MG S6 EV aims to set a premium mark in a crowded Chinese electric SUV field

MG has unveiled the S6 EV, its latest electric family SUV and the brand’s eighth battery-powered model. The company positions the S6 as a step up into the premium end of the mainstream market, placing it at the top of MG’s core range and bridging the gap between the S5 EV and the IM6, a technology-focused flagship that MG introduced in September. MG argues the S6 EV is spacious, refined and generously outfitted, designed to broaden the brand’s appeal as more Chinese rivals flood the affordable EV space. The car will be watched closely in Britain, where MG markets itself as a familiar-yet-modern Chinese brand. The S6 EV is priced from £37,995 for the SE Long Range, with two higher-trim options adding £3,000 each; MG noted that the initial ECS threshold, which limited purchase eligibility under £40,000, was raised shortly after the launch, easing some of the cost concerns for buyers.

At 4.7 metres long, 1.9 metres wide and just under 1.7 metres tall, the S6 EV is positioned as a very large C-segment SUV, edging toward compact-D segment proportions in footprint and practicality. MG stresses that while the model sits near the upper end of traditional sizing for its class, it is not a full D-segment SUV. Nevertheless, the S6 EV offers substantial space for families, including a boot of 674 litres with seats up and a class-leading 124-litre front trunk (frunk) on the rear-wheel-drive version, shrinking to 102 litres with the all-wheel-drive option. In practical terms, that adds up to a flexible storage solution that helps MG claim real edge over rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq IV and BYD Sealion 7 in boot space.

The S6 EV’s powertrain lineup mirrors the increasingly common approach in mid-sized EVs: two rear-wheel-drive versions and an all-wheel-drive option, all powered by a 77 kWh battery. The RWD variants produce 240 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds, while the dual-motor AWD delivers 356 horsepower with a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Top speed in all configurations is governed at 124 mph. The car rides on MG’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the company’s lightweight architecture intended to improve range, dynamics and interior space by keeping the chassis thin and rigid.

On the road, the S6 EV feels notably more capable than MG’s prior SUVs. The reviewer found the AWD model with 357 horsepower engaging, with ample power for overtakes and motorway merges, while noting the balance was well-tuned for country roads. Braking is immediate at low speeds and regenerative braking is adjustable to taste. While the steering feel improves over MG’s previous line, the reviewer also noted some tradeoffs: road noise is more noticeable on long motorway journeys, a factor that tempers the car’s premium ambitions. Overall driving position is excellent, with a broad range of seat adjustments that make it easy for drivers of different heights to find a comfortable stance.

Inside, MG has pushed the interior quality forward. The cabin is offered in two colourways – Natural beige and Carbon grey – both combining leather and suede-style materials with soft-touch surfaces. The overall look is more premium than MG’s earlier interiors and is designed to feel closer to German-brand rival interiors without the corresponding price tag. The dashboard centers on a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, both providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical dials for climate and media remain a welcome touch, while the Trophy variants add ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats and a head-up display. A full-length panorama sunroof enhances the sense of space, particularly in the beige interior, which the tester preferred for its lighter feel.

Range figures reflect the S6 EV’s practical focus: the rear-drive Long Range version offers up to 329 miles per charge, while the AWD model tops out at around 301 miles, depending on conditions. Rapid charging is listed at up to 144 kW, with MG claiming a 10–80% fill in about 38 minutes. That’s competitive for the segment, though some rivals such as MG’s own IM family showcase higher charging speeds. The S6 EV uses MG’s own battery chemistry and a proven MSP layout, and MG executives say the platform will continue to underpin future models with improved efficiency and space.

Pricing places the S6 EV within reach of mid-market families. The SE Long Range starts at £37,995, with Trophy Long Range at £40,995 and the Trophy Dual Motor at £43,995. MG noted a pricing dynamic linked to the UK’s electronics and car policies, including recent changes to the Expensive Car Supplement. In context, the rival BYD Sealion 7’s pricing sits higher at entry levels around £44,990 for Comfort RWD, £49,290 for Design AWD and £57,290 for Excellence AWD, underscoring MG’s attempt to offer premium appeal at what is still a relatively accessible price point.

As a result, the MG S6 EV is likely to split opinion. It stands out versus the S5 in terms of interior quality, space and powertrain sophistication, but the crowded field of Chinese and European rivals means MG will need to rely on practical packaging and a premium feel to maintain momentum. In the test drive the S6 EV delivered the kind of balanced, capable performance that mid-market families expect, with room to grow on longer journeys; yet the absence of echos of premium-sounding sound insulation on motorways remains a notable blemish for a car targeted at premium buyers. In that sense, MG has crafted a very solid, well-rounded family SUV that could be a strong choice for many buyers, even if it may not be remembered as the single lifetime car. The broader question remains whether the S6 EV can carve out a lasting premium niche amid a wave of similar offerings and the push by rivals to outdo MG on range, charging speed and interior quality.