6 minute read
COVER MG5 EV
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
Advertisement
MG5 EV Long Range
FIRSTUKDRIVE A new face helps to give electric estate broader appeal
SeanCarson
sean _ carson@autovia.co.uk
UK motorists might know the MG5 EV –pretty much the only electric estate on sale – as the Uber drivers’ chariot of choice. But far from being a put-down, that’s actually a strong endorsement. Think about it: a taxi needs to be affordable to buy and run, spacious, efficient and reliable.
The original MG5 was all of those things, and so is the new car. But in an attempt to add a little more appeal while retaining the rational elements, the Chinese-owned British brand has given its electric load-lugger a facelift – and we’re trying it in the UK.
Hot on the heels of the fantastic MG4, the MG5’s styling has been updated with a modern, sleeker design at the front, while the rear end has been smartened up to balance the look. Sharper LED light clusters front and rear, a slimmer grille and deeper bumpers give just a hint of sportiness to what, on the face of things, is one of the most pragmatic cars on sale today.
Inside, there’s a fresh fascia to boost perceived quality, while the MG5 also gains a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the brand’s iSMART connected services tech. It needs it to keep pace with the ever-advancing level of connectivity cars at this price point are now packing.
And on the subject of price, the MG still undercuts pretty much everything on sale that offers this level of practicality and range. Our top-spec £33,495 Trophy Long Range model features 360-degree cameras, heated front seats, tinted windows, automatic wipers, climate control and 17-inch alloys on top of the already generous level of kit fitted to the base SE Long Range version (a Standard Range model won’t be offered).
For £30,995 you get MG Pilot driverassistance tech (adaptive cruise with lane centring, pedestrian detection and collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and auto high-beam assist), that 10.25-inch multimedia set-up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital dash, air-con, full keyless go and vehicle-to-load charging, so you can power external devices.
The exterior design tweaks definitely help and the MG5 looks more European, even if an electric estate might not be quite as appealing as an SUV to some. The same is true inside, because the car’s new dash design looks smart and freshens up a basic but uncluttered cabin.
Material quality could still be better in places, but remember this car is priced at a similar level to some supermini EVs, with the space and range to match an electric family SUV, and you can accept some compromise. Even in range-topping Trophy trim the MG is only £50 more expensive than a top-spec Peugeot e-208 GT, while it undercuts the Fiat 500 La Prima model by £150.
Yet its 61.1kWh battery offers up to 235 miles of range (SE spec claims more, at 250 miles) and with DC charging at up to 87kW, a 10-80 per cent top-up takes just 35 minutes. Plug in to a 7kW wallbox at home and a full charge will take 10 hours.
On our test with a mixture of motorway and urban driving, and everything in between these two extremes, the MG5 EV recorded efficiency of 3.6 miles/kWh, which means that with a usable capacity of 57.4kWh a real-world range of 206 miles should be achievable. In cooler conditions with the heater and heated seats on, and temperatures not conducive to the best
range from the battery, getting this close to MG’s claims is certainly respectable. Plus, the MG5 consumed energy at a predictable rate, which makes it easy to plan ahead –always a welcome trait in an electric car.
The battery supplies a 153bhp frontmounted motor, which delivers enough performance for a 7.7-second 0-62mph time. On the move, it’s the 280Nm of torque that’s more obvious, no matter whether you’re in town, on a country road or the motorway. It gives the MG5 enough grunt to be swift rather than sporty – the chassis means there’s not much in the way of fun, but the light steering is direct and body roll is relatively well controlled. It feels secure.
The ride control is fine too. The platform doesn’t have the same level of finesse found in the new MSP architecture that underpins the MG4 hatchback, but it dampens bigger bumps relatively well so that while there is obvious body movement, it doesn’t throw passengers around inside too much. It feels relatively fluid and there’s travel in the suspension to deliver enough compliance. Things get a little more bobbly on broken roads, but the MG does a good job of smoothing out the worst imperfections and never breaks down into crashiness.
When cruising, refinement is good. There’s not much wind noise, and there’s barely any whine from the motor, even with the most aggressive regenerative braking mode engaged.
There are three levels to choose from: 1, 2 and 3. The top of the brake pedal’s travel is difficult to modulate, so it needs finesse. But the highest setting provides a fair level of retardation when you lift off, even if you still have to drive with anticipation because it won’t deliver one-pedal driving like some more advanced-feeling but admittedly more expensive EVs. Value
This is where the MG5 EV excels – what it offers for what you pay – and while we’ve seen improvements to its design and technology, space and versatility are constants. On the subject of value, while the cash price is enticing, representative finance deals of £428 a month on the Trophy (based on a £6,699 deposit and a three-year/30,000-mile contract with a £250 deposit contribution) are competitive. Plus MG says you will be able to get one easily, with 1,250 cars in stock by the end of the year and a 14-week wait time on orders.
Space inside is good, with rear passengers treated to a relatively generous level of legroom, thanks in part to a 2,659mm wheelbase, but headroom is a little tighter, especially in the front. Given the estate car’s low-ish roofline, you sit high up in the driver’s seat, but this does at least give good visibility. The 479-litre boot means families won’t struggle for luggage space either; at least it’s comparable with an SUV such as the Kia Niro EV, which offers 475 litres.
MG matches Kia with a seven-year warranty too, and this approach characterises the MG5. In many areas – and certainly the ones that count – the MG5 EV already made a solid case for itself. But its extra style and technology mean it’s even more convincing.
INTERIOR
Rotary gear selector is similar to MG4 hatch’s, while dash design has been freshened up. New 10.25-inch multimedia set-up gives a more hi-tech feel and boosts the level of kit on offer. Material quality could be better, however
