MG5 EV review

MG5 EV verdict

Given its combination of good real-world range, extensive standard equipment levels, a seven-year warranty and up-to-date technology – all at a relatively low price – it's not hard to recommend the MG5. It doesn't offer the last word in polish, desirability or badge appeal – and for an estate car, there are more than a few compact electric SUVs that can match or trump it for cabin and boot space – but the MG5 remains one of the most affordable and accessible routes into electric family-car ownership.

Range details, specs and alternatives

MG and Porsche have almost nothing in common, except for the fact they’re the only two brands to currently build electric estate cars. Porsche has the Taycan Cross Turismo and Taycan Sport Turismo, while the MG5 EV sits at the much more affordable end of the EV price spectrum. The MG5 has been one of the best-value electric cars around since its introduction in 2020, but it was in dire need of a styling refresh and some new tech for a lot of that time.

Thanks to a facelift in 2022, the MG5 is now a much sharper-looking machine from the outside; it’s much sleeker at the front and has a slightly cleaner rear end, too. The interior received a much more extensive overhaul, though, bringing the cut-price estate’s cabin bang up to date. Among the upgrades to the dashboard was a new 10.25-inch central touchscreen running the brand’s latest iSmart infotainment system that we first experienced in the MG4 EV hatchback, our reigning Car of the Year and Best Value Electric Car for 2023. 

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There is no shortage of rivals for the MG5, including the faithful, petrol and diesel-powered Ford Focus, Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf estates. It also goes up against smaller electric family SUVs like the Peugeot e-2008, Kia Niro EV and MG’s own ZS EV, as well as some of the less pricey zero-emissions hatchbacks such as the Nissan Leaf and the MG4 EV. 

Now available exclusively in what MG calls ‘Long Range’ configuration, every MG5 uses a 57.4kWh usable battery to power a 154bhp electric motor; enough for a range of up to 250 miles, according to its maker. However, it’s only if you stick with the base SE trim, which comes with the large central touchscreen, a seven-inch digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera and the MG Pilot driver assistance system that includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and active emergency braking.

If you go for the Trophy trim, this bumps the price from £30,995 to £33,495, and cuts the MG5’s official range down to 235 miles – most likely because of the larger 17-inch alloy wheels you get with this specification. If you don’t mind the slight reduction in range, Trophy-spec cars also come with a 360-degree parking camera, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, automatic air-conditioning and leather-effect upholstery.

For a more detailed look at the MG5 EV, read on for the rest of our review...