All New MG5 EV bucks that trend. The model brings a brand new option to the market that optimises its superior aerodynamic properties and better handling, ideal for high mileage fleet drivers and those who value maximum driving efficiency, internal space and driving dynamics.
It’s a formula that has already gone down well, with over 63,000 sold in other markets since 2018, its innovative battery layout allowing it to have more of a conventional stance than many EVs.
DESIGN
Thanks to its unique body style, MG5 EV looks like no other electric car. It sits much lower than most, with the water-cooled battery pack integrated into the car’s chassis, giving it an extremely low centre of gravity and excellent dynamics as well as a sleek, low-slung and aerodynamic appearance.
It was designed from the outset to appeal to buyers in global markets, so it sports a classical silhouette – a smart, low-roofed tourer with a distinctive “kick” towards the rear of its swage line. It’s a handsome car from every angle, but the rear three-quarter view is particularly pleasing, with a lean and low appearance that proves how being battery-powered doesn’t have to affect practicality.
A total of five colours are available including two new choices – Piccadilly Blue and Westminster Silver. The others are tri-coat Dynamic Red, Black Pearl or Arctic White.
That smart design continues into the cabin, the centrepiece of which is an eight-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring capability, compatible with both Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM.
POWERTRAIN
MG5 EV features a lively 115kW motor, which is equivalent to 156PS. The motor sends power to the front wheels, which gives the car very similar handling characteristics to those of a conventional large C-segment SW, but with a more assured feel thanks to its low centre of gravity.
The battery pack, meanwhile, is mounted beneath the floor of the car and has a total capacity of 52.2kWh.
CHARGING
With a range of 214 miles on the WLTP cycle (rising to 276 miles for city use) MG5 EV has the ability to match the driving requirements of most individuals, while the ability to be charged from 0-80% charge in 50 minutes using a CCS connection makes it even more practical. A full charge at home using Type 2 fast charging can be attained in around eight and a half hours.
PRACTICALITY
The large, versatile boot – the car’s true USP – is accessed from a wide tailgate opening. With the rear seats up and load cover in place there are 464 litres of boot space, or with the load cover retracted that extends to 578 litres with the rear seats still in place.
Drop the 60:40 folding seat back and the load capacity increases to an astonishing 1,456 litres.
But all that luggage capacity is not to the detriment of passenger space. Rear seat passengers are very well catered for with ample head room and plenty of legroom, even when seated behind a tall driver. Those in the front can easily get comfortable thanks to the six-way adjustable driver’s and four-way adjustable passenger seats, with cloth upholstery on the Excite and leather-style upholstery on the Exclusive. The Exclusive also gets heated front seats and driver’s lumbar support
SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY
As well as the eight-inch colour touchscreen that is compatible with both Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM, MG5 EV is brimming with high tech and essential safety kit.
On the gadget side, it gets a six-speaker 3D audio system, a DAB radio, 4 USB ports, electric windows all-round, air conditioning, regenerative braking, cruise control with speed limiter, an auto-hold electric parking brake, rain-sensing wipers and push-button starter, all as standard equipment.
In addition, MG5 EV also gets MG’s clever rotary gear selector, which debuted on the brand’s MG ZS EV last year. It’s also packed with active and passive safety systems, with front, side and curtain airbags, electronic brake assist, ABS with EBD, twin ISOFIX points in the rear, a tyre pressure monitoring system, Hill Start Assist and seatbelt warnings for front and rear passengers.
MODEL RANGE, EQUIPMENT AND PRICING
The MG5 EV range consists of two versions, with prices starting at just *£24,495 for the Excite (after the Plug-in Car Grant).
It comes with 16-inch ‘Meteor’ alloys, remote entry with push-button start, air conditioning, four electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, smartphone compatibility, an eight-inch colour touchscreen and seven-inch driver information display, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, rotary gear selector, speed-sensing locking, three driving modes, rear parking sensors and follow-me-home headlights, as well as a 7-year warranty.
The Exclusive version adds leather-style upholstery with heated front seats with six-way electric adjustment for the driver, one-shot electric rear windows, silver roof rails, electrically adjustable folding heated mirrors, smart keyless entry with push-button start, an automatically dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and satellite navigation.
*Prices correct at time of publication.