MG5 EV review: performance, motor & drive

The MG5 was never the most exciting electric car to drive, and despite what its new front end might suggest, it’s the same story with the updated version. It even uses the same 154bhp motor as before, which powers the front wheels only, unlike the new MG4 which is rear-wheel drive and based on an EV-specific platform, too.

MG5 EV 0-60mph, top speed and acceleration

The MG5 uses a single electric motor that sends all 154bhp and 280Nm of torque to the front wheels. It’s less powerful than rivals like the Kia Niro EV, but still enough oomph to propel the electric estate from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. On the move it's the torque that's more obvious, and the MG5 can certainly shift, no matter if you’re in town, on a country road, or the motorway. 

There are three driving modes, too – Eco, Normal and Sport. Eco maximises range by limiting performance, while Normal offers a bit more of that addictive EV off-the-line performance. Switching to Sport will get you closest to the MG5's official acceleration figure, but it feels a little unnecessary in a car like this. 

Handling

The MG5 doesn’t offer much in the way of fun from behind the wheel, but you’d hardly expect a family estate to set your trousers on fire. Perhaps more importantly is the car’s light and direct steering and relatively well controlled body roll, so It feels secure at least. Ride comfort is fine, as the MG5 damps out bigger bumps so passengers aren’t thrown around when you hit a pothole.

On the motorway, refinement is also good. Not much wind noise infiltrates the cabin, and there's barely any whine from the motor, even with the most aggressive of the regenerative braking modes engaged. Slowing down requires some finesse as the top of the brake pedal’s travel is difficult to modulate. There are three levels of regenerative braking to choose from, but even the strongest one doesn’t allow for one-pedal driving which is a shame.