Alor Gajah, 10 March 2026 – SAIC Motor Malaysia has officially rolled out the first locally assembled MG S5 EV, marking the start of MG’s local production operations in Malaysia.
The milestone ceremony took place at the PEPS-JV assembly facility in Alor Gajah, where the first CKD (completely knocked down) unit of the MG S5 EV rolled off the production line.
This development represents a key step in MG’s localisation strategy and further strengthens Melaka as an emerging hub within Malaysia’s growing EV manufacturing ecosystem.
Strategic Partnership with EPMB
Local assembly of the MG S5 EV follows an earlier announcement in October 2025 when SAIC Motor Malaysia partnered with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) to begin CKD operations.
According to Emory Qi, the milestone reflects MG’s long-term commitment to the Malaysian market.
“This first line-off of the MG S5 EV CKD represents a significant milestone for MG in Malaysia and reflects our long-term commitment to localisation and strengthening Malaysia’s role in the regional electric vehicle ecosystem.”
Local production will also support Malaysia’s automotive supply chain through increased localisation and partnerships with domestic vendors.
Higher Performance for CKD Version
The locally assembled MG S5 EV introduces improved performance compared with the earlier imported CBU version.
Key specifications include:
- Power: 151 kW (up from 125 kW)
- Torque: 350 Nm
- Drive layout: Rear-wheel drive EV platform
The vehicle supports ultra-fast DC charging up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes under optimal conditions.
MG’s ultra-thin horizontal battery layout also helps lower the centre of gravity, improving both handling stability and interior space.
Up to 446km Driving Range
The higher-spec MG S5 EV LUX variant adds several comfort and convenience features, including:
- Leatherette seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Hands-free power tailgate
The vehicle delivers a driving range of up to 446km (WLTP), making it suitable for both urban commuting and longer journeys.
Safety and Warranty
Safety remains a priority for MG, with the S5 EV equipped with:
- Seven airbags
- ADAS 2.5 advanced driver assistance system
Driver assistance technologies include:
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Intelligent Cruise Control
The model has also achieved five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ASEAN NCAP.
Warranty coverage includes:
- 8-year / 180,000km battery pack warranty
- 8-year / 160,000km motor control unit warranty
Production Capacity and Local Impact
The Pegoh assembly facility is capable of producing multiple powertrain types, including:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEV)
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV)
- Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE)
Production capacity for the MG S5 EV is expected to reach:
- 120–180 units per month
- 1,500–2,000 units annually in 2026
Beyond manufacturing, the project is expected to support job creation, technology transfer and development of Malaysia’s automotive supply chain.
Estimated Pricing and Early Bird Promotion
Bookings for the MG S5 EV opened on 10 March 2026, with an estimated MSRP of RM120,000 ahead of the model’s official launch in the coming weeks.
To celebrate the start of local production, MG Motor Malaysia is also offering an Early Bird promotion worth up to RM10,000, which includes:
- RM7,000 rebate
- 7kW home wallbox charger (worth RM2,000)
- RM1,000 charging credits
Industry and Government Support
The event was attended by several government and industry representatives, including:
- Ab Rauf Yusoh
- P Shanmugam
- Azhar Arshad
Officials noted that the project strengthens Melaka’s position as a strategic hub for advanced automotive manufacturing.
Writer’s Take
This is actually a pretty significant moment for MG in Malaysia.
Up until now, most of the brand’s EVs here have been fully imported, which usually means higher pricing and longer delivery times. By starting CKD production in Melaka, MG can potentially bring costs down while improving supply.
The estimated RM120k price tag is also interesting if that holds when the official price is announced, the S5 EV could become one of the most affordable long-range EV SUVs in Malaysia.
And the timing makes sense. EV demand in Malaysia is growing quickly, but buyers still want affordable pricing, strong warranties and local service support. Local assembly ticks all those boxes.
If MG expands CKD production to more models, we could see the brand becoming a much bigger player in Malaysia’s EV market over the next few years.
