed sign recognition
• Seven airbags
• Front and rear parking sensors

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MGS6 EV Essence RWD – Specs