MG S6 EV 2026 review

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

8 / 10

MG has taken a ‘keep it simple’ approach, offering just two variants of the MGS6 - the RWD that starts at $49,990 and the AWD priced from $56,990 - on a single specification Essence grade.

Both those prices are drive-away, which means the MGS6 is very competitive, undercutting the likes of the Tesla Model Y by more than $10,000. However, that’s still not enough to make it the most affordable electric SUV, with cheaper options out there, most notably fellow Chinese brands GAC and Geely claiming that honour with their EX5 and Aion V starting in the low-$40K range, although those are arguably at least a half-size smaller than the roomy MGS6. 

Standard equipment on both models includes 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 11-speaker sound system and a combination of synthetic leather and synthetic suede trim. The only major specification difference between the RWD and AWD, aside from the powertrain, is a panoramic sunroof for the more expensive model.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

7 / 10

Historically MG has played it safe design-wise, opting for inoffensive but sometimes derivative looks. But with this latest generation the brand is starting to find its own unique style and the MGS6 is another example of that.

The company has hired more European designers, who have brought a more global look and feel to the brand and given it a more clearly defined sense of style. There is a clear visual link to the smaller MGS5, with both models clearly influenced by the brand’s halo model, the Cyberster.

There’s a Cyberster-inspired split grille at the front, plus new signature daytime running lights, while at the rear there are full-width lights, with a 3D light effect with integrated spoiler for better aerodynamics. The exterior look is then finished off with 20-inch aero-designed alloy wheels.

Inside the design is in keeping with previous MG models, which means a simplistic but very modern cabin.

There are two screens, one for the driver’s display and one for the multimedia system, that provide a clean and contemporary look. 

MG is offering two interior options, a standard grey-colour cabin with carbon fibre-style inlays or an optional beige look complete with Scandinavian-inspired light wood-style inlays dubbed Nordic Ashwood.

Notably, there are more soft-touch materials used throughout, which adds to a more premium look and feel for the MGS6 compared to some of the brand’s earlier models.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

8 / 10

While MG has opted for the clean, ‘tech’ look by running all the key functions through the two screens, thankfully the brand has also decided to include more physical buttons. These are for the key controls, specifically the air-conditioning and the audio system, and make it easier to adjust on the move.

MG has placed a big emphasis on user-friendliness, with a reported 38 storage spots scattered around the cabin to help make life easier for occupants. Certainly the cupholders, deep door pockets, large centre console shelf and large lidded console box do make storing your everyday small items convenient.

As for interior space, MG was keen to point out that its battery back is “ultra-thin” and measures just 110mm tall, which has allowed for a more spacious cabin with a flat floor. This translates to a very roomy interior, especially in the second row where there is enough space for two adults to sit comfortably with ample headroom and kneeroom.

In terms of storage, the MGS6 is the brand’s first model to feature under bonnet storage, or a 'frunk' as some people call it, which adds up to 86L of storage space (although that number is reduced to 67L in the AWD).

This is obviously in addition to the boot, which measures 581L with the seats up and 1607L with the second row folded.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

7 / 10

The MGS6 is based on MG’s ‘E2’ EV architecture, which is the same as the S5 and compact MG4 hatch - not to be mistaken with the front-wheel drive MG4 Urban, which is on a newer platform.

This particular platform is designed for rear- and all-wheel drive applications, while the 'E3' architecture will be used for front-wheel drive models.

The S6 RWD has a single electric motor which, as the name implies, is mounted on the rear axle and makes 180kW of power.

The AWD option unsurprisingly adds a front-mounted electric motor for all-wheel drive performance and 266kW of power.

Efficiency – What is its energy consumption? What is its driving range?

7 / 10

The motors are fed by a 77kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery, which is enough to provide the MGS6 RWD with 530km of range, while the AWD drops to a still reasonable 485km of claimed range.

According to the company, on a combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle the RWD uses 145Wh/km, while the AWD consumes 160Wh/km, but unfortunately our test drive was too short to verify the real-world use over an extended period of time.

MG claims with a 150kW DC charger, the battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 38 minutes - roughly the same time as its key rivals. 

Using an 11kW AC charging it will take approximately seven hours to charge the battery from empty to 100 per cent capacity.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

7 / 10

It’s easy with EVs to fall into the trap of thinking just because it isn’t ludicrously fast it’s a letdown. And certainly, despite having 266kW available, I wouldn’t call the MGS6 particularly fast.

But measure it against its SUV peers, electric, hybrid and petrol powered, and it performs admirably. The natural smoothness of the electric motors only adds to the relaxed driving nature.

The ride and handling is also improved over previous MG models we’ve reviewed. It’s still not class-leading, but in terms of what the brand has produced before it feels like a positive step forward.

Overall the driving experience is very quiet and relaxed, with good insulation from the outside world and the quiet efficiency of the electric powertrain.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

7 / 10

The MGS6 is well-equipped with all the usual passive and active safety features you’d expect in this day and age. These include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera view.

Thankfully, MG has managed to tone down some of the sensitivity of these systems, which have been (to be blunt) unbearable in some of its other models. It could still be improved further, the speed limit warning remains a steady presence on every drive, but overall it is a clear improvement for the brand.

As for its safety rating, at the time of publication the MGS6 hadn’t been tested by ANCAP, but was awarded five-stars from Euro NCAP in a late 2025 assessment. That means it will likely carry a maximum five-star rating in Australia, even though it doesn’t adhere to the latest protocols spruiked by the safety agency. 

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

7 / 10

In a bid to convince buyers of the brand’s reliability and longevity MG is still offering a standard seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with the option to extend to 10-years/250,000km if you get all your servicing done at an MG dealer, which makes it the longest warranty available for a new car in Australia.

Servicing intervals are every 12-months or 25,000km, whichever comes first, and differ slightly depending on the model. For the RWD the five-year service plan totals $1321 and $1877 for the seven year plan, while for the AWD the costs are $1376 and $1987, respectively.

It was noticeable during the brand’s presentation of the new MGS6 to local media that customer experience, both in the new car showroom and service centres, is a top priority. That suggests the anecdotal evidence that MG has been behind key rivals in this department is an accurate reflection. But clearly the new management structure wants to change that.

There are currently around 100 MG dealers across the county.

Verdict