Reviews of the MG MG5 EV

by: Fergus Gray

Fergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.

MG5 EV Review 2023

The new MG5 EV is an exciting addition to the electric vehicle market in the UK. This compact electric estate car offers a compelling blend of practicality, affordability, and sustainability.

Rivals to the MG5 EV include the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID3.

Our MG5 EV review covers:

• Key Features
• MG5 EV Pros and Cons:
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

MG5 EV Key Features

• Contemporary and sleek design with MG's distinctive grille design
• Well-designed interior offering a comfortable and spacious environment
• 479-litre boot, expanding to 1,367litres with rear seats down
• Boasts a 115-kW electric motor, provides brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery
• Two trim levels are available: SE and Trophy

MG5 EV Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Practicality
• Affordability
• Decent Range

Cons:

• Interior Quality
• Interior Features
• Range Compared to Some Competitors

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The MG5 EV features a contemporary and sleek design that's in line with modern electric vehicles. It has a compact estate car body style that's both functional and stylish. The front of the vehicle showcases MG's distinctive grille design, although in the case of the MG5 EV, it's primarily decorative since electric vehicles don't require as much cooling as traditional combustion engine cars. The LED headlights and taillights add a touch of sophistication to the overall appearance.

Inside, the cabin is well-designed, offering a comfortable and spacious environment for both the driver and passengers. The materials used are of decent quality, and the layout is intuitive. The dashboard includes a touchscreen infotainment system with features like smartphone connectivity, navigation, and other modern amenities.

The MG5 EV excels in practicality. It's a five-door model, which means easy access to both the front and rear seats, making it convenient for families and passengers. The rear seats offer sufficient legroom and headroom for adults, and they can be folded down in a 60/40 split to create a larger cargo space when needed. Additionally, the MG5 EV is a compact car, making it well-suited for navigating through narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces. Its compact size doesn't compromise on interior space, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants.

One of the standout features of the MG5 EV is its generous boot space. The estate car design provides a spacious cargo area at the rear. With the rear seats in place, it offers around 479-litre boot, expanding to 1,367litres with rear seats down, which is more than adequate for everyday needs, including groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Folding down the rear seats further increases the cargo capacity, making it suitable for larger items or even light furniture when you need to transport them.

Interior and Trims

The interior of the MG5 EV is designed to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience. While it may not have the premium feel of some higher-end electric vehicles, it offers a functional and spacious cabin.

The 10.25-inch display presents a notably contemporary appearance with a crisper screen and improved responsiveness compared to its predecessor, although the previous version had set a rather low standard. The new display features chunky buttons that facilitate easy navigation while on the move. However, it's worth noting that some of the climate controls are a bit intricate. In earlier models, physical buttons were used for this purpose, which, although perhaps less visually appealing, tended to be more practical.

Directly in front of the driver, there's a 7.0-inch digital dashboard display seamlessly integrated into the traditional analogue dials. While functional, it may appear somewhat cumbersome in its design, considering its relatively generous size. One might argue that MG had the opportunity to opt for a fully digital dashboard to streamline the cabin and bring it up to modern standards. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included as standard, and there's a convenient shelf below the infotainment system where you can securely plug in your smartphone.

In terms of material quality, it's a mixed bag. You'll encounter some scratchy plastics, as expected, but there are also softer, more tactile plastics in certain areas. The overall impression is far from utilitarian. Additionally, while the standard version comes with fabric seats, Trophy models offer perforated synthetic leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to the interior.

Two trim levels are available: SE and Trophy.

The SE variant serves as the initial entry point into the MG5 lineup. It comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels and a six-speaker audio system. Additionally, a 10.3-inch infotainment system and MG Pilot, a suite of driver assistance technology featuring adaptive cruise control, are included.

The Trophy model represents the top-tier offering in the MG5 lineup. It features stylish elements such as 17-inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. Inside the cabin, you'll discover a 10.3-inch infotainment system paired with a 7-inch digital driver's display. MG Pilot assistance technology, which encompasses adaptive cruise control, is also integrated into this variant.

Power and Performance

Selecting the motor and battery configuration for the MG5 is a straightforward process since there's no variability in the options. Regardless of your choice of MG5 trim, you'll receive a 57kWh battery with a 156hp motor. However, it's worth noting that the driving range differs slightly between models, with the entry-level SE version offering a range of 250 miles and the higher-spec Trophy model providing 235 miles. This variation is primarily due to the larger alloy wheels fitted on the latter.

In terms of driving experience, the MG5 demonstrates comfort both in urban settings and on the motorway. Additionally, the MG Pilot safety system is included as standard, featuring useful elements like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to enhance safety and driver assistance capabilities.

Overall, the MG5 EV combines a stylish design with practicality and a spacious boot space, making it a versatile and attractive choice for individuals and families in the UK. Whether you need a comfortable daily commuter or a vehicle for weekend adventures, the MG5 EV delivers on multiple fronts.

Leasing vs Buying

The MG5 EV is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £30,593.50*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £313.17.

If you're considering leasing an MG5 EV, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing an MG5 EV can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.