Head-to-head
MG ZS EV vs Chery E5
The MG ZS EV starts $4,000 (11%) below the Chery E5. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
MG ZS EV
Once the cheapest EV in Australia, the ZS EV remains a competitive small SUV option with the same 10-year warranty backing as the MG4 hatch.
- From
- $33,990
- Range
- 320 km
- Battery
- 51 kWh
Option B · SUV
Chery E5
Chery's electric small SUV — a 58.9 kWh LFP-battery crossover priced under $40,000. The 130 kW DC charging peak is competitive for the segment.
- From
- $37,990
- Range
- 430 km
- Battery
- 58.9 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the MG ZS EV and Chery E5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Chery E5
The Chery E5 goes 110 km further on a charge (430 vs 320 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage Chery E5
The Chery E5 accepts 54 kW more DC peak charging (130 vs 76 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Warranty · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV covers the vehicle for 3 more years (10 vs 7 yrs).
- 4
Battery · advantage Chery E5
The Chery E5 carries a 7.9 kWh larger battery (58.9 vs 51 kWh).
- 5
Price · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV undercuts the Chery E5 by $4,000 (11%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the MG ZS EV wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $4,000
- ▸ Longer warranty (10 years)
Where the Chery E5 wins
- ▸ 110 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7.6s vs 8.2s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (130 kW vs 76 kW)
MG ZS EV
What we like
- ✓ Affordable SUV form factor
- ✓ Long 10-year warranty
- ✓ Spacious for its class
What we don't
- ✕ Slower DC charging than newer rivals
- ✕ Older-feeling cabin design
- ✕ Real-world range often under 250 km
Chery E5
What we like
- ✓ Sub-$40k pricing with 430 km WLTP range
- ✓ 7-year unlimited-km warranty
- ✓ Strong 130 kW DC fast charging
What we don't
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP tested
- ✕ Chery dealer network limited regionally
- ✕ Cabin materials clearly cost-engineered
Frequently asked: MG ZS EV vs Chery E5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the MG ZS EV or the Chery E5?
- The MG ZS EV is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $33,990 versus $37,990 for the Chery E5, a $4,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Chery E5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 430 km, 110 km further than the MG ZS EV's 320 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Chery E5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 130 kW versus 76 kW for the MG ZS EV. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Chery E5 does 0–100 km/h in 7.6 seconds — 0.6 s quicker than the MG ZS EV's 8.2 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the MG ZS EV better value than the Chery E5?
- On paper the MG ZS EV is $4,000 cheaper, but trails the Chery E5 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the Chery E5 is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
MG ZS EV
if…
- ✓ you want to save $4,000 on the sticker
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (3 more years of cover)
- ✓ you match the profile: suburban families
Choose the
Chery E5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (110 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: budget-led families
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.