An MG5 caught fire while parked in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Source: Rednote, modified by CarNewsChina Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member An MG5 sedan reportedly caught fire while parked in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. The incident occurred at night on May 17, as the vehicle was parked outside a luxury hotel in an urban area. Neither the automaker, Chinese media, nor local authorities have released statements regarding the incident. The MG5, a petrol sedan, previously drew scrutiny for earning zero stars in the Australian ANCAP safety rating. It should not be confused with the electric MG5 EV, an electric estate car based on SAIC’s Roewe Ei5 EV. Area residents witnessed the fire and shared details on local social networks like WeChat and Rednote. Unofficial sources indicate the car was parked and unoccupied when the fire started, with no reported casualties. The MG5 on fire. Source: Rednote Initial images show flames engulfing the cabin and trunk areas of the MG5, indicating the fire might not have started in the engine bay. Residents reported smelling strong smoke and odours during the combustion event, and the fire reportedly spread to nearby vegetation. Flames spreading out of the parking lot. The fire was soon brought under control, with nearby parked cars seemingly unaffected. All that visibly remained of the MG5 was a burnt-out chassis, as well as front wheels still sporting the MG logo. The cause of ignition is currently unknown, as is the vehicle’s condition before the incident. A Rednote user, claiming to be the MG5 owner’s romantic partner, stated that the car had been purchased 2 years prior and that the owner did not opt for vehicle damage insurance. The aftermath, with MG badging visible. If true, the owner will not receive compensation for their burnt-out vehicle. As for property damage, China’s Traffic Compulsory Insurance only provides up to 2,000 yuan (300 USD) of coverage. Without a commercial third-party liability policy, the owner may be on the hook for damage to surrounding greenery, facilities, and vehicles. As new-energy vehicles (NEVs) gain prominence in China’s auto market, frequent debates have occurred over the safety of NEVs and combustion cars. A recent incident involved a Wuling Binguo (also known as the Bingo), which reportedly caught fire while parked during China’s May Day holiday. Recent high-profile incidents, including those involving the Xiaomi SU7, have intensified debate over battery and overall vehicle safety. Regulators responded by mandating mechanical door handles and imposing a new ‘No Fire, No Explosion’ battery standard, set to take effect in July 2026. More on MG and the MG5 The MG5 is a compact sedan marketed under SAIC’s MG brand. It measures 4,715 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width, 1,473 mm in height, and has a 2,680 mm wheelbase. The model is heavily discounted in its domestic market, with retail pricing set at 47,900 – 78,900 yuan (7,000 – 11,600 USD). The MG5. Source: Yiche It’s only offered with pure combustion powertrains, with engine choices being a 133 kW (178 hp) 1.5-liter turbo, or a 95 kW (127 hp) 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated unit. They’re paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) or a 8-speed continuously-variable auto transmission (CVT). The MG5 had previously made headlines after entering the Australian market in 2023. ANCAP testing, comparable to the Euro NCAP safety program, awarded the model zero stars, representing a heavily flawed result. The organization stated that in a frontal crash, the dashboard became a potential source of injury. The vehicle also scored poorly in whiplash and far side impact protection. ANCAP experts underlined that the MG5’s safety offerings were several generations behind the competition. This confusing result came as its EV hatchback sibling, the MG4 EV, achieved five stars in the same ANCAP test. MG’s domestic deliveries up until April 2026. Source: China EV DataTracker According to China EV Datatracker, MG is consistently achieving 15,000+ monthly domestic sales, with the February 2026 dip coinciding with China’s New Year celebrations. This is a significant improvement compared with its performance before August 2025, when the brand launched the MG4 Urban hatchback EV. While the MG5 is not a huge seller in MG’s domestic market, the incident may spark conversation on the overall safety of the brand’s vehicles. It is expected that local authorities, as well as MG and SAIC, will publish their findings on the incident soon. Source: Rednote
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