MG5 EV Review 2023

Buy the newest, highest-spec MG5 EV that you can afford. Early examples are fine, but we like the revised design and upgraded interior of the most recent post-facelift models. While the now entry-level MG5 EV SE is well equipped, the heated faux-leather seats would tempt us into an MG5 EV Trophy.

You haven't got a great deal of choice if you're after an electric estate car. Fresh competition is on its way from the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric, although that's likely to be more expensive and it'll be a while before examples start appearing on the used market.

If you're in the market for an electric family car, the latest Kia Niro EV should be on your shortlist (although, again, it's more expensive). The old Kia e-Niro is a very competent used electric car, too. Competition also comes from the Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Leaf, but perhaps the closest competitors are MG's other models - including the MG ZS EV and new MG4 EV.

If you don't need the space of the MG5 EV, consider small electric cars like the Peugeot e-208 and Renault Zoe.

As we touched on above, the fit and finish of the MG5 EV's interior depends a little on the age of the car you're looking at. You'll have to manage your expectations a bit on earlier models - there are a few clunky buttons and flimsy finishes here and there, although it isn't necessarily any worse than you'd find in a Nissan Leaf.

The latest MG5 EV still doesn't feel posh inside, but it's certainly no more downmarket than, say, a Volkswagen ID.3. We'd say it's a bit plusher than the MG4, helped by some extra chrome detailing and a strip of silver running across the dash and around the centre console.

Early MG5 EV models feature an eight-inch touchscreen media system which was fitted as standard across the range. Look for an MG5 EV Exclusive for navigation, although we'd recommend using your phone instead - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide easy access to apps on your phone.

Don't expect slick graphics or particularly rapid responses, but it works well enough. There are some physical shortcut buttons, too, as well as an actual volume control. Refreshingly, there are buttons for the climate control system, too – none of this 'buried in the infotainment' nonsense.

The touchscreen media system was replaced by a newer version in 2022. It's much better than before, thanks in part to its position high up on the dashboard. That means you can glance at it safely while driving, rather than looking down from the windscreen. It's also better to use, with sharper graphics and relatively swift (although not perfect) responses.

The MG5 EV measures 4544mm long, 1818mm wide and 1509mm tall - making it slightly longer (but lower) than cars like the Cupra Born, Nissan Leaf and Kia Niro EV.

The MG5 EV is in a different league in terms of interior space when compared like-for-like with similarly priced electric cars, though. You could easily use it as your main family car, the MG5 EV boot space is enough for weekend camping trips (and you now get roof rails as standard should you need a bit more space). It's not quite as versatile as the hybrid Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, while the petrol (or diesel) Skoda Octavia Estate trumps it for overall luggage capacity, but it's impressive nonetheless.

A pair of adults will fit comfortably in the rear seats (there's a reason the MG5 EV is loved by Uber drivers), while a flat floor mean passengers won't be tussling for foot space if you do squeeze three in the back. There's loads of room in the front, making it easy to find a suitable driving position. Big door bins and generous cup holders will make life easier, too.

All MG5 EV models are powered by the same 115kW electric motor. That equates to around 156PS, which is enough to accelerate the estate car to 62mph in 7.7 seconds. Rapid enough for a family vehicle, but it's not going to beat a Tesla away from the traffic lights.

There's enough power to require the traction control light to flicker if you're heavy footed, though, and it's rapid enough to filter in and out of traffic when driving around town. As usual, power tails off at higher speeds, but it's not going to leave you out for cold on a motorway slip road. 

The MG5 EV was initially available with two different battery sizes: 52kWh or 61kWh. The smaller battery can officially travel up to 214 miles between charges, while the longer-range version is good for up to 250 miles.

Later models are only available with the bigger 61kWh unit (badged the MG5 EV Long Range). Like the pre-facelift car, this provides a range of up to 250 miles. It's worth noting, though, that this official figure drops to 235 miles in top-spec Trophy trim.

Without a conventional engine, the MG5 EV is generally very refined – whether you're pottering around town or eating up motorway miles. You'll notice a bit of tyre noise and some whine from the electric motor but nothing too disconcerting, while there's less wind noise than the MG ZS EV.

Refreshingly, we didn't notice any creaks or clonks from the MG ZS EV. We've driven much pricier electric cars that have failed in this regard when they haven't had a combustion engine masking any untoward noises.

An array of driver-assist technology forms part of the MG Pilot pack. This is standard on the MG5 EV Long Range (now the only option), providing tech such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

The MG5 EV hasn't been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

MG came 18th out of 29 manufacturers in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, which isn't the strongest vote of confidence for buyers considering a relatively niche brand. It did rank ahead of mainstream competitors such as Ford, Nissan and Vauxhall, though, while MG's seven-year/80,000-mile warranty should put your mind at rest. That covers the battery, too.

It's also worth bearing in mind that electric cars are generally more reliable than their petrol or diesel counterparts. There are fewer moving parts to go wrong, while its regenerative braking system means it'll be easier on things like brake pads and discs.

Oddly, the MG5 EV with the bigger 61kWh battery is in a lower insurance group than the smaller 52kWh version. That means it should be cheaper to insure but, as always, we'd recommend shopping around for insurance quotes before handing over any money. Electric cars are often more expensive to insure than petrol or diesel alternatives – bear this in mind, particularly if you're a young driver. You can also take a look at our guide to the cheapest electric cars to insure. 

At the moment, you won't pay a penny in car tax (also known as VED) for the MG5 EV as it's a pure-electric car, so it's exempt. That's set to change in 2025 but at least no MG5 EV will be above the £40,000 threshold for premium car tax.

The MG5 EV is now available in two trim levels: SE and Trophy.

Standard equipment on the MG5 EV SE includes the MG Pilot driver-assist pack, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, adjustable lumbar support on the driver's seat, air conditioning, keyless entry and start, a seven-inch driver information display, adaptive cruise control, leather steering wheel (with height and reach adjustment), a reversing camera and a 10.25-inch sat-nav screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The MG5 EV Trophy adds nice-to-have features including electrically folding door mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-style seats, electric driver's seat adjustment, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electric windows with one-touch operation and a 360-degree parking camera.

Until 2022, the MG5 EV was available in Excite and Exclusive variants. The MG5 EV Excite came with an eight-inch touchscreen media system (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and DAB radio), a rear parking camera and cruise control. Air conditioning was standard, as well as fabric seats and a leather steering wheel. Electric windows were standard in the front and rear, while there's a 12v power socket and four USB ports.

The top-spec MG5 EV Exclusive added smart keyless entry (with push button engine start), navigation and leather-like seat coverings. Heated front seats were standard, with six-way electric adjustment for the driver (as well as adjustable lumbar support). You'll find rain-sensing wipers as standard, as well as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and silver roof rails.