MG S6 EV aims for premium status in crowded Chinese EV market

MG has unveiled the S6 EV, its eighth electric model and its clearest bid yet to enter the premium space in the family SUV segment. The upmarket, large C-segment SUV sits at the top of MG’s core battery-powered lineup, expanding the brand’s footprint as rivals from China push into the same market. MG positions the S6 EV as a spacious, refined and well-equipped model that takes MG into new market segments while continuing its push to offer customers the latest technologies. The launch follows the S5 EV, introduced earlier this year, and the IM6 “technology showcase” SUV that arrived in September, placing MG in a crowded field of affordable to premium EVs.

The S6 EV is described by MG as a very big C-Segment SUV, with dimensions that push toward D-segment territory. It measures about 4.7 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and nearly 1.7 metres in height. In practical terms, the S6 EV is larger than rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7 and the Skoda Enyaq iV, MG notes, while still positioning itself beneath a traditional large SUV class. Boot space is rated at 674 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,910 litres when the rear seats fold. A 124-litre front trunk is available on the rear-wheel-drive variant, though this reduces to 102 litres with all-wheel drive. By comparison, the Enyaq offers 585 litres of boot space and no front trunk, while the Sealion 7’s storage options are more modest. This emphasis on practical space is a hallmark MG expects will appeal to families.

Under the skin, the S6 EV uses MG’s bespoke Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the third MG model to adopt the architecture. MG says the MSP enables a lighter chassis, improved range and better driving dynamics, as well as extra interior space thanks to its ultra-thin packaging. There are two rear-wheel-drive variants and an all-wheel-drive option, all fitted with a 77 kWh battery. The RWD models produce 240 bhp and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds, while the Dual Motor AWD delivers 356 bhp and a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Top speed is 124 mph in all configurations.

On the road, the S6 EV is described as the best-driving MG SUV the tester has encountered to date. The all-wheel-drive version offers ample power for overtakings and motorway merges, with a chassis that MG says balances sportiness and comfort. The tester noted that steering is well-tuned for a vehicle of this size, delivering a composed feel, while braking remains strong at lower speeds and regenerative braking is easy to adapt. However, the reviewer also highlighted a noticeable amount of road noise on longer motorway stints, a factor that could curb the premium feel some buyers expect in this segment. The driving position is solid, with adjustable seats that allow a low, commanding view of the road.

Inside, the S6 EV leans toward a premium persona. It offers two interior colorways — Natural beige and Carbon grey — both employing a leather-and-suede-style material for seats and portions of the doors. The cabin uses soft-touch materials throughout, with a cascading center console that wraps the driver in a premium ambience. The two interior options are paired with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch driver display. A ventilated wireless charging pad sits on the console, and trims dubbed Trophy add head-up display along with heated outer rear seats and ventilated front seats. A full-length panoramic sunroof further enhances the sense of space, particularly in the beige interior. MG also maintains physical dials for essential controls, which the reviewer praised as a practical touch amid a modern digital setup.

Range and charging figures place the S6 EV among its mid-to-upper mid-range peers. Both RWD and AWD variants share the same 77 kWh battery pack, with the RWD offering an official range of about 329 miles and the AWD around 301 miles. Rapid charging is rated at 144 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in roughly 38 minutes. While MG notes these figures, the company also acknowledged that rival models such as MG’s own IM lineup can offer faster charging, up to 350 kW in some cases, which could be a differentiator for long trips.

Pricing positions the S6 EV within reach of mid-market buyers while aiming to compete with higher-end models in the segment. The SE Long Range starts at £37,995, with two higher trims adding £3,000 to move to the Trophy Long Range (£40,995) and the Trophy Dual Motor (£43,995). MG at launch said it would like to have kept the middle and top trims under the previous £40,000 Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) threshold, but a week later the Autumn Budget raised that threshold to £50,000. That change means S6 EV buyers can be shielded from ECS implications in many configurations, though BYD’s Sealion 7 remains a strong competitor with pricing starting in the £44,990 range for Comfort RWD models and climbing in higher specs.

The reviewer notes the S6 EV stands out from earlier MG SUVs in terms of interior quality and on-road demeanor, but questions whether it will carve out a lasting premium image in a market crowded with Chinese rivals and traditional European players. The verdict: the S6 EV is well packaged, practical and driveable, with a premium interior and solid performance, but it may not elicit the lifelong “car of a lifetime” impression for buyers browsing a sea of similar electric family SUVs. For those prioritizing space, practicality and a balanced driving experience in the mid-market price band, MG’s latest EV is a compelling option that warrants consideration alongside established and emerging models alike.

Freda Lewis-Stempel, motoring correspondent, tested the MG S6 EV and found it to be a strong overall package within its class, especially for families who value interior quality and cargo capacity. Still, the review suggests that standing out in a crowded field will require continued refinement of in-cabin noise, charging speed, and the broader value proposition as more Chinese brands expand their premium offerings in the UK market.