MG5 EV review

If you’re driving the brood around, the realistic parent within you knows a car that withstands messy kids is as important (if not more) than all the glitz and glamour you’d love to have. 

The MG5’s interior is functional and fashionable, if not blow-your-socks-off fancy.  

Driving position 

A common gripe with electric cars is a high seating position because you’re effectively sat on top of all the batteries needed to power it.  

Being 6’3”, it can be hard to get a comfortable driving position in most EVs, and the MG5 was the same. Even with the seat at its lowest. 

You sometimes need to duck down to see traffic lights if you’re tall, but other than that it’s not all doom and gloom. 

Something we do like about the driver’s seating position is access to the various switchgear, so adjusting the air-con or the volume while driving is a small reach away. 

Tech and features 

The infotainment system comprises a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a simple, functional layout.  

So many car infotainment systems are a nightmare to get familiar with these days, but MG’s isn’t one of those. 

Alongside the screen, the dash is particularly luxe for such an affordable family car, with a textile and metal finish that adds an elevated note. If you compare this to the pre-2022 update, it’s no match in terms of quality and feel. 

The front of the cabin is spacious, very comfortable and the leather-style seats on the higher trim are also a nice change to vamp up the interior.  

Not to mention the heated front seats, which are a warm hug on those cooler mornings. 

Just because you need a car that fits the whole family doesn’t mean you don’t also want a car that unleashes the motorist within.  

For a car that makes you think Outnumbered, you’d be surprised by how Fast and Furious the MG5 is. 

Electric motors and power 

No matter which trim level you have, you’re getting the same 156hp setup powered by a 57kWh battery. 

It may not be the most powerful car on the road, about the same as a smaller car like a Peugeot e-208, but its instant electric torque makes all the difference. 

The Trophy model we tested has up to 235 miles of range, but go for the lesser SE and this grows to 250 miles as there’s less tech. 

Handling and ride comfort 

It might be nippy, but the kids won’t get car sick. The drive is smooth and the car glides over bumps – not crashy like some other EVs. 

It's a gentle passenger experience, and the MG5 is also incredibly quiet. You don’t even notice the road noise over the silent electric motor. 

Even when you get up to speed on the motorway, you shouldn’t have to crank up your tunes to drown out the drone because there isn’t much.  

This car is a very practical EV – it really is a proper family estate in the same way an Audi A6 or classic Volvo V90 is.  

Boot space 

It’s as practical as many electric SUVs and more practical than lots of crossovers, boasting a 580-litre boot with seats that split 60/40. 

We know this because, as many know, moving house can be a pain in the back (figuratively and literally), but with the MG5 it was a breeze.  

Even the family cat enjoyed his ride, once he’d finished his road trip snack. 

Rear seats 

Headroom and legroom are good. And, speaking of the cat’s snack, passengers in the back won’t be packed in like sardines.  

You can comfortably seat four adults in the MG5, or five on shorter journeys. But for a car of this size, you really can’t complain. 

Storage solutions 

Door bins are big, and you can easily fit large bottles of water, kid essentials, cat treats, wet wipes – stuff like that.  

There’s also a big storage compartment in the central armrest, which is useful for road trip essentials such as tissues and sweets. 

Comparing the running costs of an electric car with a similar combustion car is usually a positive exercise for your wallet.  

The MG5 Trophy Long Range is a cost-efficient run around for all the family, and what family or person doesn’t want that? 

Range 

If you drive the average 142 miles a UK motorist covers in a week, you will only need to charge once because the MG5 can manage up to 250 miles on a single charge.  

You’re looking at about £20 for a full charge at home, but you should be able to bring this right down if you charge at off-peak times.  

When you charge out and about, expect to pay a premium for faster charging. 

The MG5 can charge at a rate of 87kW, which means you can get from 10-80% in around 35 minutes.  

But if you’re using a 7kW charger at home, expect to wait around 10 hours to get from 0-100%. 

Optimal charging to keep the battery healthy is from 10% to 80% anyway, so it shouldn’t take as long most of the time. 

Reliability 

The face-lifted MG5 is a new car so gauging reliability can be hard, but it’s safe to assume it’ll be a solid choice. 

Not only do you get a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty including the battery, but you also get SAIC Motors-backed engineering and some of the best EV technology in the game. 

Insurance groups 

Being an electric car, insurance tends to be a little higher than normal because of the extra shove of power and the price from new. 

But surprisingly, the MG5 isn’t too bad, sitting between insurance groups 27 and 32.