2021 MG5 LR 20,000 Mile Update

[@itchywitchy]

Great to see a review of the MG5 being heavily used, it certainly does seem like a lot of car for the money. I have just seen an ad for the new Astra estate which starts at £25k for the petrol engine version which shows how the price of new EVs is starting to become less of an issue thanks to brands like MG.

[@dalroth10]

Another great video in truly awful weather ..... credit to you for sticking at it, particularly after watching your out-takes at the end! 😄😄 It's very refreshing to see what I'd call a real-world video of a budget EV. Your honest and fair assessment, plus your clear working knowledge of motors, is worth a great deal more to many viewers than many car reviews. I'm delighted the MG is proving worth it for your business and your family.

[@dougscott3089]

My MG5 is now a year old, 6000 miles on the clock, love it to bits, it's a real long legged car, ideal for those long journeys not neccessarily on motorways, my only whinge is the faffing about getting Android auto to come on line.

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

I've found that pressing the auto android on the car screen and then plugging the phone in to the lhs socket usually works OK. Certainly miles better than the in built sat nav which is a joke..

[@dougscott3089]

@@MikeGleesonazelectrics I have already tried that tip & it still plays up, it's as if its deciding what to, le shall I, shant I, how do I feel today, once had an HP scanner like that, what a pain.

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

@@dougscott3089 on the phone settings, try switching on the Bluetooth to autoconnect with android auto, don't know why this should make a difference but worth a try.

[@dougscott3089]

@@MikeGleesonazelectrics I'm using a Samsung Galaxy A10 & if I've got it set up right I'm already there with your suggestion, also have started using IFTTT, but still cannot get Google to say "Good Morning" to me!!!

[@dougscott3089]

@@MikeGleesonazelectrics Perhaps the application of a 14lb sledgehammer might help. 😁😁😁

[@Nikola-sd1xe]

Mine arrives this month. Happy days!

[@stevemccormack9948]

Well done on retrieving the space in the front. That's exactly what I had in mind - insert a plastic box like so. Cool.

[@davidbarber6268]

Our 2020 bmw x1 does the same with its digital speedo, and so did my VolvoS90, so it's not just an MG issue

[@tonysenior8233]

Thanks for this video and all the others. I have watched with great interest the videos on the MG5 as i have to carry a wheelchair and a walking frame ( at the moment in a Ford B-MAX) so need more space. Have taken the bull by the horns and bought an ex-demonstrater with very low mileage. All thanks to your videos ( no pressure). With let yuo know how I get on.

[@Jamesandkate]

Hope it's going well 👍🏼

[@stonesie81]

The slight over-read on the speedo is a universal thing to all cars as far as I know, there's a regulation that speedo's can over-read up to 10% but can't under-read at all so 2mph at 70 is well within that. I think there's some leeway for variances in tyre sizes between different brands (even with exactly the same numbers on the sidewall they do vary). Excellent review and true commitment to making that intro in a storm! I'm considering either one of these or a used Ioniq 38kwh. Will get some test drives, but the MG seems the better value buy and is faster, which shouldn't matter but it does.

[@ewadge]

I am looking for something a little nicer than the MG but I am always impressed by it. It ticks so many boxes and it makes a perfect Taxi.

[@maximilianholland]

Thank you James. The vehicle is an absolute winner on value, great review.

[@thathairyguy]

Hey James, you were up my neck of the woods servicing my Leaf at the back end of last year - I had no idea about the channel! I think I may have been living under a rock haha. Subscribed :)

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks for subscribing, John.

[@robmog88]

Great video, love the outtakes!

[@slug781]

Only done 3000 in mine but I love it to bits. Soooooo much better than every single petrol car I’ve ever owned. Glad I made the switch every time I get in it.

[@stuartpriest6211]

We've just bought one and we really liked the homemade Frunk - can you recommend which plastic grate to use please? Ta!

[@FeniksGaming]

Thanks for update. I am getting mg zs standard range this week. Can't wait to go electric.

[@iainansell5930]

i'd like to see how the facelift version with up to date infotainment system does, later on in the year..

[@modo613]

You should have a paid referral link for that umbrella! Seems decent quality if it can survive those conditions!

[@Jamesandkate]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garyheavens2389]

Great Video. I was wondering if you are allowed from an insurance and NCAP point of view, to fit the plastic box in the frunk. I have seen on the MG EV Community webpage people saying a company has made a frunk for the MG ZS EV, but I would still have the same question.

[@davidspencer7254]

Love the blooper real at the end. poor James! Want to get the guy a flask of coffee!

[@davidsworld5837]

was it a good idea to find the windiest and wettest place to do your intro. love the out takes at the end. since MG use a standard battery and drivetrain that many others use of course there should be little problem. the faults come with the parts they can cut costs with. But even with that 20k in miles and no problems is really good But its even better that they are listening and changing out what does not work in the newer models. they could offer items that the newer one have to older cars owners, and make a engine bay plastic cover to provide storage.

[@duncanheyes8168]

Hi James, great review, had my MG5 now for three months, love it to bits. I have had many ICE and hybrid cars in my life, old timer🤣 can honestly say it’s is one of the best if not the best cars I have had. Obviously not doing the mileage that you guys are doing, but the feeling of comfort your review gives is good. When researching my purchase I viewed many reviews, yours included, I can say that yours and a taxi driver in Eire swung me into going for the MG, and luckily only waited 3 months from order to delivery. Keep up the great reviews you do, hope you have many more miles in your MG👍

[@FancyaBevMate]

Hi guys you'll be pleased to hear I passed my Leicester taxi test today got 98%! Hopefully I'll be able to restart the taxi vlog soon. Cheers

[@Jamesandkate]

Great to hear. What are you running now??

[@FancyaBevMate]

@@Jamesandkate We still have the leaf :) it only has 68k on it and most of the issues were resolved by nissan so we will keep it for another two years the plan was to run it into the ground just for the potential taxi/phv drivers to get a long term feel for in the vlog, something I've never done with a taxi. (3years max previously on all my cars) Cheers

[@TheJAMF]

1:53 Did you compare it to the GPS on the phone? Maybe they added a "safety" buffer to the speedometer, to keep owners from getting more tickets than usual. 😁

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

Agree with all the positives, however a few more minor negs for me, 1) so called auto dim rear mirror doesnt dim at all but this may be faulty, Ill get it checked out at service. 2) intermittent wipers, seem to have a mind of their own. 3) no cabin preheating. 4) a faff when rapid charging, it stops charge when you unlock car, maybe starts again after a minute but what a balls ache! 5) no steering wheel heater but I am spoiled after my Nissan env200, which also had 2 levels of heat. Overall tho, great value, goes like stink too..

[@richardthegreat]

I test drove one, after using a Nissan Leaf for 10 months, my biggest issue was the auto hold handbrake preference resetting when you turn the car off, I’m sure you’ll get used to it but it wasn’t pleasant.

[@wobby1516]

Having a froot is so useful with electric cars in particular. My Niro is fitted with an aftermarket one and that’s were I keep the cables. It’s all very well having the cables stored under the floor in the boot when it’s empty, but not so when full and one needs to access the cable to charge. I read an article the other day in the Mail were a guy wrote that EVs wear their brake pads far quicker than ice cars and that tyres also wear more quickly. That simple isn’t true as most braking is regenerative and tyre wear as far as I can see is no different to an ICE car, But then to be fair it was the Mail and we all know what a rag that is, full of miss information written by second rate reporters, of course that just my opinion!!!

[@Lewis_Standing]

Did you get it from ev accessories Ireland? I was going to order one for my kona. Does it affect the warranty at all? Did you fit it? Nice and easy?

[@wobby1516]

@@Lewis_Standing there available on E. Bay

[@stephanmosbleck4535]

Hi James, thx for your video. Bad weather there but that´s not better here in GER. :-) I like your reports and for this looking forward to the launch of the MG5 FL in Germany next month. If the range is really about 200 Miles, it would fit perfectly. More than enough space in the car, comfortable and features which makes sense. Since about 2 years I´m driving an Ioniq classic, which I bought as a 2nd hand car. It also fit my needs, the low consumption is amazing (11kWh/100km in summer and 13kWh/100km in winter time) but I cannot charge at home and to meet the public chargers means that I cannot drive it down to about 10% all the time. Anyway, when the new MG5 is out next month, I will have a look for it. Cheers Stephan PS: When the ACC is used on the highway, it brakes with the engine (recuperation), right? Not like the ZS EV, who is using the mechanical brakes only...

[@trainman665]

I went to London a couple of weeks ago. I noticed there were quite a lot of MG5s around. They looked very smart (most of them black) and the value of money it’s quite hard to come up with another car that matches/beats it for value for money (if you’re looking at EVs).

[@69mrhappy1977]

Hi James. Great video. I am seriously considering the MG5 LR (new shape) which I believe comes out end of 2022. From what I have read it will have the same battery/range options as the current model. I will be doing a lot of motorway miles, (East Midlands to Scotland or Cornwall or South Wales or Manchester) on a regular basis so am keen to find out what realistically the MG5 can do when spending 80/90% of a 200 mile journey on a motorway at 70mph. What’s your honest opinion on this from your experience? Many thanks. Kev

[@jeffcartwright7270]

Well done James for bring this video in shocking weather conditions !. Any on the road repair / service videos coming up ?. Keep up the great work !. Did Kate approve of ordering the model Y ???????.

[@Jamesandkate]

I will do one on my next Scotland trip. Kate is pondering it

[@MAW1979]

Did you change the wheel trims? Make it look a lot better...

[@caterthun4853]

Been told its nearly impossible to get an MG to test drive in North England. Everything I see makes it attractive for me.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

Looks like a great work horse, what’s the nicer car this or the ZS EV long range ?

[@audriusa5368]

thx for review. I think small details matter.

[@bertlevis]

Interesting content thank you, appreciate your work.

[@cosworthization]

I love the out takes. Well funny.

[@Shambolicuk]

Did you mention the car battery state of health? If so i missed it and would be keen to know percentage of degradation 👍

[@davidmaclean5326]

I have done 15,000 miles in my MG5 LR. Just had it's first service done and the battery SOH was still 100%.

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

James, great review. Do you have any idea just how much extra weight you've got in the back that could be affecting the range?

[@Jamesandkate]

I'd rather not say on an open forum 😐

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

@@Jamesandkate ok, i understand

[@xperyskop2475]

I'm waiting for MG Zs ev Thropy long range hope it's good

[@richardsedorski1206]

Wow can’t keep up with these vids all very good and interesting great stuff.👍👍👍

[@crjeanes]

Think I saw you in Hanslope this morning James?

[@Jamesandkate]

Very possible.

[@oleww50]

This would seem to be an auto buy for me aside from the fact it can’t tow 🤦‍♂️ thanks for the vid!

[@gunterg.9588]

Have the new MG5 2022 the big Room (Frank) under the Cover? How do you fixt the Box ? Best Greeting`s from Germany😀😀

[@sheldonv8]

Glad you're getting on so well with yours James. . Still love my 17,000m SR. Rotated my tyres today and found a future rust point so check out my quick video.

[@dtabs1986]

Hi James, brilliant review as always. I haven’t noticed you mention what driving setting you have your MG 5 in to be getting this great range in winter. Do you normally just leave it in normal mode, or are you having to choose eco to get the range that high? Also, what is your typical climate control settings? Keep up the good work 👍

[@michaelarcher6278]

I don't follow your criticism of the speedometer difference of 2 mph at 70, my Nissan pulsar and almeras x 2 all had the same issue. I was always led to believe that all speedometers are made to over read the speed by about 2mph. 🤔

[@2008tourer]

I understood it as that he sets it at certain speed but it the car makes different speed. I noticed it in my parents' C5, where to drive 70, you have to set the cruise control at 71 because if you set it on 70, it will be going 69 :p

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Oh my goodness, James...! Talk about the "glamorous life of a You Tuber"...!! 🤣 Valiant filming, dude - but then I'd expect nothing less from such a consummate professional like yourself... 😉

[@glenreidy]

That like and subscribe intro sometimes cracks me up. James’ voice with lady hands. I know their probably Kate’s but still, it is funny.

[@Jamesandkate]

I need to change it.

[@glenreidy]

Maybe a different one each time. Gorilla hands, skeleton hands etc haha.

[@nothingtoseehere3493]

Nice video James and nice chatting with you at a mutual friends child birthday party the other week The only thing that would put me off an MG is the fact it's Chinese, it's a personal choice but it's very hard to buy allot of things that are NOT made in china, however cars currently it's s bit easier for. So by purchasing other brands I can rest assured less of my money will be making its way back to the Chinese government. I do appreciate it's a great value car however but we will stick to our little Kona for now. I see the VW Buzz it's coming out soon. I am keen to see what you guys think of that if/when you get your hands on it.

[@davecorlett4849]

Can you name a car make for sale today, either electric or piston, that doesn't contain Chinese made parts?

[@nothingtoseehere3493]

@@davecorlett4849 I am not prepared to do the research to answer that, but this is a Chinese car by a Chinese brand so it's an easy choice for me personally.

[@davecorlett4849]

@@nothingtoseehere3493 no need for research. You won't find any. It's the way things are now whether we like it or not.

[@nothingtoseehere3493]

@@davecorlett4849 ow wow cheers mate you seem to know your stuff. No research or evidence needed as you just know. I have made a note of your details Dave as you are seriously impressive with your knowledge on things. Thankyou

[@miedzychod]

what a weather, but the car is briliant

[@markwoollard2801]

Hi James you of all people would know??- does the mg ismart app work on the MG5? If so how do you get it to recognise my MG5 (Just delivered yesterday). Dealer doesn't seem to know.

[@Jamesandkate]

No app support on this model of MG5, it's on the new facelift coming later in the year.

[@marka885]

Please include more out-takes to your videos

[@nitelite78]

You mentioned you charge to 100% on a daily basis. That implies the battery chemistry is LFP. Is that right?

[@Jamesandkate]

Li-ion

[@annekecornee]

Another negative (for some): it can only tow 500 kg. That's not even enough for a tenttrailer :-( What do you think of the looks of the facelifted version?

[@benissafe]

Out of interest what tariff are you on if you don’t mind saying? With go you can normally get 100 miles in that window but imagine you need 9-10.

[@Jamesandkate]

Octopus 'Go'.

[@4wheelsgood]

Given the current delays on LR ZS would you take the MG5 over te ZS?

[@Jamesandkate]

Yes I would.

[@pauldowling6536]

Can you preheat the car with it locked

[@Jamesandkate]

Sadly not

[@ashb8572]

Hi, I've had mine a month now and yes, it's possible. I start the car in ready mode and set the heating/demister ect, then open the driver window. Exit the car and close the door. After this, reach in and press the lock button on the inside door card. Followed by the window button a quick tug up and swiftly move my arm out of the way. The only way back into the car is by pressing keyless entry button on the driver door handle with your key present, otherwise you need to use the mechanical key 😀 I only tend to do once in a while as I got use to the nissan leafs preheating feature on their app 😆

[@pauldowling6536]

I cannot do on desel nissan so I will not miss it

[@barriedear5990]

How much was your conversion to use like a van? Is there a video on this>

[@Jamesandkate]

This one was 2k

[@keithware5314]

Hi James have you used the battery heater? If so did it make any difference to your charging speed?

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi. I never use it to be honest, but we cover big miles so the battery is normally warm.

[@marcwhite7733]

Really would prefer to convert my 15 year old car to EV than buying new as I am happy with it but conversion prices are still fairly high just now

[@jonathantaylor1998]

In that case, check out the recent Fully Charged video about a French company doing just that. 👍

[@and1111000]

The usual suspects, the anti-EV media have been complaining that EV charge cables are being stolen for the copper. I hope that doesn't become a problem.

[@tony.mccall]

Does the LR version still make the horrible noise from the rear brakes when you reverse after it's been sitting a while ?

[@davidmaclean5326]

Sometimes.... Especially after it has been washed.

[@e-trippingwithadamgebbett8024]

Every real use review rates this car high. It may not be What car, electric vehicle of the year but you can buy one this year and it will save you thousands.

[@davidmaclean5326]

Waiting times are increasing according to comments on the forums.

[@andyn6266]

James,You definitely need the Model Y. Have you a spare kidney knocking around you can sell? 👍👍

[@JohnHKLee]

The standard Bridgestone tires are utter rubbish though. Had to swap them out due to grip and handling after 8000miles - just couldn’t live with them or trust them on cold & wet Scottish B roads - changed them for vredestein quatrac tyres - so much better handling and grip on set off - minimal hit on range. Completely changes the character of the car in corners

[@GrrMeister]

*I have a 2019 Mercedes W247 B200 CDi that I have achieved 85.6 MPG over 106 Miles, and the Emissions (Cleaned with additional Catalytic Convertors, and aided by AdBlue) to reduce Nitrous Oxide (NOx) is one of the new breed [Euro 6] and .08 Parts per Million. By 2025 Euro 7 even tougher EU7 limits due mid-decade - are impressively clean, with sufficient exhaust after-treatment built in to trap the nasties that give diesel a bad name.*

[@johnmcconville6055]

Oh good for you.I am temporarily driving a Dacia Bi fuel and it does 750 miles range.Its still a piece of crap,and costs a fortune to feed it.

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

To test just how clean it is, lock yourself in your garage with the engine running and see how long you can stay in there.

[@GrrMeister]

@@rtfazeberdee3519 🤣

[@Jamesandkate]

Sadly, despite what you think Cats, AdBlue or SCR systems achieve, they still pump out cancer causing particulates, CO2, SOX, NOX and an array of other emissions you never hear about. That's why nobody is buying them anymore. Regardless of what you or I think, they're finished. And don't be fooled, they're nowhere near clean. Also, include the emissions required to get your diesel to a fuel station.

[@GrrMeister]

*Make the most of it - won't be long before UK Government wakes up and realises there will will a £34 BILLION Hole with No Road Tax/Fuel Tax & Subsidies - Good luck with that one - but by 2031 a very different story no doubt - all those {better off} with off street Charging might be feeling SMUG right now - but what about the rest = In Paul Daniels words NOT A LOT !*

[@Jamesandkate]

That’s fine, EV drivers don’t care about tax, but while ice drivers are paying it for us we’ll enjoy it. I heard fuel is going up again to fill some of the gap 😂😂

[@Lewis_Standing]

The road tax thing comes up a lot doesn't it. You know they can just start charging EVs whenever they want don't you? They are using it to convince people to switch but once the majority of purchases are ev they could stop giving it away for free.

[@theunknownunknowns256]

@@Jamesandkate I like how these ev naysayers think there are being clever, and then just get shot down. We've heard all their bs before. 🤣😂🤣 Robert Llewellyn ruthlessly impersonates such people.

[@johnmcconville6055]

£1.57 a litre for Diesel at BP Dyce,Aberdeen yesterday.I am running a Dacia bi fuel at the moment and it has done 5000 miles in 3 months.Cant wait to part with it and get the MG5 LR on order.It is costing a bomb to fuel,and drives like a bullock cart.James you are totally correct as always.

[@Brian-om2hh]

The Government are to introduce a system of road tolls to replace lost fuel duty. This will be payable by *all* vehicles, not just EV's. I may be wrong, but you seem to be implying that EV's will somehow cost more and more to run, but ICE cars won't! I'll wager you're wrong on that score. Sure, the cost of electricity is rising, but you are also looking down the barrel of the £2.00 litre for petrol and diesel..... It's probably no more than a year away. As long as it's possible to generate electricity using solar, like some EV owners do, an EV will always retain an advantage over a fossil fuelled vehicle. You can't manufacture your own petrol or diesel at home. And even if they find a way to tax electricity generated by solar panels, they would need to offer an assurance the sun would shine for X days a year for it to be a viable and workable method of taxation. With respect, yours is the typical "sour grapes" post. I've seen dozens of them. If you feel that EV drivers are at an advantage, then the solution for you is simple enough. Get an EV. As an EV owner and taxpayer, I feel heartily pi$$ed off at having to subsidise the oil industry with billions in handouts each year. It's high time that stopped too. If it did, you'd be looking at the £25 gallon...... So be careful what you wish for......

[@GrrMeister]

*All you are doing with an EV is transferring production of Energy to a Coal Fired Plant/Wood Pellets or other Power Stations and only a minute proportion from Wind /Solar & Nuclear etc in the UK!*

[@Jamesandkate]

Actually, we’re using 30% renewables, 12% nuclear , we have zero tailpipe emissions, we don’t damage the seabed or pollute the sea, we don’t use high amounts of gas and electricity refining crude oil that’s then transported to a fuel station, and we don’t then set fire to it to get around. Also, it uses a quarter of the energy of an ICE to do the same distance.

[@Jlbullivant]

I just Google the energy mix in the U.K. and ten minutes ago there was only 1.1% of electricity being produced by coal. 20% by nuclear and 50% by wind. Rest by other means. Check it out for yourself

[@ewdack]

The thing is, even if you fill up your EV from a dirty coal powered power station it still ends up cleaner than an equivalent ICE car. That's because power stations, due to their scale are actually quite efficient. Much more so than an ICE engine when you factor in all the refining and transporting of fuel.

[@theunknownunknowns256]

@@Jamesandkate I think this is Robert Llewellyn having a laugh. He's saying the same types of things that Robert hilariously mocks all the time. 🤣😂🤣

[@Brian-om2hh]

And all you are doing is polluting the air in our towns and cities to an even greater degree than at present...... So 30 to 35% renewable energy generation in the UK is a "minute" proportion is it? The UK gets just 4% of it's energy from coal these days. Not done much research, have you?