The MG S6 Has Arrived: Why This SUV is Turning Heads Across the UK

Ten Second Review

The S6EV is MG's very first properly family-shaped lower mid-sized electric model. If you like the value proposition that Chinese makers offer but want it with a little more European flavour, this could be your car in this segment.

Background

Once a budget brand selling only compact models, Chinese maker MG now has a more complete line-up than many of its European rivals. With affordable combustion and electric cars at one end and the executive IM5 and IM6 designs and Cyberster sports car at the other. All MG was really lacking was a product in between these two extremes - a full-sized yet affordable family model: the S6EV is that car. As the name suggests, it's electric - essentially an extended version of the more compact S5EV launched in Spring 2025. Which was itself an extended version of the brand's first really credible modern era compact model, the MG4. All three cars share the same Modular Scalable Platform, but the S6 builds more power, space and luxury into it as it aims to offer a really credible class alternative to lower mid-sized EV strong sellers like the Skoda Enyaq and the Volkswagen ID.4.

Driving Experience

The S6EV has a bigger 77kWh NMC battery that we wished MG had fitted to top versions of the small S5EV when we tried it recently. The larger cell pack would certainly fit because both cars share the same Modular Scalable Platform originally developed for the MG4. Here though, it's propelled along with considerably more grunt, the mainstream 'SE Long Range' and 'Trophy Long Range' variants sharing the same single rear-mounted motor that can put out as much as 241bhp, with 350Nm of torque, taking the car to 62mph in 7.3s en route to 124mph. More importantly, range is rated at 329 miles. As the MG4 proved, the MSP chassis can also accommodate a twin motor layout and the S6EV gets it, in its flagship 'Trophy Dual Motor' form. Here, there's a potent 356bhp, with 540Nm of torque, cutting the 62mph sprint to just over five seconds. But the extra drivetrain weight cuts range to 301 miles. The Dual Motor version runs most the time using only its rear motor, engaging the front motor only when traction is limited or the driver calls for full power. You'll have lots of settings to play with; five drive modes - Normal, Sport, Comfort, Custom and Snow. And five brake regen settings, including a 'one-pedal' option that slows the car almost to a stop off-throttle. MG also claims class-leading braking power, having partnered with Continental to add an integrated braking booster system that can stop the car from 62mph to a standstill in just 36-metres. For town use, the proper multi-link rear suspension set-up should provide a supple ride. And the rear-driven powertrain delivers a tight 11.1-metre turning circle.

Design and Build

If you disregard the big IM models (which are effectively part of an MG sub-brand), the S6EV is the largest car we've yet seen from this Chinese maker. It's 4,704mm body length is 34mm longer than the combustion HS SUV and 104mm longer than the more compact S5EV the S6 is based on. You'd struggle to tell this S6 apart from an S5 at the front end, where the two are near identical, using the same split lower grille design borrowed from Cyberster sports car. This larger family model is quite different from its S5 sibling in profile though, which features a strong shoulder line, silver roof rails and big 19 or 20-inch wheels. At the rear, there's the usual full-width light bar and the V-shaped lower bumper indent is another Cyberster reference. Over 80% of the body is constructed from high strength steel, some of it of the advanced or ultra-high strength variety. Inside, unsurprisingly the front-of-cabin design is little different to that of the S5EV. Which means a High Definition 10.25-inch driver display for the instruments with three selectable themes; and a 12.8-inch central screen with Online Services. Top spec trim adds a head-up display. There are plenty of soft-touch surfaces and generally good ergonomics, but the faux leather doesn't look or feel much like the real thing. MG has used ultra-thin battery technology (a 110mm horizontal cell design) to maximise interior space across this car's Modular Scalable Platform. The result is not only 30 storage spaces throughout the cabin (including a large compartment under the centre console) but also generous levels of rear seat passenger leg room. There's plenty boot capacity too - 674-litres (216-litres more than the S5EV), extendable to 1,910-litres with the rear bench folded. Unlike the S5 EV, the S6 also gets an under-bonnet 'frunk' compartment for the charging leads, with a further 124-litres of space.

Market and Model

Unlike some of its rivals, this S6EV can't benefit from a government Electric Car Grant, so it's just as well that pricing is competitive. The asking figures from launch started at around £38,000 for the base 'SE Long range', with most likely to want to find the extra £3,000 required for the plusher 'Trophy' version of the same car. If you want a Dual Motor S6EV (which only comes with top 'Trophy' spec), then you'll need around £44,000. All variants feature a High Definition 10.25-inch Driver Display and 12.8-inch infotainment screen. The 'Trophy' models boast a Head Up Display showing key vehicle and safety information as well as navigation guidance. Also featured in the 'Trophy' models are heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof as well as an 11-speaker audio system. There's also the usual very complete portfolio of MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assist Systems. Including Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection. And Lane Keep Assist with lane Departure Warning and Emergency Lane Keeping. You also get Traffic Jam assist (which will virtually drive your S6 for you in urban queues). And Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Forward and Rear Collision Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Door Opening Warning.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV range figures in our driving section; 329 miles for the rear-driven models and 301 miles for the Dual Motor version. These are aided by slippery aerodynamics - the CD factor is 0.27. And that's helped by an active grille shutter system at the front, front wheel deflectors and low air resistance aero wheel covers. As is often the case with Chinese brands, fast DC charging speed doesn't seem to have been prioritised here and though the peak 144kW figure isn't the worst in the segment, it's certainly nothing for MG to crow about. Plenty of rivals will beat the 77kWH battery's quoted 38 minute 10 to 80% DC replenishment time. All versions of this MG come with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer, though they do better this MG when it comes to roadside assistance (which here runs out after a year). MG's full warranty isn't the only seven year package available in this segment - rival Kia offers a seven-year 100,000 mile package - but the brand still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. A dealers, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle. You'll be offered a range of MG servicing plans to spread the cost of maintenance for up to seven years.

Summary

Given that MG is one of Britain's best selling EV franchises, it's surprising that the brand has taken this long to sell an electric car in the mid-sized part of the EV segment. So this S6EV could hardly be more significant. Basically, it super-sizes everything we liked about the more compact S5EV - which was quite a lot. But there's formidable competition in this segment, especially from other Chinese brands. And MG products no longer enjoy the price advantage over their mainstream rivals that used to give the brand such an edge in our market. So it's just as well that its cars have got so much better in recent years. Here's another one that might surprise you.

Source: Car & Driving