MG MGS5 EV vs GWM Ora 5

What's the difference?

MG’s latest electric vehicle has arrived in Australia. The MG S5 EV replaces the super popular MG ZS EV. But don’t think of the MG S5 EV as just a replacement because if first impressions ring true this small budget electric SUV could be the new benchmark for the class. 

The arrival could not be better timed. A multitude of new Chinese brands have been landing in Australia with small affordable electric SUVs such as the BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5 and Zeekr X, while the MG ZS EV was getting older and uncompetitive even if its price was almost unbeatable. 

Now the S5 EV has landed and our first impressions show it to be outstanding. We’ve tested it and can tell you how well it stacks up against the ZS EV and after you read this review you'll also know how well it may compare to its small budget electric SUV rivals.

GWM’s second attempt at launching the Ora brand in Australia seems much better planned than the first.

While the electric Ora hatchback wasn’t expensive, divisive styling and some messy ergonomics plagued what felt like an undercooked model both in terms of dynamics and packaging.

So this, the 2026 GWM Ora 5 SUV, is ‘take two’.

It arrives with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.

Can this ensure GWM’s cutesy electric car brand is taken seriously and help it catch up to its cousins Haval, Tank and Cannon?

We drove a Flamingo Pink example from inner-Melbourne out into the scenic Yarra Valley for its Australian launch to find out.