MG Motor has introduced an updated version of the MG5 Electric for the European market. The rebadged Roewe Ei5 was first introduced to the UK in 2020 in a standard range variant, followed by a long-range variant last year. In October 2021, MG unwrapped an updated MG5, replete with cosmetic surgery and more features.
The old Standard range model that was first launched in the UK in 2020 is no longer on sale in the UK, and only the MG5 Long range is listed on the brand’s UK website. With this updated version ready to hit the streets this March 2022, let’s see what is new by comparing the 2022 MG5 and 2020 MG5.
MG5 Electric design
The 2022 MG5 Electric (below) has a sleek rear with new LED taillamp signatures and less chrome. Images: MG Motor
Compared to the dull-looking rebadged Roewe Ei5, the updated version appears more modern. Gone is the large grille, and in comes a sharp and aggressively styled front fascia. The nose is blanked off, and the headlamps are new. They have an inward swooping housing that neatly merges with a gloss black strip that unites the headlamps. The front bumper is sharper and houses an intake at the bottom.
Changes are less apparent at the rear of the 2022 MG5. While the tail lamp housing bears a similar shape, there are brand new LED tail lamps with unique signatures. The chrome strip uniting the clusters is less pronounced than the outgoing model, and the rear bumper has fewer elements. The wheel designs are new as well. 16-inch rims are offered on the Comfort trims as standard, while the Luxury trim brings you larger 17-inch units that look more premium.
The 2022 MG5 Electric will be available in four colour options — Dover White, Pebble Black, Diamond Red, and Medal Silver.
Interior & features
The cabin appears modern and has a more upmarket appearance on the 2022 MG5 Electric (below), thanks partly to the new infotainment system. Images: MG Motor
The cabin appears comprehensively redesigned. While the outgoing model’s dashboard seemed traditional and boring, the updated cabin is better suited to newer audiences. There’s an attractive light grey and black dual-tone colour theme on base variants, a newly developed 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, redesigned centre console, and more. ADAS systems have been carried over from the outgoing model and are standard.
On both the Comfort and Luxury trims, MG’s iSmart Lite system comes as standard. The system offers navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a suite of connected car features that let you control certain vehicle functions remotely. Additionally, the Luxury version offers climate control, a 360-degree camera, an anti-glare interior rearview mirror, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather seats, and more.
Of cabin space, the 2022 MG5 Electric has plenty. There are 27 storage compartments, and the boot can hold 479 litres of luggage with the rear seats up. Tumble the rear seats down, and there’s 1,367 litres of space, enough for customers to move homes or carry large pieces of equipment like surfing boards.
Specifications
In terms of specs, there are subtle differences. Like before, two battery options are available, Standard range and Long range. Previously, both battery configurations came with a 115 kW (156 hp) electric motor. The Standard range now gets a more powerful 130 kW (177 hp) motor while the Long range continues with the 115 kW tune for the sake of range. There’s a 20 Nm increase in torque with the MG5 Electric making 280 Nm on both configurations, compared to 260 Nm previously.
The semi-digital instrument cluster on the old MG5 EV (above) gets replaced with an all-digital cluster. Images: MG Motor
The updated MG5 Electric’s Standard range version uses a 50.3 kWh battery that gives it a WLTP certified 344 km range (199 miles) in urban use. The Long range MG5 Electric’s battery is larger, a 61.1 kWh pack that delivers 402 km range (250 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Both versions have a 0-100 kmph top speed of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 185 kmph. From 5% to 80%, charging takes 40 minutes using a DC fast charger. It also supports an 11 kW AC charger for home charging.
What’s more, the battery can be used to charge external devices. V2L (Vehicle-to-load) is a smart feature to have, with MG providing a charging cable with a type two CCS plug on one side for the EV’s charging port and the other end with household sockets to charge your electric scooter, kettle, e-bike or other items. Even stranded EVs can be rescued using the MG5 Electric’s battery. The car has a towing capacity of 500 kg.
MG5 EV AspectMG5 Standard Range (old)MG5 Long Range (old)2022 MG5 Standard Range2022 MG5 Long RangeMotor power115 kW (156 hp)115 kW (156 hp)130 kW (177 hp)115 kW (156 hp)Motor torque260 Nm260 Nm280 Nm280 NmBattery52.2 kWh61.1 kWh50.3 kWh61.1 kWhRange (WLTP)344 km402 km320 km400 kmDrivetrainFWDFWDFWDFWD0-100 kmph>8 seconds7.3 seconds8.3 seconds8.3 secondsTop Speed185 kmph185 kmph185 kmph185 kmphEfficiency (WLTP)NANA179 Wh / km175 Wh / kmCharging50 kW / 80% in 50 min50 kW / 80% in 61 min50 kW / 80% in 40 min50 kW / 80% in 40 min
Note that the old standard range variant has been discontinued in the UK.
Price & Release Date
Deliveries of 2022 MG5 Electric will begin by March 2022 in Europe. Prices are expected to start under EUR 30,000. Only the Long range version will be on sale at launch, and the Standard range will arrive later. With Europe launch in sight, we’re expecting the updated station wagon to launch in the UK soon as well. In related news, the 2022 MG ZS EV recently reached the European market.
Featured image source: MG Motor
Keyword: 2022 MG5 Electric vs. 2020 MG5 EV – Old vs. New