MG 5 - TopCarNews

MG 5 (2020 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The second edition to MG Motor’s EV line-up, after the MG ZS EV, the MG 5 was the first all-electric estate car to go on sale in the UK, launching in October 2020.

Offering a lower price of entry to electric car ownership, the MG 5 has been an important contributor to what has been a very successful 2021 so far for MG, as the British manufacturer continues their strategy of undercutting their rivals by selling budget alternatives.

The MG 5 doesn’t really have much competition; the only other all-electric estate car available at the moment is the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, and you certainly can’t get one of those for under £30,000…

To capitalise on the selling success of the MG 5, MG has also released a Long Range variant, which increases the battery range to roughly 220 miles.

The MG 5 has received mixed reviews from the UK media, with criticism centring around the driving characteristics. Auto Express commented that MG 5’s “steering is numb and remote, there’s plenty of body roll through the bends, and while it has a Sport mode, it’s hard to think of a circumstance where you might use it.”

The exterior design of the MG 5 is also not winning over journalists; the reviewer for Car explained that he is not enthused by “gopping expanse of glossy black plastic that forms the grille.”

Nevertheless, the MG 5 has garnered heaps of praise for its affordability, its practical and roomy interior, its good standard of equipment, and strong battery range. Top Gear concluded, “As a fuss-free entry point into practical EV ownership, there might not be a better option on the market today.”

As of October 2021, the MG 5 has an Expert Rating of 62% based on reviews collected from 17 different UK media sources.

MG 5 highlights

Roomy, family-friendly interior
Low running costs
Respectable battery range
Good standard of equipment
Great value for money

MG 5 lowlights

Bland exterior looks
Rigid ride quality
Poor handling dynamics and body control
Rather pointless Sport mode
Rivals have higher quality interior trim

Key specifications

Body style: Medium-sized estatePowertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £25,095 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2020Last updated: Summer 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“With its 250-mile range, practical estate body and keen pricing, the MG5 could be the smart all-electric choice.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If you want a cheap electric car then the new MG 5 EV deserves serious consideration. It’s not glamorous, even compared with the electric ZS SUV, but the no-frills approach means it combines solid range with vast amounts of space, strong levels of equipment.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The MG 5 hits only an adequate standard for build quality and interior fit and finish, and has very limited ambitions in other departments as well. But it would work better as simple, functional, zero-emissions transport than a great many of its affordable electric rivals.”
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Model reviewed: ExclusiveScore: 7 / 10“MG’s all-important second EV has a segment to itself, but unique bodystyle can’t compensate for its biggest shortcomings.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“It’s no thriller – and not trying to be. It’s pragmatic, but not devoid of charm.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“This latest MG5 doesn’t bring any particular flair in terms of styling, but as a down-to-earth, no-nonsense EV it really does make a solid case for itself.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The MG 5 EV is a practical electric car that can do more than 200 miles on a single charge.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: EV“An EV estate such as this MG5 could end up being a brilliant company car.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Score: 7.5 / 10“An acceptable range, plenty of estate practicality and a fair amount equipment for the price, the MG 5 is the most sensible of sensible cars. In a good way.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: SW ExclusiveScore: 8 / 10“MG knows its market and the MG5 SW hits the spot perfectly. It’s quiet, has a good range, is comfortable over bumps and gives a traditional estate car choice that’s currently unique in the electric vehicle world. If MG keeps making cars this good when it comes to value, the success story will continue.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: “The MG 5 is lighter than many EV’s, has good performance, a sensible range and offers a practical estate body. It is also well priced and comes with an excellent 7 year warranty.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“It’s got a big boot, can travel 250 miles between charges and won’t cost a lot to buy or run. There’s a lot to like, it’s just a shame it’s not remotely stylish.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10The MG 5 offers generous levels of standard kit; sensible real-world range; and an agreeable ride and handling balance.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“This longer-range MG 5 EV appeals as no-frills electric transport but with prices coming down all the time, is it too costly?”
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Model reviewed: SW ExclusiveScore: 8 / 10“Being first into the market for small, battery-powered estates doesn’t necessarily make the MG 5 EV a great car, but it’s hard to deny it’s workmanlike and competent. It’s no slouch either, while delivering a refined and comfortable ride.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: EVScore: 6 / 10“The MG 5 is the first EV estate on the market, and a good value one too.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The MG 5 is a temptingly well equipped option. It’s comfy, quiet at speed and has punchy acceleration.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of October 2021, the MG 5 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The MG 5 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

As yet, relatively few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the MG 5 has received

2021

WhichEV? Awards – Best Value EV
Electrifying.com Awards – Best Value EV
Business Car Awards – Best Value Car

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