MG5 Review & Test Drive: The First EV Estate Car

[@timgomez1084]

I've just ordered an MG5 yesterday. I watched a lot of videos about of it that gave it average marks, mainly for not having Lane assist, adaptive cruise control and looking a bit bland. None of that really matters to me, I always switch technology off because they can't cope with British roads. And looks aren't a big deal, I ordered it for a cheap, reliable, long range estate EV. Nothing else could really beat it on those qualities. That said I've heard the dealer network is not great so I'll have to wait and see.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Great move Tim, hope you don't have to wait long. That's exactly the thing, people may be saying this car is better than that etc. but it's all done to your needs and what you're using it for. If you don't need lane assist etc. then it doesn't matter in the slightest. It's a great value car, good range, good space. I've been wholly unimpressed with the sales network - from my experience they were petrol heads who didn't understand EVs. But as for servicing, I don't have experience there. Hopefully it's all good. But then, there's always www.cleevelyev.co.uk who run an excellent mobile service.

[@timgomez1084]

@@GuyGoesGreen thanks for the tip on the servicing, one thing my wife was worried about was what would happen if MG suddenly decided to pull out of the UK market. Its good to know that there's a third party market to fill the gap. I have no doubt I will probably service it third party anyway, why buy a car I can fuel at home if I have to drive it to a dealer to get serviced?!

[@mikebreen2890]

I just got one at a huge discount as the newer version comes in, well pleased with it.

[@johnreeves25]

I took one out for a test drive, I was very impressed with it. I would say the MG brand is making excellent progress.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Absolutely John, really setting a challenge for other brands to make affordable EVs to compete.

[@badchefi]

I think SAIC is making a mistake by using MG brand as it has been dead for so long and the Chinese make good enough cars now to use their own branding.

[@Dave-in-France]

KERS - a technology that came from Formula 1 race cars. Re charging speed - irrespective of what the brochure says, many reviewers report recharging at 80kw

[@hydro-herbhydro-herb3476]

Just saw this video, thanks for an honest review. I'm thinking of a volkswagen ev.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Thanks for watching Julian. I've seen a lot more VW EVs on the road recently, although haven't had the chance to drive one myself. Fingers crossed I will soon...

[@sydsnott5042]

An excellent video review. I like the way you presented it. Pity you couldn't have had the car for longer to test it on motorways and check out its range capabilities. Am I right in assuming you now have the MG5 EV? If so how are you finding it?

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Hi Syd, thanks for watching and commenting. It was just a regular test drive from a dealer, so thought it would be a bit cheeky to take it on a long trip! Actually I didn't get one in the end. I was tempted as it's a great value car, but I got a cracking deal on a used Tesla Model S instead. I did put up a video about my thought process, if ever it's of interest...

[@sydsnott5042]

@@GuyGoesGreen Hi Guy. Blimey so you got a tesla? Even though it was a great deal what else made you go for that? They seem to have negative reviews regarding panel fit making them look tatty etc.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

It has a good range (over 200, which I wanted), full of features including aids for parking (the auto park is freaky!) and loads of space & comfort. I haven't had a problem with panel fit. Sure some of the gaps aren't as tiny as other cars, but it's not looking tatty and no rattles etc. I run down the car options and why I chose it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGiZnKR3bcaajac

[@sydsnott5042]

@@GuyGoesGreen and another really good video. Actually now I'm not surprised you went for the model S 85. What I'm really Intrigued with is how and where you're going to charge it when you don't have a home charger. I fully understand that a large percentage of people wanting a BEV but have nowhere to install a charger plus a percentage of those homes the electrics will need updating and that's ruddy expensive. I'm looking forward to your story of Tesla ownership. Have fun and enjoy.

[@williamarmstrong7199]

Going out for a test drive ltr today. Thanks for info on pricing.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Hope it went well William. There was a change on the pricing - my local garage clearly didn't understand the offer when they told me it was up to £5k trade-in on the MG5 Exclusive - it's £4k off either the Excite or Exclusive. The £5k trade-in offer is for the MG ZS EV.

[@fashionexchange708]

Intertesting, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

My pleasure! Glad you found it useful

[@TechwheelswithPat]

The leather Seats are usualy called vegan leather 😉, I own an MG ZS EV, i am jealous that you already have th MG5 in the UK, Nice video, thanks

[@GuyGoesGreen]

The MG ZS EV looks a great car, how are you finding it?

[@Tom-Norway]

Does the car have frontseat memonry? and backcamera?, what about preheating og the cabin, preset timer or app og none?

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Hi Tom, the Exclusive model has a rear camera for parking. The I-smart system (their app) was available in Thailand (I saw it on Bjorn Nyland's videos), but I don't think it's available in Europe yet. Whist the Exclusive does have electric seat, I don't believe it has a memory function, unfortunately

[@Tom-Norway]

@@GuyGoesGreen Did Bjørn Nyland test this car in Thailand? He has an MG zs ev in Thailand i know....

[@GuyGoesGreen]

No, apologies for the confusion - it was with his ZS EV. I don't know that the MG5 is out there yet.

[@EugeneVanDerMill]

I used to drive ~700 km Trips... all in one go... driving 130-150 km/h average (deutsche Autobahn makes it possible) ... however since i have an electric Vehicle... my Average is down to 110-120 km/h and 2-4 stops for recharging... Yes it takes longer per Trip... but i feel more relaxed and less tired when arriving... that alone is a huge step forward

[@GuyGoesGreen]

I just noticed I hadn't responded Eugene, sorry for that. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and comment. I've really enjoyed the relaxed approach to journeys now. The stops I take for charging are naturally timed for comfort breaks, food etc, which means I'm not really inconvenienced. I'm much more relaxed upon arrival at my destination.

[@danalec4742]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Just one question. LED headlights on the exclusive model or halogens? Thank you.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

No worries, thanks for watching. I didn't check the lights during my test drive, but the brochure states that both models have LED Daytime Running Lights and Bi-Function Projection Headlights (whatever that means!)

[@danalec4742]

@@GuyGoesGreen hi, thanks for the response. I am 99% convinced to get this car. I just need a test drive first. Regards,

[@josephgittos3787]

Thought it’s classed as a SUV rather then a estate , a pretty good EV for the price and not a bad looking ev

[@GuyGoesGreen]

The MG ZS EV is an SUV, but MG class this as an Estate

[@brianiswrong]

My only black mark against it is, For an estate car (and that seems to be it's USP) the rear seats don't go down anyware near flat,while I understand there maybe batteries under,but if the seat squab tilted up,then the backrests would surely be able to lay flatter. Just seems to make it a less than a " true estate".

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Fair comment Bryan. It's still a good space available, but if you need that flatbed space, it'll be a bit disappointing.

[@zincweb]

I might be wrong but I was told the 0 to 60 was around 8.5 rather than 7.6. Either way, it's pretty decent for a mid size family estate. I'm still trying to find out whether the on board socket takes 80kW. I'd be surprised if that hadn't been factored in prior to production for the UK market. If anyone knows, please say, thanks; it would have a significant impact on charging speed. I've taken one literally round the block a couple of times. Not enough to make a judgement either way. The size reminded me of a Focus, from the outside. Ride seemed compliant on the limited road surface and speed. 0 to 30 could be had in around 3 secs - plenty for us mere mortals. Did seem a little noisy for an EV, in terms of tyre noise and motor whine, but wasn't going fast enough to test wind noise. I think there is an artificially generated noise (VESS) - not sure if it can be switched off using the centre screen - couldn't see a button on the dash. That may have explained some of the noise. It would be easy to pick flaws, particularly the scratchy plastic interior door trim. Until you remember the price point of this car. I think MG might be ones to watch over the coming years. With current allowances, it's nearly 17k less than the Model 3 and the e Niro. That's a pretty big sum of money, even if it is comparing apples to bananas!

[@nickshread8524]

Hi Mark, the 0-60 you were told perhaps is in the Normal drive mode, but it's definitely listed as 7.3, which you'd get in the Sport mode. The on-board socket can't go beyond 50kW, I'm fairly sure I saw that in another video - I can't remember which one unfortunately. That is a big disappointment, as you say, considering the MG ZS EV can go beyond that. I found the MG ZS EV I tested to be noisy, but the MG5 EV didn't seem as bad. It was a nice quite ride, but then I am used to a petrol Peugeot 207! The price point is excellent, so I did forgive the negatives more, such as the trim, the lack of adaptive cruise control etc. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts Mark, much appreciated.

[@rcajavus8141]

its a big car, its bigger than Focus on 10:45 parked next to it by a lot. in height at least 15 cm and in width and lenght of course.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

I'm covering this in my next video, as it's actually roughly the same size as a Ford Focus Estate...

[@philsaunders293]

I saw another video - guy using it as a service vehicle for a week - showed charging at 79kw on a rapid charger using CCS (DC) connection. I suspect the 50kw limit applies to the type 2 connector (AC)

[@collywobbly]

hi there is there any chance of the estate getting the panaramic roof i just love the roof had one on my jazz thank you

[@GuyGoesGreen]

I've not seen any sign of it on the original car from China, the Roewe ei5, so I doubt it Phillip. The one on the ZS EV Exclusive is certainly a great feature

[@cactus3796]

what is rear legroom like?

[@GuyGoesGreen]

I'm not the tallest (5'6", 1.68M), but it seemed pretty good to me - plenty of legroom. It also doesn't have the transmission housing in the back, so a nice flat floorspace.

[@cactus3796]

@@GuyGoesGreen thanks !

[@jongmassey]

Was going to book a test drive of one of these, but had a quick check on compare the market - £3720 was the only quote (34yo M, no points, 10y NCB, no accidents). Makes it totally unaffordable - who did you get your insurance with?

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Hi Jon, It's madness. According to Parkers, the MG ZS EV is group 21, whereas the MG5 EV is group 32. 32?!!! I don't profess to know much about how insurance groups are calculated, or whether they ever get changed. If anyone else watching knows more, please let us know...

[@zincweb]

MG offer their own insurance, might be worth checking out

[@zincweb]

BTW that quote still seems high. I've an Audi A8L (higher still) which is insured for private hire (more risk again), and its more than half that cost you were quoted!

[@jongmassey]

@@zincweb it's insane. I pay £400/year for a Skoda Octavia estate and am looking for green options for my next car. Maybe it's my central Bristol postcode or occupation (mature postgraduate student) that's doing it

[@martino9134]

The MG is not listed yet on the insurers databases . We had the same problem when The ZSEV was launched last Oct . By the time most of the 1st cars are delivered Dec-Jan they'll have caught up . My quote for the ZSEV (18k miles + Business) Is £416 ( no real change from my previous EV or Diesel before)

[@ลุงเฮีย]

in Thailand, it's named 'MG EP'

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Oh wow, I hadn't seen it had been released there. Just under 1million baht is a similar price level then. Do you know if they have an app available for it too, like they do with the ZS EV?

[@ลุงเฮีย]

@@GuyGoesGreen the price is 988,000 baht. no rack roof and no hello MG!.... but it ready connect to the iphone and android .

[@badchefi]

We drove this car badged as a Roewe two years ago in Shanghai. As boring as it might appear this car signifies the defeat of western car companies by the Chinese - best range for buck in a clean package - can’t wait to see the larger and fancier Roewe’s coming in the next few years...

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Thanks for watching. Some may consider it boring, yes, but the lower the cost of entry for EV ownership the better. Things are rapidly moving in the right direction...

[@alexdalgleish1061]

Base spec car for under £20k?! Amazing if true.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

A smidgeon over £20k, at £20,495 once the government grant (£3k) and Trade-up, Plug-in offer (£4k) are taken into account. Still exceptional value!

[@dcvariousvids8082]

As of 05-Nov-20 as quoted by MG UK: £27,495 RRP, £24,495 with PICG deducted £29,995 RRP, £26,995 with PICG deducted Call it as £24.5k and £27k.

[@leftyamazed]

Thank's for reviewing the MG5. I am tempted by the ZS EV as I'm currently driving a diesel Qashqai, but want more range (and also don't have off street parking for charging), so I am interested in the MG5. Just wondering if it will feel too low to the ground (like my Dad's Volvo estate did) after 8 years in a small SUV.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Hi Jason, thanks for watching and commenting. I was considering the ZS EV, but the range put me off because of the non-home charging. If I could pop it on charge at home it wouldn't be a problem and I'd have gone for it. The MG5 EV does have a ride height like any normal estate car, so if the Volvo estate felt low, I suspect this will be the same. Best way to see - book a test drive and see for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised!

[@whocares264]

we all love bjorn......

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Yep. I was rather excited when I saw he was doing a video with Fully Charged. A shame it was a one-off, but was still good to see

[@ewdack]

I believe the £4000 trade-in includes the government grant so its only really a £1000.

[@MAW1979]

No it is additional according to dealer - plus any trade-in for vehicle

[@GuyGoesGreen]

It's in addition to the Government Grant - I've had the finance calculated by the garage and definitely had £7k off in total!

[@zexxonije]

This will sell like hot cakes in Germany

[@GuyGoesGreen]

It's really competitively priced, especially with the offers they have available. If they repeat those in Germany then it should sell well.

[@jeremylister89]

A small obsession..how big is the glove box? Every MG5 review ive seen has not mentioned this at all..sadly including yours.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Hi Jeremy, we did look in there, but indeed it didn't make it into the video. We have a disagreement here - I seemed to recall it was quite a reasonable size, but Mrs G3 thought it was small. Which doesn't help in the slightest, sorry!

[@ccooper8785]

Looks like we have to rely on China for a sensible, practical ev. European manufacturers apparently think the bloated suv's are the only thing drivers want. I look forward to the Indian manufacturers products making there way here. I suppose an additional plus side will be that our former eu best buds will not be getting my money....

[@amiddled]

It’s ok, and great value, but it just looks bad. Ride height seems high and the wheels are a bit small. Front end looks like a 10 year old car. Needs work I think.

[@GuyGoesGreen]

Yes, it's not going to win too many style awards. I was surprised it was 16" wheels, but they did result in reasonable comfort.