MG has added its biggest electric SUV yet – the 2026 MG S6 EV.
This mid-size electric SUV slots into the MG range above the S5 EV small electric SUV and bridges the gap to the Chinese brand’s luxury arm and its IM6, with a pricing structure that is affordable and enticing.
Considering what’s on offer here, some of the big-name players in this bustling part of the market should be concerned – because this is a very compelling battery-powered five-seat family SUV.
Find out why by reading on…
How much does the MG S6 EV cost?
The two-strong model range is almost identically equipped, though the top-spec AWD (all-wheel drive) flagship adds more power and torque, faster acceleration, and a panoramic glass roof.
|
Model |
Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
|
2026 MG S6 EV Essence RWD |
$49,990 |
|
2026 MG S6 EV Essence AWD |
$56,990 |
The entry-level RWD (rear-wheel drive) MG S6 EV undercuts the Tesla Model Y, Zeekr 7X, Kia EV5, Hyundai Elexio, BYD Sealion 7 and the upcoming Mazda CX-6e – and frankly, it doesn’t feel that cheap. This is an aggressively priced EV..
I just wish the AWD model was a smidge cheaper. Maybe if it was $54,990 – $5000 more for a sunroof and an extra motor – it would be even more enticing.
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What is the MG S6 EV like on the inside?
If you’ve spent time in other MG products recently, the cabin of the S6 EV will feel familiar. But it also feels like MG has turned the premium dial up.
Quilted trim on the seats and door cards and suede-look finishes and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin help create a more upmarket feel than some of MG’s cheaper models, yet it’s still a pretty cheap entrant in the mid-size electric SUV class.
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The seats themselves are comfortable, with electric adjustment on offer – but the seat base is somewhat unsupportive, and there are no physical seat memory buttons – instead, you have to do that through the screen.
It’s the same story for the seat heating and ventilation, and there is a trick you need to know. If you long-press the on-screen button, it will change from heating to ventilation or vice-versa, and there is three-stage heating but only single-stage cooling.
It’s unclear why MG hasn’t included a dedicated cooling icon, particularly given there’s space available beside the steering wheel heating ‘button’.
The 12.8-inch infotainment display isn’t overwhelmingly large like in some rivals but, crucially, there are still physical controls for other things you will use often.
Climate functions, audio volume and demister controls all have dedicated buttons or switches, meaning you don’t have to poke through endless touchscreen menus just to make basic adjustments.
The retention of physical climate controls is a welcome departure from the increasingly screen-dependent approach adopted by many rivals, and I’m personally grateful for MG having listened to the feedback and acted on it.
The infotainment system itself is straightforward to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, built-in satellite navigation is available if you’d rather use the factory system, and the menus are logically laid out.
It doesn’t feel like you need a training course before you can operate it. But having said that, I did experience a few glitches and slow starts to the media system when starting the car up, so if you’re always in a rush this one mightn’t be for you.
Another potential issue for some buyers is the lack of over-the-air (OTA) software updates. You still get smartphone connectivity and access to online services for 12 months at no cost, through the vehicle’s built-in data connection, but software updates require a dealer visit rather than being downloadable remotely.
Charging schedules can be configured through the screen, energy consumption data is easy to access, vehicle-to-load (6kW) functionality is included, and there are multiple drive modes to choose from.
And like some earlier MG models, you can even customise the behaviour of the driver assistance systems through the MG Pilot Custom mode. That’s particularly useful because it allows you to quickly return the vehicle to your preferred settings, rather than diving through menus every time you get behind the wheel.
So if you find the S6 EV’s lane-keeping system, speed-sign recognition alert or driver monitoring cameras frustrating, this car represents a welcome change.
Ahead of the driver sits a digital instrument cluster paired with an adjustable head-up display, giving you plenty of information without needing to take your eyes off the road.
The steering wheel controls are fairly minimalist, and the gloss-black trim remains a fingerprint smudge magnet. Cruise control functions are easy enough to access, while shortcut buttons can be customised to suit your preferences.
It’s a practical cabin, with large door bins, a useful glovebox, a generous storage tray/shelf beneath the front seats, cupholders and a centre console bin, and a 50W wireless phone charger.
Up above, there are illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and, if you choose the AWD model, you also score the massive panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade.
Back-seat space is excellent. At 6’0” (182cm) tall, sitting behind my own driving position I had heaps of kneeroom, plenty of space for my feet, and excellent headroom despite the panoramic roof. It is one of the most spacious cars in its segment.
There are overhead grab handles, coat hooks, soft-touch door trims, bottle holders, seatback pockets, rear directional air vents, dual USB-C ports, and even heated outboard rear seats.
A fold-down centre rear armrest with cupholders is included, and while there aren’t deployable sunshades in the back, the rear glass is dark-tinted.
Families are well catered for, with ISOFIX child-seat anchor points in the outboard seats and three top-tether points across the second row. The flat floor will help with loading three-abreast too, and growing families should be able to fit three child seats in here easily.
The 60:40-split/folding rear bench also offers recline adjustment. And frankly, it’s a very good back-seat experience.
The boot space is excellent as well, with 581 litres of cargo capacity, a false floor to adjust the load-in height, and netted sections at the sides of the hold.
It’s a shame you don’t get a spare wheel, though. MG says it has no plans to offer one. You do get a tyre repair kit, which could fit under the floor area alongside your charging cables.
Or you could use the excellent front trunk (frunk) storage area, which – even in the AWD variant – is easily large enough to fit your charging gear and tyre-goo kit.
|
MG S6 EV |
Dimensions |
|---|---|
|
Length |
4708mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2835mm |
|
Width |
1912mm |
|
Height |
1664-1672mm |
|
Ground clearance |
190mm |
|
Boot capacity |
581L |
|
‘Frunk’ capacity |
86L – RWD 67L – AWD |
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
There are two different versions of the MG S6 EV: single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive.
|
Specifications |
Essence RWD |
Essence AWD |
|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
Single-motor electric |
Dual-motor electric |
|
Power |
180kW |
266kW |
|
Torque |
350Nm |
540Nm |
|
0-100km/h (claimed) |
7.3 seconds |
5.1 seconds |
|
Transmission |
Single-speed transmission |
|
|
Drivetrain |
RWD |
AWD |
|
Energy consumption (claimed) |
14.5kWh per 100km |
16.0kWh per 100km |
|
Energy consumption (as-tested) |
– |
18.7kWh per 100km |
|
Battery |
77kWh NMC li-ion |
|
|
Driving range (claimed) |
530km – WLTP |
485km – WLTP |
|
AC charging capacity |
11kW |
|
|
DC charging capacity |
144kW |
|
|
Weight |
1908kg – Tare |
2005kg – Tare |
|
Payload |
480kg |
460kg |
|
Towing capacity |
750kg – Unbraked 1500kg – Braked |
Both have the same battery pack and the same charging specs, so it’s really down to whether you want a fast electric MG SUV, or a slightly longer-range one.
On test I saw higher energy consumption than the claim, but considering that many dual-motor SUVs in this category use around 20kWh/100km, I was pretty happy with the result across a mix of driving.
I think you could realistically expect 410km of EV range from the AWD, and maybe 470km from the RWD.
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the MG S6 EV drive?
I came away pretty impressed by the S6 EV.
There are a few reasons for that, but one of the big ones is the way MG has implemented its technology. The MG Pilot Custom function, in particular, is excellent.
If you’re someone who despises endless warning chimes, driver monitor alerts and various electronic interventions, it’ll probably become the first button you press every time you get into the car.
More importantly, this is just a genuinely pleasant EV to drive.
It’s not the sharpest electric SUV on the market and not a driver’s car, as it’s not trying to set new benchmarks for handling precision.
What it does offer is a well-rounded, comfortable and confidence-inspiring driving experience that should suit many family buyers.
In fact, if I was spending my own money, I’d probably choose the rear-wheel drive version. The reason is simple: it’s around $7000 cheaper, and $7000 is still a lot of money. And it gets you more EV range.
Further, do you really need a panoramic glass roof and a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds? But yes, this one is fast, properly fast.
I have no reason to doubt the claimed acceleration time. When you put your foot down it launches forward with genuine urgency, and the all-wheel drive system also provides an extra layer of traction and confidence in slippery conditions.
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That said, MG’s rear-wheel drive EVs have generally been very well sorted from a traction and stability perspective anyway, so I don’t think many buyers would feel short-changed by the less powerful variant.
And the AWD has a compromise you might not think about – the turning circle.
It takes 12.4 metres to turn around, which is similar to a dual-cab ute. The RWD? Just 11.1 metres. So if you regularly do U-turns, find yourself in cul-de-sacs, or frequent shopping centre car parks, the RWD again stands out.
The steering is predictable, accurately weighted and well suited to everyday driving duties. Really, the biggest steering-related consideration is that turning circle.
Ride quality is generally good too, though not flawless.
There’s a slightly busy edge to the suspension at times, particularly over patchy road surfaces where the body can feel a little unsettled.
It’s not uncomfortable, crashy or poorly controlled, but there is a touch more vertical movement than you’ll find in some rivals.
Part of that may come down to the standard 20-inch alloy wheels and relatively low-profile tyres. Refinement is a strong point for this SUV, though.
At suburban speeds the cabin is impressively quiet, while motorway driving introduces only a small amount of road rumble on our notoriously noisy coarse-chip road surfaces. Otherwise, it’s a very relaxing vehicle to spend time in.
The S6’s regenerative braking system is also well executed, with multiple regeneration settings available, including a proper one-pedal mode that will bring the vehicle to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal.
If that’s your preferred EV driving style, you’ll likely be very happy with how this system operates.
The conventional brake pedal feel and progression isn’t quite as polished, though, and I found the braking a little grabby at lower speeds. It’s something you’ll adapt to, I think. I did over my time in the car.
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
2026 MG S6 EV Essence RWD equipment highlights:
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED tail-lights
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Roof rails
- 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 50W wireless phone charger
- 11-speaker sound system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Leatherette/suede upholstery
- Ambient lighting
- Smartphone app connectivity
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Surround-view camera
- Full active safety suite
2026 MG S6 EV Essence AWD adds:
- Panoramic fixed glass roof
This model range is offered as standard in Dover White at no cost, but extra-cost paint options include Stratford Gold, Black Pearl, Camden Grey, Piccadilly Blue, Sterling Silver and Diamond Red.
You can also opt for either a Grey Ivory interior featuring Nordic Ashwood faux wood inlays, or a ‘Dark’ interior with imitation carbon-fibre trim.
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the MG S6 EV safe?
The MG S6 EV has achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating based on 2025 criteria, which means it should get a similar rating from local authority ANCAP.
|
Category |
MG S6 EV* |
|---|---|
|
Adult occupant protection |
92 per cent |
|
Child occupant protection |
85 per cent |
|
Vulnerable road user protection |
84 per cent |
|
Safety assist |
78 per cent |
*Euro NCAP scoring
Standard safety features include:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-centring assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree camera
- Driver attention warning
- Speed sign recognition
- Front and rear parking sensors
The best thing about MG’s safety suite is the MG Pilot Custom button, which allows you to tailor the drive experience to your preferences – so if you hate the active intervention or chiming, you can set up a profile that you can activate each time you restart the car. Note that you will need to be in park to allow it to activate your settings
Beyond that, there are seven airbags including dual front, front side and full-length side curtains, plus a front centre airbag.
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the MG S6 EV cost to run?
MG has a good standard warranty for the vehicle, but the battery warranty is shorter than some rivals.
|
Servicing and Warranty |
MG S6 EV |
|---|---|
|
Warranty |
7 years, unlimited kilometres – Standard 10 years or 250,000 kilometres – Service-activated 7 years or 160,000 kilometres – EV battery |
|
Roadside assistance |
12 months – Standard Up to 10 years – Service-activated |
|
Service intervals |
12 months or 25,000km |
|
Capped-price servicing |
7 years or 175,000km |
|
Average service pricing |
RWD – $268 per visit AWD – $283 per visit |
Unlike competitors such as Toyota, MG brand doesn’t offer an extended battery warranty if you service with MG’s network of workshops, despite the fact the vehicle warranty can be extended to a massive decade-long, quarter-million-kilometre level of cover.
The big thing to think about here is whether or not you’re going to go back to MG or not for servicing. If the answer is yes, there seem to be good benefits attached. If not, it mightn’t stack up quite as well.
To see how the MG S6 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the MG S6 EV
This is one of the best-value EVs on the market.
Its spacious cabin, generous standard equipment list and competitive pricing make a strong case for family buyers looking to make the switch to electric motoring.
While the AWD offers impressive performance, the more affordable RWD appears to be the sweet spot of the range thanks to its lower price and longer claimed driving range.
If MG can continue to refine its software experience, the S6 EV has the potential to become one of the segment’s standout value offerings.
Interested in buying an MG S6 EV? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here
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