Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

MG5 EV review: the entry-level electric estate

The MG5 may be feeling a little long in the tooth – despite a recent nip and tuck – but it remains a great budget electric estate option

Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Roomy boot
  • Excellent value for money
  • Greatly improved infotainment

Cons

  • Hardly thrilling to drive
  • No range or charging upgrades
  • Little space advantage over SUV rivals
RangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
235-250 miles10hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)35mins (10-80%, 87kW)

MG5 EV verdict

Not everyone wants a flashy electric SUV and nobody wants to pay more than they have to for a new car. The MG5 is proof that you can have the majority of an SUV’s practicality in a more conventional form and at a bargain price.

While not quite dull enough to send a hyperactive seven-year old to sleep, the MG5 is far from the most exciting new EV out there – a sedate driving experience and no-frills interior are perhaps the bargain zero-emissions estate’s weakest points. However, the MG is far roomier than the majority of similarly-priced electric superminis, plus it comes with a decent driving range and a fantastic seven-year warranty. There may be more appealing – and expensive – electric estates out there nowadays, but the MG5 is still certainly worthy of your attention.

Range details, specs and alternatives

For a very long time, the vastly different MG5 and Porsche Taycan Sport/Cross Turismo were your only two options if you were after an electric estate car. Now, while you also have the options of the Vauxhall Astra Electric Sports Tourer, Peugeot E-308 SW and BMW i5 Touring, the MG remains the cheapest of them all by far.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

At launch, the MG5 was never going to set any hearts ablaze with its rather unassuming design, however, a facelift in 2022 introduced several fresh design features  – and technology items – from the smaller MG4 hatchback, increasing the electric estate’s appeal somewhat.

Now available exclusively in what MG calls ‘Long Range’ configuration, every MG5 uses a 57.4kWh usable battery to power a 154bhp electric motor; this is enough for a range of up to 250 miles, according to its maker. However, such a figure is only possible 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.

Click here to see why you can trust DrivingElectric reviews, or for a more detailed look at the MG5 EV, read on for the rest of our review...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electric car repairs, servicing and maintenance: a complete guide
Electric car repairs
Your questions answered

Electric car repairs, servicing and maintenance: a complete guide

How, where and when should you get your electric car serviced? And does the process differ in any way from combustion vehicles? Find out here…
14 Nov 2024
Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2024
Best hybrid family cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2024

If you’re not ready to go fully electric yet, you should consider one of these: the best hybrid family cars to buy in the UK right now
22 Nov 2024
Best hybrid sports cars 2025
Best hybrid sports cars
Best cars

Best hybrid sports cars 2025

Hybrid power can make a sports car faster and more fuel-efficient; we rank the best models on sale
27 Nov 2024

More on 5

Top 10 best electric family cars 2024
Best electric family cars
Best cars

Top 10 best electric family cars 2024

From hatchbacks to SUVs, here are our top picks for the best family EVs on the market right now
17 Oct 2024
New 2022 MG 5 SW EV review
MG 5 SW EV 2022
In-depth reviews

New 2022 MG 5 SW EV review

Refreshed looks and updated infotainment promise to further increase the appeal of MG’s sensible electric estate
22 Aug 2022
New 2022 MG 5 EV electric estate car starts from £30,995
2022 MG 5 EV
News

New 2022 MG 5 EV electric estate car starts from £30,995

Facelifted version of popular electric estate expected to arrive in September
14 Jul 2022
Twin test: MG 5 vs Volkswagen ID.3
MG 5 vs VW ID.3
In-depth reviews

Twin test: MG 5 vs Volkswagen ID.3

With affordable electric cars in high demand, does MG 5 estate or entry-level Volkswagen ID.3 stand out as the EV value-for-money champion? Let’s find…
6 May 2022