A replacement for the most affordable electric SUV? 2025 MG ES5 revealed in China and likely for Australian release as an MG ZS EV replacement to challenge Hyundai Kona Electric and Volvo EX30

MG’s ZS EV replacement has emerged in China as the ES5, an electric compact family SUV with up to 525km of rated driving range.

According to CarNewsChina, the ES5 will be offered with three differing ranges, which presumably suggests three different variants. They are quoted at 425km, 515km and 525km under the less stringent CLTC standards.

Power is sourced from an electric motor mounted to the rear wheels that produces a maximum power of 125kW/250Nm. It is coupled to two optional lithium iron phosphate battery packs, available in 49.1kWh or 62.2kWh options.

The ES5 will reportedly be built on SAIC’s Nebula Pure Electric architecture. This differs from the previous-gen ZS electric which sat on a converted combustion car architecture.

With the ES5's bespoke EV architecture and battery that's only 110mm thick, it should offer much improved cabin space over the all car. It also gets five-link independent rear suspension.

In terms of design, the MG ES5 adopts a more aggressive and sportier look than its predecessor, with sleek lines, sharp LED headlights and twin front air vents. There’s also an LED light bar at the rear.

Its dimensions are quoted at 4476mm long, 1849mm wide, 1621mm high, and with a wheelbase of 2730mm. That puts it longer than the current ZS EV in all directions, particularly in length and wheelbase where it is 163mm and 145mm longer, respectively.

Two wheel sizes are listed at 17 and 18 inches, with two curb weights of 1685kg and 1740kg.

Inside, the MG ES5 gets a distinct configuration from the new ZS with two separate screens for digital driver’s display and multimedia functions, although exact dimensions have not been provided yet.

Additionally, there’s a flat bottom steering wheel borrowed from the new MG HS, along with a floating centre console with undercarriage space, two central cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Images also show a panoramic sunroof.

It is unclear exactly when the MG ES5 will be made available locally, though CarNewsChina reports that it should launch in China later this year.

MG has been bullish about its local expansion plans, having begun with the HS family SUV it will follow with the Cyberster electric sports car and plenty of models in all-new segments come 2025.

A test vehicle of the MG ES5 and its larger SUV sibling the MG Marvel R have already been spotted testing under heavy camouflage in Australia earlier this year.

Pricing in China is expected to start at between 100,000 to 150,000 yuan, roughly $A20,931 to $A31,497, though expect any Australian-specced version to come in at the top end of that figure, competing with the likes of the Hyundai Kona and Volvo EX30.