The new MG5 EV estate is better than ever, with a sharper style and increased range. The revised MG5 EV is more costly than the previous model but has valuable upgrades. It gains superb technology and better style inside and out, all while maintaining the last car’s strong points: practicality, affordability, and economy. MG is on a roll, with more goods on the way, and this updated 5 proves it.
You may recognize the MG5 EV – the only electric estate on the market – as Uber drivers’ preferred mode of transportation. It is not a criticism; instead, it is a powerful recommendation. Consider this: a cab must be inexpensive to acquire and operate, roomy, efficient, and dependable.
But, the Chinese-owned British firm has given its electric load-lugger a makeover to offer more appeal while preserving those reasonable components.
Following the great MG4, the style of the five has been revamped with a more contemporary, slimmer front end, while the rear end has been smartened up to balance the appearance. Sharper LED light clusters front and back, a smaller grille, and deeper bumpers provide a sense of sportiness to what seems to be one of the most practical automobiles on the market today.
Internally, the MG5 gets a new dashboard to improve perceived quality and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the brand’s iSMART linked services innovation to keep up with the ever-increasing amount of connection that vehicles at this price point currently provide.
In terms of pricing, the MG continues to undercut pretty much anything else on the market that provides this combination of utility and range. On top of the already excellent amount of gear supplied to the entry-level SE Long Range model, our top-spec Trophy Long Range model has a 360-degree parking camera, heated front seats, tinted windows, automatic wipers, temperature control, and 17-inch wheels.
For £30,995, you get MG Pilot driver assistance technology (adaptive cruise with lane centring, pedestrian detection and collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and auto high-beam assist), a 10.25-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital dash, air conditioning, full keyless go, and vehicle-to-load charging to external power devices.
The outward design changes assist, and the MG appears more European, even though an electric estate may not be as enticing to some as an SUV. The same applies to the interior, where the car’s new dash design looks sophisticated and updates a simple but straightforward cabin.
Material quality might be improved in certain areas. However, remember that this vehicle is priced similarly to other supermini EVs, with the room and range of an electric family SUV, so anticipate some sacrifice. Even in Trophy trim, the MG costs just £50 more than a top-spec Peugeot e-208 GT, and it costs £150 less than a Fiat 500 La Prima model.
Despite this, the 61.1kWh battery provides up to 235 miles of range (SE standard claims more, at 250 miles), and a 10-80 per cent top-up takes only 35 minutes with DC charging at up to 87kW. A full charge takes 10 hours when plugged into a 7kW wall box at home.
The MG achieved an efficiency of 3.6 miles/kWh, implying that with a usable capacity of 57.4kWh, a real-world range of 206 miles should be possible. Being within 20 miles of MG’s claims in colder weather with the heater on, heated seats on their highest level, and temps not favourable to the battery’s optimum range is commendable. Moreover, the five used energy at a predictable pace, making it simple to plan – always a nice feature in an electric vehicle.
The battery powers a 153bhp front-mounted engine, providing enough power for a 7.7-second 0-62mph speed. While you’re on the go, the 280Nm of torque is more noticeable, whether in town, on a rural road, or on the highway. It offers the MG5 enough power to be quick rather than sporty – the chassis limits pleasure, although the light steering is precise, and the body roll is pretty well controlled. It feels safe.
The ride control is also decent. The platform lacks the refinement in the new MSP architecture that underlies the MG4 hatchback. Still, it dampens out larger bumps rather effectively so that although there is noticeable body movement, passengers are not thrown about inside. It feels reasonably fluid, and the suspension has enough travel to provide enough compliance. Things become a touch bobbly on damaged roads, but the MG does an excellent job of dampening out the worst flaws, never breaking down into crazy.
While cruising, elegance is desirable. Even with the most severe of the three regenerative braking modes enabled, little wind noise and little engine are whining. Since the peak of the brake pedal’s stroke is difficult to modulate, it requires skill. On the other hand, the maximum regen option delivers a reasonable amount of retardation when you take off, even though you still have to drive with anticipation since it won’t provide one-pedal driving like other more advanced-feeling, but admittedly more costly, EVs.
Although the cash pricing is appealing, sample financing offers on the Trophy of £428 per month (based on a £6,699 deposit and a three-year/30,000-mile contract with a £250 down commitment) are competitive. Moreover, MG claims that you’ll be able to buy one relatively fast, with 1,250 vehicles in stock before the end of the year and a 14-week wait period on orders.
The inside space is adequate, with rear passengers enjoying extensive legroom owing to a 2,659mm wheelbase, but headroom is limited, particularly in the front. Because of the low-ish roofline of the estate vehicle, you sit high up in the driver’s seat to accommodate the battery underneath, although this does provide a decent view. The 479-litre trunk ensures families won’t be short on baggage capacity; at the very least, it’s equivalent to an SUV like the Kia Niro EV, which has 475 litres.
MG matches Kia’s seven-year guarantee, which distinguishes the MG5. The 5 EV continues to strongly argue for itself in many areas, including those that matter. Nevertheless, with the addition of flair and technology, the pitch is much more compelling.
Well, that’s good; we’ll talk now in tedious detail
It is amazing! Did they sort out the enthusiasm?
The front wheels deliver 154 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph time has been reduced somewhat (to 7.3 seconds) due to some engine resets, though it’s only slightly improved. However, the MG5 can keep up with regular traffic and seem fast: it’s not the most dynamic car, but it can turn around in a curve. But, Trophy specs come with 17-inch wheels, which understates the ride—they’re a bit harsh on a back road with a bumpy surface—we feel the SE, with its surprisingly nice-looking 16-inch tires, is a better choice.
What about interior design?
The previous MG5 was good, but you always thought you were on the lower end of the scale, and the cabin has looked outdated since the day it arrived. Things are different this time. I’m still aware that this isn’t a $50,000 ATV, but the cabin has some flow. A 10.25-inch touchscreen in the centre (with a driver’s display up front) with several extensive, often-used controls below, a massive centre mast housing the rotary gear selector and electronic handbrake, and handy storage. If a car can be claimed to have superior feng shui, this is it – it looks more subdued and contemporary without appearing forced. The materials are premium but not spectacular, and the kit list is extensive on the Cup version we tested. There are now two MG4-like models: the SE and Trophy, with a larger 61-kWh (gross) battery and an expected WLTP range of 249 miles.
An MG MG5’s safety
Early versions of the MG5 were quite rudimentary regarding safety equipment and driver-aid features. However, this improved significantly with the advent of the Long Range variant tested here and will be carried over into the facelifted model due out shortly. This package includes the features that contemporary drivers anticipate, such as brakes that activate automatically if you don’t react to danger in front of you, steering changes to keep you in your lane, and automated cruise control to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in congested traffic. If a touch is over-sensitive, it all seems to operate well enough; however, if you’re looking to purchase a used MG5, remember that if it’s not the Long Range version, the safety features are pretty much confined to rear parking sensors!
What is different now?
In the front, slender LED headlights frame a clean-shaven grille, with the charge port in the centre. The MG emblem has moved to the bonnet, and there are some nice vents and creases. Cleaner than before, more contemporary, and, in some ways, better for it. The rear has also been improved with LED lights and a redesigned bumper, giving the feeling that the designers spoke about this vehicle – the previous version seemed like a committee developed it over a particularly terrible phone connection.
What is the decision?
The formerly dull but practical MG 5 receives an overhaul inside and exterior. It demonstrates good pure electric ownership and is reasonably priced.
With the MG5 SE starting at £30,995 and the Trophy at £33,495, there’s still a lot to be said for a decent little electric estate – especially now that it’s got a dash of elegance. The price increase is countered partly by a more lavish style, a good interior, and some excellent package enhancements. At 87kW DC charging, it won’t be a particularly quick go-to for long trips, but it’ll be enough for most people, especially if you charge most of the time at home. It’s also the most affordable option. You’re looking at 35 minutes at a high overall speed of 10-80%, and a little more than an hour on 50kW is more frequent.
With a WLTP range of 249 miles—roughly 190-200 miles in real-world terms—it carves out a reasonable niche amid a sea of electric-powered pseudo-SUVs. Apart from the Porsche Taycan Turismo, which costs far more, there is no other electric real estate.
The intriguing thing here is that MG/SAIC seems to have replied promptly and effectively to the initial UK-MG5 objections, addressing 90 per cent of them. It’s almost as though we’re being heard. MG delivers another outstanding performance again.
