Geely EX5 vs MG S5

Both open at $41,990 driveaway in late 2026, so the choice is about what that money buys. The EX5 is a size bigger, a mid-size SUV against the S5's compact, with a larger 68kWh battery for about 475km of range to the base S5's 49kWh and 335km, and a stronger 160kW motor. The S5 counters with the better drive, thanks to its MG 4 rear-drive chassis, plus dual-zone climate, a standard panoramic sunroof and a stronger adult-occupant safety score. In short, the EX5 is the value pick on size and range, the S5 on driving feel and standard kit.

The EX5 wins on range for the money. At $41,990 driveaway in late 2026 its 68kWh battery claims about 475km, where the base MG S5 Essence 49's 49kWh pack manages roughly 335km, a 140km difference for the same outlay. If range is the priority you can spend up to the $46,990 S5 Essence 62, whose 62kWh battery and more efficient 150kW motor lift it to about 450km, but that is still short of the Geely and costs $5000 more. For buyers who cover big distances or simply want a larger buffer against range anxiety, the EX5 is the stronger choice.

This is the S5's strongest card. It is built on the rear-wheel-drive platform of the acclaimed MG 4 hatch, and AU reviewers consistently praise its balanced handling, crisp steering and firm, well-sorted ride, rare qualities in an affordable EV. The EX5, by contrast, is tuned firmly for comfort: reviewers repeatedly flag a soft, under-damped ride that floats and gets bouncy on rougher roads and light, low-feel steering. The trade is that the S5's firm edge means a knobbly low-speed ride, and its base motor is tame off the line, while the EX5 is the quieter, cushier cruiser. If you enjoy driving, the S5 is the clear pick.

The EX5 is the bigger car overall. It is 139mm longer and taller than the compact S5, with more rear space and a far bigger boot when you fold the seats, 1877 litres to the S5's 1441. Seats up, the numbers flip in a quirk of measurement: the S5 quotes 453 litres of single-level space to the EX5's 302 above the floor, though the Geely's deep under-floor box lifts usable capacity to about 410 litres. Neither has a front boot. For everyday loading the S5's boot is tidy and easy, but for outright space, especially folded, the bigger EX5 is the more practical.

Both carry a current five-star ANCAP rating, so neither compromises on the paperwork. The S5 posts the stronger crash-protection numbers, with 90 per cent for adult occupants to the EX5's 86, while the Geely edges ahead on safety assist, 85 per cent to 79. Both come with the full active-safety suite as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera, and both let you dial back the more intrusive warning chimes through a settings shortcut. On the record the two are line-ball, with the S5 a little stronger on occupant protection and the EX5 on driver-assist.

The S5 packs more comfort kit into its base price. It has dual-zone climate where the EX5 runs single-zone, and a panoramic sunroof standard on both grades where the EX5 makes you step up to the dearer Inspire. The EX5 answers with a bigger 15.4-inch screen, plusher GeeLuxe synthetic-leather seats against the S5's cloth-and-vinyl, and of course its extra size. Both share the essentials, including a 360-degree camera, heated front seats and a heated wheel, wireless phone charging and built-in navigation. If comfort features per dollar matter most, the S5 edges it; if screen and material feel do, the EX5.

Only the S5 is rated to tow. Neither is a serious tow car, but the S5 is rated to 750kg braked and unbraked, enough for a small box trailer or a bike rack. Geely publishes no towing capacity for the EX5, so on the record you should not hitch a trailer to it, a common position for front-drive electric SUVs. If even occasional light towing is on your list, the S5 is the safer choice of the two, and worth confirming the details with an MG dealer before you commit.

It comes down to what you value at the same price. If you want the most car, the biggest battery and the longest range for $41,990 in late 2026, and you prize a quiet, cushy cruise, the EX5 is the pick, and it is the value car on size and kilometres. If you want the more engaging rear-drive chassis, a warmer cabin and more comfort kit as standard, and you do not need the Geely's extra size or range, the S5 is the more rewarding buy, especially lower in the range. Neither is a wrong answer. Decide whether size and range or the drive and the cabin matter more, and the choice makes itself.