MG has announced changes to its ‘5’ electric estate car, including a larger battery that unlocks a greater electric range.
The Chinese brand only introduced the MG5 at the end of 2020, but has already decided to upgrade it, following the model’s popularity.
Key to the upgrades is a larger 61.1kWh battery, which is an increase on the previous car’s 52.5kWh unit. That sees the electric range increased from 214 to 250 miles, while plugged in at a 100kW rapid charger, the model’s battery can be charged to 80 per cent in 40 minutes. If charged at home using a wallbox, it will take nine and a half hours. MG says it delivers the ‘highest range per pound of any EV currently on sale in the UK’.
The MG5’s 154bhp electric motor remains the same, with performance figures similar to before too – 0-60mph taking 7.3 seconds, and flat out it can hit 115mph.
The only other change with the upgraded car – which will replace the previous model when stocks run out – is the addition of the brand’s MG Pilot driver assistance technology. This is included as standard and brings features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and high beam assist.
As before, the MG5’s available in two trims – Excite and Exclusive. Prices for the Excite start from £26,495 (including the plug-in car grant) – £1,300 more than before – with standard equipment including a seven-inch digital dial screen, eight-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrading to the Exclusive brings leather-style upholstery, heated front seats and an electric driver’s seat, with this version costing from £28,995, after the grant.
David Pugh, MG Motor marketing director, said: “With MG5 EV we’ve already proven that there’s huge demand for a sensibly priced all-electric station wagon and it's popular with fleet and retail customers alike since its debut in autumn 2020.
“With the new longer-range model we’re offering MG customers even greater value and flexibility from their EVs. With a full charge given a WLTP-approved range of 250 miles and the ability to be rapid charged to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes, the MG5 EV is a car that really can bring electric motoring to the masses, and it has played a big part in MG’s rapid charge ahead as one of the leaders in the UK EV market.”