HIGHLIGHTS
- MG introduces the MGS6 EV, a premium mid-sized SUV
- Two variants available: the MGS6 EV Essence RWD starts from $56,990 plus on road costs and delivers 180kW combined power while the MGS6 EV Essence AWD starts from $63,990 plus on road costs and delivers 266kW combined power.
- Five-star ANCAP safety rating.
We headed to Auckland for the launch of the all-new MGS6 EV, the company’s latest model offering. The launch was started off at Matchbox, Auckland’s premium car storage facility.
“This year has been a milestone for MG, with the MGS6 EV marking our third all-electric launch in 2026 so far and completing our most comprehensive EV lineup to date,” said Dean Sheed, Country Business Manager at MG Motor New Zealand.
“At a time when cost of living pressures are shaping household decisions, we’re proud to offer New Zealanders genuine choice, from the value-focused MG4 and MG4 EV Urban hatchbacks, to our family-ready SUVs including the MGS5 EV, IM6 and now the MGS6 EV, through to our performance hero, the Cyberster.
“Together, they form a full spectrum of electric mobility, spanning accessible everyday options right through to premium, high-performance models. The MGS6 EV plays a key role in that story, delivering refined comfort, smart technology and long-term value for families who want to step confidently into the future of electric mobility.”
2026 MGS6 EV: POWERTRAIN
The MGS6 EV Essence AWD produces 266kW of combined power from its dual-motor setup, while the MGS6 EV Essence RWD offers 180kW. The MGS6 EV Essence AWD reaches 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, and the MGS6 EV Essence RWD in 7.3 seconds.
The Essence model has a 530km WLTP range with the AWD model rated at 485km WLTP range. Recharging is listed at 10–80% rapid charging in 38 minutes at 144kW on a 150kW DC charger. Both variants also feature MG’s highly efficient heat pump, One Pedal Mode and adjustable regenerative braking. Towing is rated at 750kg unbraked and 1,500kg braked.
2026 MGS6 EV: DESIGN
MG claims the model “introduces a confident, contemporary design that blends athletic proportions with a clean, understated aesthetic”. It measures 4,708mm long, 1,912m wide and 1,664mm high, has MacPherson front suspension and a Multi-Link rear suspension setup with 20-inch alloy wheels featuring low-resistance caps.
2026 MGS6 EV: COMFORT
Premium materials, soft-touch surfaces and smart interior packaging create an environment focused on comfort and wellbeing, says MG. Features include an 11-speaker audio system with subwoofer, heated and ventilated vegan-leather seats with suede upholstery, heated outer rear seats and ambient lighting.
Practicality has been carefully considered too, they say. The cabin provides a 581-litre boot, complemented by an 86-litre frunk in the MGS6 EV Essence RWD and a 67-litre frunk in the MGS6 EV Essence AWD. With the rear seats folded, total storage expands to 1,690 litres.
2026 MGS6 EV: FEATURES
The cabin features a dual-screen layout combining a 12.8-inch HD touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver display, delivering streamlined access to navigation, entertainment and vehicle functions. Additional technology highlights include Head Up Display (HUD) – the first in an MG, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 50-watt wireless smartphone charging, voice control functionality and integrated connected applications, services and iSmart companion app.
2026 MGS6 EV: SAFETY
MG says the new model incorporates the latest generation of MG Pilot driver assistance systems, including Active Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Detection, and more alongside the MG Pilot Custom function which allows drivers to personalise and store their preferred safety settings.
The MGS6 EV has also been recognised by ANCAP as offering ‘very good all-round protection,’ with the organisation awarding the new model a five-star safety rating.
2026 MGS6 EV: WARRANTY
Every MGS6 EV is supported by MG Motor New Zealand’s 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and the opportunity to unlock up to 10 years or 250,000km of MG Service Activated Extended Warranty. This commitment reflects MG Motor’s long-term investment in the Kiwi market and its expanding range of electric and hybrid vehicles, says the company.
Colour options
The MGS6 EV will be offered in a curated palette of premium exterior finishes including:
- Dover White
- Stratford Gold
- Black Pearl
- Camden Grey
- Piccadilly Blue
- Sterling Silver
- Diamond Red
Interior palette options:
- Grey Ivory with Nordic Ashwood style trim
- Dark with Carbon Fibre style trim
Availability
The MGS6 EV will be available in MG dealerships across New Zealand from today, with pricing starting from:
- MGS6 EV Essence RWD: $56,990 MRP + ORC
- MGS6 EV Essence AWD: $63,990 MRP + ORC
2026 MGS6 EV: LAUNCH DAY
As far as the overall car market in New Zealand fares, currently the total market year-to-date (YTD) is up 13%, at over 68,000 cars sold.
MG Motor New Zealand is seeing good sales improvements, with Q2 up 52% and YTD up 35%. This puts them at 5.2% for overall sales, and number 4 ranking in passenger car sales.
Interestingly, straight petrol-powered models were at 50% of all MG sales in February of this year, but that fell to 31% in June.
And what of the all-new S6 EV? It’s built on the same platform as the MG4 and S5, and is a step up in size and premium feel over the S5. Side by side, the cars look like they are quite different but you can also see the family resemblance.
The model is the 8th battery-electric car from MG, with both models sold in New Zealand with a 77kWh battery pack. The model sits at the top of the range of core BEV models for MG.
To raise the look and feel of the car, there’s lot of chrome on the exterior, but tastefully done. There are full-width taillights and an integrated roof spoiler.
As mentioned, the interior is fitted with a large array of features like a 50-watt Qi wireless phone charger, 3-stage heated front seats, single stage heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a pano roof in the AWD model.
2026 MGS6 EV: FIRST DRIVE
It must be said, in the flesh the S6 EV is an attractive SUV. The proportions are just right, and it’s got enough detail to be a little different without being busy. I like it. There is a Stratford Gold S6 EV here today, and it looks brilliant. Stratford Gold is this model’s hero colour.
Externally, there’s no visual difference between the RWD and AWD models, but the pano roof gives away the more expensive car.
Getting inside, you are greeted with deep, plush carpet mats and slatherings of quilted Alcantara on the doors and seats. It looks superb and certainly helps to give the interior a premium feel. The Qi wireless charging pad is also covered in Alcantara, to stop your phone sliding around – it also looks pretty damn good.
Heading off on SH1 in an all-wheel drive model, wind noise and tyre noise are both minimal, making conversation easy.
Being passenger for the first leg, silence and comfort are noticeable. It feels like your typical MG; those who have driven the MG4 will feel right at home with the gear selector and menu system, not to mention the steering wheel controls.
After 50km or so, we switched into a RWD model with me driving. It has to be said, 180kW feels like the sweet spot for this car. It’s more than enough for overtaking, and probably helping you keep your driver’s license compared to the AWD model.
Road manners are good too, the car likes to be punted around the corners and remains quite composed on a series of bends. Steering feel, even in Normal mode, has some decent feel to it, which was a surprise.
Later in the day, we switched into a RWD and I took to the back seat. There’s a generous amount of leg room in the rear, let alone copious amounts of headroom and width. It’d be an easy place for two to spend on a Wellington-Auckland roadie.
With an ivory interior, it’s all very light and airy – and this is in the model with no pano roof.
2026 MGS6 EV: SUMMARY
First impressions of the all-new S6 EV are excellent; it drives very well, is quiet and refined, looks good, and certainly feels like a premium SUV.
With good pricing and spec levels, MG could be on to a winner here. We’ll do a full review of the car when we get one to test.
UPDATES TO MGS5 EV
In other new model news, MG has also announced specification changes to the MGS5 EV. Enhancements on the Essence 62kWh variant include a new interior trim and an upgraded B-Axial motor.
The powertrain upgrade is significant as it now produces 151kW of power and 350Nm of torque (up from 125kW and 250Nm) and an increase in range of 425km to 465km WLTP.
These developments are also paired with a $2,000 price reduction, resulting in a new MRP of $52,990 plus on road costs.
Whilst the MGS5 EV stablemate Essence 49kWh doesn’t receive the same specification updates, it nevertheless features the same price reduction, meaning a new MRP of $46,990 plus on road costs.
