SAIC Motor Malaysia has rolled out the first locally assembled MG S5 EV off the line in Melaka, marking the brand’s first CKD milestone here and, just as importantly, its first proper test of whether MG can move beyond being merely an importer in Malaysia.
The ceremony took place at the PEPS-JV plant in Alor Gajah today, about five months after SAIC Motor Malaysia said it would begin local assembly work with EP Manufacturing Berhad.
Still, it is worth keeping the milestone in perspective. A line-off is not the same thing as a full commercial rollout. MG is still talking about an estimated price of RM120,000, with final pricing to be confirmed separately at the official launch.
Bookings opened today, and an early-bird package worth up to RM10,000 is being offered, including a RM7,000 rebate, a 7kW wallbox and RM1,000 in charging credits.
The CKD S5 EV also gets a meaningful mechanical bump over the earlier imported version.
Output rises to 151kW from 125kW, while torque climbs to 350Nm. MG says the rear-wheel-drive EV supports DC fast charging at up to 150kW, with a 10-80% charge time of about 26 minutes under optimal conditions. Claimed WLTP range stands at up to 446km for the LUX variant.
Equipment are targeted at mainstream buyers who want an EV that does not feel stripped out.
MG said the local LUX version adds full leatherette seats, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat and a hands-free powered tailgate.
Safety kit includes seven airbags and the firm’s ADAS 2.5 package with features such as Traffic Jam Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control. The model carries five-star ratings from both Euro NCAP and Asean NCAP.
For Melaka and EPMB, the more important angle is what this means for local assembly and supplier development.
The Pegoh facility is said to be able to assemble BEV, HEV and ICE models, while MG S5 EV output is projected at 120 to 180 units a month, or roughly 1,500 to 2,000 units in 2026.
The numbers are still modest, which suggests MG is starting carefully rather than going all in from day one.
Still, it gives MG a local foothold at a time when more Chinese brands are treating Malaysia as a regional assembly base rather than just another sales market.
