Head-to-head
MG ZS EV vs Jaecoo J5
The MG ZS EV starts $2,000 (6%) below the Jaecoo J5. 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
Jaecoo J5
Chery's premium-positioned Jaecoo brand launched the J5 BEV in Australia — a small electric SUV at sub-$36k that pitches against the Chery E5 with sharper styling.
- From
- $35,990
- Range
- 402 km
- Battery
- 60.9 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the MG ZS EV and Jaecoo J5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Jaecoo J5
The Jaecoo J5 goes 82 km further on a charge (402 vs 320 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Jaecoo J5
The Jaecoo J5 carries a 9.9 kWh larger battery (60.9 vs 51 kWh).
- 3
Warranty · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV covers the vehicle for 2 more years (10 vs 8 yrs).
- 4
Boot · advantage Jaecoo J5
The Jaecoo J5 swallows 121 L more cargo with the rear seats up (480 vs 359 L).
- 5
DC charging · advantage Jaecoo J5
The Jaecoo J5 accepts 24 kW more DC peak charging (100 vs 76 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the MG ZS EV wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $2,000
- ▸ Longer warranty (10 years)
Where the Jaecoo J5 wins
- ▸ 82 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7.7s vs 8.2s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (100 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
Jaecoo J5
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive premium-leaning styling for the price
- ✓ 8-year vehicle warranty
- ✓ Roomy 480 L boot
What we don't
- ✕ Jaecoo service network depends on Chery dealers
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP tested
- ✕ Modest 402 km WLTP range
Frequently asked: MG ZS EV vs Jaecoo J5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the MG ZS EV or the Jaecoo J5?
- The MG ZS EV is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $33,990 versus $35,990 for the Jaecoo J5, a $2,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Jaecoo J5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 402 km, 82 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 Jaecoo J5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 100 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 Jaecoo J5 does 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds — 0.5 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.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The MG ZS EV is covered by a 10-year vehicle warranty, versus 8 years for the Jaecoo J5. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
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 $2,000 on the sticker
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (2 more years of cover)
- ✓ you match the profile: suburban families
Choose the
Jaecoo J5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (82 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (121 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: style-led small suv buyers
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.