MG5 EV estate review
"The MG5 EV is another electric family car from the British-Chinese brand that proves making the switch to electric can be affordable"
Pros
- Cheap to buy and run
- Decent range
- More practical than similarly-priced rivals
Cons
- Not as sporty as the MG4
- Rivals feel more upmarket
- Tall loading lip
If you need a practical, functional car but you've been put off all-electric models by high prices and fussy looks, look no further than the MG5 EV estate. Despite costing only slightly more than a Renault ZOE or Nissan Leaf, it has acres more space, an impressive turn of speed and a strong electric range.
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Based on the Roewe Ei5, a car available in China, the MG5 EV is only available in the UK in Long Range specification. As the name suggests, this model gets a larger 61.1kWh battery than the standard car offered in foreign markets, providing a range of up to 250 miles. While it's certainly no sports car – light steering and soft suspension are quick to remind you of that – a 154bhp electric motor means the 5 can dispatch the 0-62mph run in 7.7 seconds, beating most of its petrol and diesel-powered rivals off the line.
The MG5 has been updated for 2022, with sharper looks and a refreshed interior to mimic the smaller MG4 hatchback. It no longer has a massive fake grille and looks smarter and more European as a result. The interior technology and materials have been upgraded too, making the facelifted MG5 a far more appealing proposition than ever before.
Thanks to its practical, elongated shape, the 5 EV has a 464-litre boot that expands to 1,456 litres with the back seats folded down. There's also plenty of room inside for up to five passengers, with two ISOFIX child-seat mounting points in the back.
MG is a brand of no-nonsense and simplicity, and this is reflected in the MG5’s trim lineup. There are just two specifications to choose from: SE and Trophy. Standard specification is surprisingly strong for such an affordable family-sized EV, with all cars getting LED headlights, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, air conditioning, a rear-view camera and the full MG Pilot suite of safety systems.
While many electric models are out of reach because of their high prices, the MG 5 EV will appeal to buyers who want to make the switch to electric power, but can’t justify spending over £40k for a plug-in family SUV. It also offers lots of space, a surprising driving range and plenty of kit, boosting its value even further.
