MG pushes upmarket with the spacious S6 – its latest all-electric SUV…
It’s no surprise that MG is one of the world’s fastest-growing car companies.
Whether you’re looking for a hatchback, SUV or convertible – or a petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV, for that matter – MG is right there with its impressive model line-up.
The new MG S6 EV is an excellent example of the Chinese-owned brand’s confidence. Still great value for money, it’s now looking the part too, while taking a step-up in terms of materials and build quality.
Slotting in above the recently launched S5 EV, the S6 is competitively priced from £37,995 and is a substantial 4.7 metres long, so it’s about the same size as the slightly more expensive Skoda Enyaq.
A proper five-seat, family-sized SUV, the smoothly-styled S6 looks like an enlarged S5 and features a split grille design inspired by the Cyberster convertible, integrated high and low beam lights, plus a new daytime running light signature, and full-width light bar at the back.
Not surprisingly, the overall profile is much like most SUVs, so the new S6 has to shine in other ways, which brings us to the interior.
The cabin oozes space, especially in the back, where there’s a huge amount of head and legroom. Opt for the panoramic sunroof and it’s bathed in light too.
It’s modern and driver-focused up front with a squared-off steering wheel, a centre console which includes a cooled smartphone charging pad (depending on spec), a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch configurable driver’s digital display.
The infotainment tech is perfectly acceptable, but not up there with the best. Thankfully there are a few dials, buttons and switches for essentials such as volume control, cabin temperature and de-misting, plus the MG S6 has physical shortcut buttons below the touchscreen and on the steering wheel for essentials.
However, the big takeaway is the classy feel of the cabin with soft-touch surfaces and comfortable leather/suede-style seats. Note: top spec models get heated and ventilated seats up front, plus heated rear outer seats.
The S6 is also blessed with 674 litres of boot space (1,910 litres with the rear seats flipped), and there’s a 124-litre frunk under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables, but could also be used for a cabin-sized soft bag.
All versions of the MG S6 EV get a 77kWh battery, but there is a choice between an entry-level rear-wheel drive (244bhp and 350Nm of torque) or dual-motor (361bhp and an impressive 540Nm of torque).
Acceleration for the single-motor is a nippy 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds, dropping to just 5.1 seconds for the dual-motor, while claimed range is 329 miles and 301 miles respectively.
Once you’re behind the wheel, first impressions are good. The seat adjusts lower than most electric SUVs, which is a bonus if like me you prefer a more involving driving experience. Naturally, there are higher settings too, if a commanding view of the road is more important to you. Whichever you choose, all-round visibility is impressive.
I tested both the single-motor, rear-wheel drive, and dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants. And frankly, apart from a little extra weight, plus more traction and power in the latter, there’s little to choose between them.
Swift, refined and composed, the ride is compliant, while body lean is well controlled in more challenging corners.
It would be an exaggeration to say the S6’s handling will put a smile on your face, but it’s plenty fast enough for a family car and delivers a comfortable ride.
Meanwhile, the brakes (developed by Continental, no less) are unusually progressive for an EV, and there are four regen settings. It’s just a shame that there aren’t adjustment paddles behind the steering wheel, which is the simplest control system.
The MG S6 has five drive modes (Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow and Custom). However, Sport is the only one that makes much difference, and even then it’s more about throttle sensitivity than dialled-up handling.
Unless you live in a more rural area where all-wheel drive gives extra peace of mind in the winter, the entry-level model will do just fine.
All three MG S6 EV trim levels (SE Long Range, Trophy Long Range, and Trophy Dual Motor) have a maximum charge rate of 144kW, so a 10% to 80% boost will take a fairly pedestrian 38 minutes.
On mixed roads in chilly November, I achieved efficiency of around 3.2 miles/kWh (2.6 at worst, 3.8 at best), which is pretty much par for the course for a big SUV. I’d estimate the real-world ranges are closer to 240 miles (claimed 301) and 263 miles (329). Obviously, range is dependent on a number of factors, including outside temperature, driving style and route (city, A-road, or motorway).
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the S6 comes with a generous seven-year/80,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), and the battery is covered for eight years.
It’s also been awarded a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, partly down to the comprehensive safety and driver assistance tech available as standard. Some of the warning bongs are irritating, but I’m afraid that’s the case with most modern cars now.
Verdict: There’s no shortage of family-sized electric SUVs on the market, so to find a new model that stands out from the crowd is quite an achievement. The MG S6 EV is one such car, with its impressive blend of space, value for money, comfortable drive, and quality.
