MG is a brand that has come a long way in a short time in the UK. After all, the MG4 is a previous Business Car of the Year in 2023, and MG, as a brand in the UK, won our Editor’s Choice award this year. MG has been filling the range most recently with the IM-badged EV models, and before that the S5 EV SUV. In fact, this new S6 is MG’s eighth EV, and the S5’s sibling in the range. It goes up against other Business Car Award winners, the Kia EV3 and Skoda Enyaq, plus the Citroen E-C5 Aircross and the Renault Scenic.
Design and interior
Outside, MG now appears to have a family look, and in this case, the S6 looks like the S5 – with elements of the MG4 as well. Exterior highlights include the angular daytime running light signature at the top of the car, with the headlights hidden in faux air intakes below. There is also a split grille that MG tells us is inspired by the Cyberster EV sportscar, and a lower grille that opens and shuts to maximise efficiency. We are sure there’s a touch of the Audi Q5 in the SUV shape from the side, but little else to make the S6 stand out against rivals, other than the large alloy wheels, which are up to 20in in size. Highlights from the back include a diffuser that mimics the design of the split front grille at the front, plus a full-length light bar and distinctive roof spoiler. Overall, it’s a neat, and modern design – yet it still looks rather generic.
Inside, the S6’s dashboard is dominated by the 12.8in infotainment touchscreen. Other highlights include the hidden air vents, and the raised centre console with drive controls and a vented wireless charger. Interior quality feels a step up from models such as the MG4, but not quite as good as the Tesla-rivalling MG IM models that we’ve tried recently. Look closer and items such as the switchgear, some of the plastics, and the operating system for the infotainment aren’t quite so good and show up MG’s more budget roots. The image quality from the reversing camera is particularly disappointing.
Interior space is good, the boot has a 674-litre capacity and is practically-shaped, and it feels solid and robust rather than special inside.
Performance and drive
Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the MG S6 are powered by a 77kWh battery, with the choice of single or twin-motor versions. The single, RWD motor version has 241hp and 350Nm of torque, with 0-62mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds. The range-topping AWD Trophy Dual Motor offers 356hp, an impressive 540Nm of torque, and 0-62mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds, with AWD mode automatically engaged if there is insufficient traction.
The MG S6 has five drive modes to choose from: Normal, Sport, Comfort, Custom and Snow. However, during test drives of both models, the only mode which seemed to make much difference to the drive was Sport, which noticeably changes throttle sensitivity. Thankfully, considering the performance, the brakes in both versions are reassuring with a pleasingly natural feel.
The handling, considering this is a big SUV, is safe and tidy – rather than fun. The steering is surprisingly precise. The ride is more comfortable and compliant in the single motor version, with the all-wheel drive version’s ride noticeably more unsettled at low speed –even with the standard-fit 19/20in alloy wheels. Despite being just 100kg heavier than the rear-motor model, the all-wheel drive version feels much heavier to drive.
The MG’s 144kW maximum charging speed is better than key rival the Kia EV3. The S6’s battery can charge from 10 to 80% in 38 minutes.
Like its sister car, the S5, and more recently MG’s IM models, the S6 is another impressive EV from the Chinese brand. It drives well (best in rear motor form), has impressive levels of standard kit, and seems efficient. However, like a lot of Chinese rivals, we found the ADAS too overpowering, and some of the interior finishes and switchgear feel noticeably cheaper than rivals. Plus, even though MG has established its own design style, it still looks too like European rivals in our opinion.
Positive: Good to drive, high value package, seems reasonably efficient.
Negative: All-wheel drive version has a more unsettled ride and feels noticeably heavier to drive, overpowering ADAS, unremarkable design inside and out.
Standard equipment: 19in alloy wheels, cloth interior trim, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual screen infotainment and instruments, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Engines: Electric: 241hp, 356hp
Equipment grades: SE, Trophy
Transmission: Single speed automatic
| Model | MG S6 Trophy Long Range |
| P11D: | £40,995 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,617 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 329 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £20/£41 |
| Luggage capacity | 674 litres |
| Battery size/power | 77kWh/244hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
