MG5 EV: range, battery & charging
Other electric cars have a longer range and faster charging than the MG5, but at least its quoted figures are easy to match
| Range | Battery size | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235-250 miles | 61.1kWh | 10hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 35mins (10-80%, 80kW) |
The refreshed MG5 electric estate is fitted with the same 61.1kWh battery as before and its usable capacity of 57.4kWh is enough for an official range of between 235 and 250 miles depending on which trim level you go for. The 87kW rapid charging speeds are unchanged, too, but still sufficient so you won’t have to spend too long topping up at service stations on longer journeys. Plus, the charging port is in the MG5’s nose, which makes plugging in a little easier.
MG5 EV range
The MG5 currently only comes in Long Range form, unlike the MG4 which is available with several battery sizes. Entry-level MG5 SE trim models boast an official range of 250 miles, while the more generously equipped Trophy specification reduces the MG5’s range to 235 miles on a full charge, likely due to its larger 17-inch wheels.
Our test car was a Trophy-spec model, which we used to cover a mixture of motorway and town driving. Over this period, we managed to return an average of 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour, which translates to a real-world range of 206 miles. While that might seem quite a way off MG’s claim, this test comes with the caveat of being done in the winter, with the cabin temperature turned up and the heated seats on their highest setting. We’re sure, however, that if we tested the MG5 in the warmer months and didn’t need to be sitting on the equivalent of a pile of hot coals in order to stay warm, we’d be able to get much closer to MG’s claim.
Charge time
The MG5's 87kW rapid charging capability is respectable in the electric family car class, and even trumps the new Kia Niro EV’s 77kW maximum charging speed. That means the MG will top up from 10-80% in around 40 minutes from most public rapid charging points. Fully recharging the MG5 will take a little over nine hours if you use a 7.4kW home wallbox, while a three-pin plug will do the job in 18 hours. It’s best to treat that as a last resort when you’re away from home.