Popular MG5 EV estate gets a big update

The new MG5 EV is a comprehensive update of the UK’s only electric family estate car. 

It has more modern styling, improved interior design and technology, plus a 61kWh battery that gives this practical estate car a range of up to 250 miles.

The current MG5 EV estate emerged as the UK’s fifth best-selling electric car up to September 2022. With the launch of the fully refreshed new MG5 EV, the brand will hope to further capitalise on this success. Its enhanced appearance may help towards even greater sales.

New MG5 EV price and release date

Prices for the MG5 EV start from £30,995. This is for the entry-level MG5 EV SE. The higher-spec MG5 EV Trophy is priced at £33,495. To keep the range simple, there are only these two variants, and both come with a comprehensive level of standard equipment.

The new MG5 EV is on sale now, and is expected to appear in UK dealers in the coming weeks. MG says that those who order the new MG5 EV now will be able to receive their vehicles in early 2023, rather than waiting many months for delivery.

An added draw of the MG5 EV is the seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty that comes with all new MG models. It is fully transferable to subsequent owners of the car, too.

Inside, the new MG5 EV has received a full makeover, helping to modernise this electric estate.

New MG5 EV: exterior and interior

The new MG5 EV has a much more distinctive exterior, which is a nice contrast to the rather anonymous looks of the outgoing car. At the front, it is marked out by new slimline LED headlights and a more aggressive bumper design. The closed-off gloss black grille is eye-catching as well, making the new MG5 EV stand out on the road.

The MG5 EV also has crisp new LED lights at the rear, with detailed light patterns inside. The MG5 EV Trophy version now offers rear privacy glass, while its wheels grow to 17 inches, compared to the 16-inch wheels on the SE model.

Those buying or leasing the new MG5 EV can choose from six colours: Arctic White, Piccadilly Blue metallic, Black Pearl metallic, Hampstead Grey metallic, Cosmic Silver metallic and Dynamic Red tri-coat.

Inside, the new MG5 EV has received a full makeover, helping to modernise this electric estate. There’s an eye-catching 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display, which benefits from updated software, along with an additional 7.0-inch digital driver display.

The MG5 EV comes with MG iSmart connected car features, including over-the-air functionality, and it pairs with the smartphone of the driver via a dedicated MG app. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard as well.

The MG5 EV SE comes with fabric upholstery, which is upgraded to leather-style perforated trim with cloth inserts in the MG5 EV Trophy. All models get a rotary gear selector, while the Trophy adds a 360-degree parking camera to the SE’s rear-view camera. Further additions include climate control air-con, heated front seats and electric folding door mirrors.

The new MG5 EV models share the same 61kWh battery, which was introduced in the current model in 2021.

New MG5 EV: engines and gearboxes

Both new MG5 EV variants have the same 156PS electric motor. This delivers 0-60mph acceleration in a sprightly 7.3 seconds. Zero to 30mph acceleration is even more impressive, taking just 3.2 seconds – this will make it feel very brisk away from the traffic lights. The car has a top speed of 115mph.

The new MG5 EV models share the same 61kWh battery, which was introduced in the current model in 2021. This delivers an electric driving range of up to 250 miles for the MG5 EV SE, partly aided by its smaller 16-inch wheels. The MG5 EV Trophy, with its larger alloys, has a range of 235 miles.

The MG5 EV’s battery is able to be charged at speeds of up to 87kW. Via a suitable rapid charger, it gives a charge time from 10 to 80 percent of just 35 minutes. The new MG5 EV’s battery is of nickel cobalt manganese construction, known as ‘NCM’.

The new MG5 EV has a brace of standard driver-assistance tech, including the MG Pilot adaptive cruise control system, plus handy hill-start assist and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Load space practicality is a key feature of all estate cars, even pure electric ones. The new MG5 EV provides a 479-lire boot with the seats up, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear chairs folded. It can tow a 500kg braked trailer, too.

Find a used MG5 EV for sale

The previous MG5 EV, thanks to its popularity, is now finding its way onto the used car market in decent numbers. Prices are becoming more affordable, with early cars now available from around £23,000. We spotted a 2021 Exclusive model, with the previous 53kWh battery, on sale for exactly £23,000. An MG5 EV with the larger 61kWh battery will cost from around £26,500.

Looking for more new car news?

We have the latest 2023 new car news on upcoming models. If you’re seeking a more avant-garde electric car, take a look at the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which we’ve covered in full here at heycar. We also reported recently on the new 2024 MINI Electric, and revealed all you need to know about the luxurious new Volvo EX90.

The MG Pilot safety suite is a package of active safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist and intelligent high beam assist.

The MG5 SE has a 250-mile EV range, compared with 235 miles for the MG5 EV Trophy. This is because it has smaller wheels with lower-drag tyres. It also features special aero wheel covers that improve airflow at speed.

The new MG5 EV weighs a substantial 2,028kg. The new long-range battery helps take it over the two-tonne mark.