MG5 Electric: One like no other

Some customers in Europe have already noticed that MG is now not a British roadster brand, but a manufacturer of Chinese electric vehicles. There is still a problem with the exact vehicle designations, even if the electric crossover MG Marvel not only impresses with its design, but also with its interesting price-performance ratio. Now MG is drawing attention to itself with a highly unusual vehicle. Years ago, a mid-range family station wagon wouldn’t have raised any serious eyebrows, but when the MG5 drives by it’s not just the pleasing but understated design that catches the eye. There is no engine noise whatsoever, making the Chinese the only station wagon currently available on the local market as a purely electric model. “With the MG5 Electric, MG Motor is launching the world’s first all-electric station wagon,” says Sales Director of MG Motor Germany still cheap.”

Hard to believe, but in fact the MG5 is currently the only one of its kind. This is primarily due to the fact that station wagons are only on the fringes of the registration statistics not only worldwide but also throughout Europe due to the ongoing SUV boom. And even in Europe, there are only a handful of markets where customers still love family station wagons. Most of the others have long since switched to the SUV camp, which is reflected not least in the fact that most of the new electric vehicles are crossovers. The future of station wagons is therefore in the stars – especially in Asia and North America. After all, Stellantis is planning an electric version of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer for the coming year – but that’s about it.

Now MG dares with the five Electric an attempt to score with the combination of variability, electric drive and low price. The 4.60 meter long MG5 Electric starts at 35,490 euros in the basic version. The inclined customer has the choice between the two equipment variants Comfort and Luxury as well as the almost identical drive versions Standard and Maximal. While the MG5 Electric Standard is powered by a 130 kW / 177 PS / 280 Nm electric motor on the front axle, the maximum version has an output of 115 kW / 156 PS / 280 Nm. The difference lies in a down-regulated electric motor and a larger battery pack, so that the standard model with the 50.3 kWh battery pack in the underbody can cover 320 kilometers to the next charging stop, while the top version can travel up to 400 kilometers thanks to 61.1 kWh can. If you then want to refuel at the charging stations after a distance of up to 400 kilometers, you have to be content with a maximum charging capacity of just 87 kilowatts. It takes more than 40 minutes to charge the battery pack in the underbody from five to 80 percent.

Either way, the MG5 Electric is fast on the road, which is not only noticeable through the brisk sprint potential from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, but also through an instantaneous acceleration. While the competition often limits their electric models too early, the Chinese family friend manages 185 km/h, which is suitable for long-distance journeys. Meanwhile, the noise level is pleasantly low and the chassis is decidedly comfortable, although it sometimes springs up a bit awkwardly on bumps. What leaves something to be desired is the very smooth, but quite callous steering, which many users should like, especially when parking and leaving. Like the electric SUV MG Marvel, the MG5 Electric is unusually light for an electric car, because at 1,562 kilograms it weighs only 200 kilograms more than many comparable combustion models.

The space in the interior is decent with a wheelbase of 2.66 meters, with the at least 479 liter cargo space not being disturbed by the capacity, but by a high loading sill and the lack of electrical operation of the tailgate, which has long since established itself in this league. If you fold down the 60:40 split rear seats, you can use up to 1,367 liters. Not gigantic for a mid-range station wagon, but always practical when larger items have to be transported safely to their destination. However, the towing capacity of 500 kilograms is far too low. The seats are adequately dimensioned, but could be a bit more valuable, just like some applications in the interior of the luxury version. In contrast, the displays and operating concept via digital modules and easy-to-grip buttons on the steering wheel and in the center console are modern and contemporary. Why not flirt with a station wagon, even if it’s supposed to be an electric car?