MG MGS5 EV: First Drive

MG MGS5 EV Review: Sensible, Spacious, and Surprisingly Fun

MG has been quietly sharpening its game, and the MGS5 EV is proof of that. This is an electric SUV with rear-wheel drive, decent performance, and a cabin that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

But in a world where Kia, Hyundai, and Volkswagen are throwing everything at the electric crossover segment, does MG’s latest have what it takes to stand out? We grabbed the range-topping Trophy model to find out.

Exterior

MG’s designers have played it safe here, but safe doesn’t always mean bad. The MGS5 EV is a much sharper-looking thing than MGs of old, with a Cyberster-inspired split grille, slim LED lights, and a chequered flag DRL signature that adds a bit of flair. The profile is neat, the stance is solid, and the rear light bar gives it a modern touch. It’s not the kind of car that’ll turn heads at a cars and coffee meet, but for the school run? It’ll do nicely.

Interior

MG has seriously stepped up its interior game. The materials are better, the tech is decent, and the whole thing feels more thought-out than before. The 12.8-inch touchscreen is big, clear, and responsive, while the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display is one of the best in this price bracket. The flat-top-and-bottom steering wheel is a nice touch, too.

It’s spacious, with loads of legroom in the back and a boot that swallows 453 litres of stuff (or 1,441 litres with the seats down). The seats in the Trophy model are wrapped in grey faux leather, complete with embossed MG logos, which is a neat detail. Downsides? There are still a few scratchy plastics lurking, and a panoramic roof would have helped brighten things up a bit. Also, my phone didn’t play nice with the wireless charger, always a frustration (could had been my phone though).

Drive

This is where things get interesting. Unlike most front-wheel-drive rivals, the MGS5 EV sends its power to the rear wheels, which gives it a more balanced, engaging feel. The Five-Link rear suspension keeps things composed, and the slightly firm setup means body roll is kept in check. It’s no sports car, but it handles itself well on a twisty B-road.

The steering is light but accurate, making city driving effortless while still giving enough feedback to inspire confidence on a fast country road. There’s a precision to how it places itself on the tarmac, nothing groundbreaking, but enough to make you appreciate the engineering beneath you.

Then there’s the regenerative braking system, which is one of the more polished setups we’ve tested in this segment. It features multiple levels of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune how aggressively it slows the car down when you lift off the accelerator. In its highest setting, it’s not quite full one-pedal driving, but it does have an option to activate this separately. The transitions between regen and friction braking are smooth, a welcome change from the sometimes jerky systems in rival EVs. I would have liked a stalk or a dedicated button to make the changes though.

The brakes, co-developed with Continental, are strong, bringing it to a halt from 62mph in just 35.5 metres. It’s a comfortable cruiser, too, ironing out motorway miles without much fuss. Drive modes? You’ve got Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow, and Custom, but let’s be real, Sport is where it’s at. It livens up the throttle response and adds a bit more urgency to proceedings, making overtaking a breeze.

Performance

MG has given the MGS5 EV a healthy 228bhp and 350Nm of torque, meaning 0-60mph takes just 6.3 seconds. That’s hot hatch territory from 20 years ago, but in a family SUV, it feels brisk rather than rapid.

Put your foot down, and the power delivery is smooth, with no real drama. It grips well, doesn’t squirm under acceleration, and overtaking is a breeze in Sport mode. The rear-wheel-drive setup means it feels more natural through the bends than some front-driven rivals, and while it won’t have you grinning like an oversteering sports car, it’s certainly more engaging than most of its segment competitors.

It would be interesting to see how it copes in wet conditions, but on dry roads, it’s planted and confident. Is it going to make your pulse race? No. But is it quick enough for the school run, motorway blasts, and the occasional B-road detour? Absolutely.

Technology & Features

MG has thrown in a decent amount of tech. The touchscreen runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, and it even has built-in YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok (presumably for when you’re parked up, not while hurtling down the M1). MG’s iSMART system lets you check charge levels, lock/unlock the car remotely, and pre-condition the climate control via your phone.

Safety is covered by MG Pilot, which bundles in adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Trophy model adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and privacy glass.

Range & Charging

With a 64kWh battery, the MGS5 EV Trophy claims 288 miles of range, which should be enough for most people. Real-world figures will likely be lower, but it’s competitive in this segment. Need a quick top-up? A 10-80% charge takes just 28 minutes at 139kW, which is pretty solid.

Verdict: A Surprisingly Likeable Family SUV

The MGS5 EV is proof that MG is serious about EVs. It’s comfortable, well-equipped, and, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup, more fun to drive than you might expect. Sure, it doesn’t have the premium feel of a Skoda Enyaq or the headline-grabbing tech of a Kia EV3, but it’s good value and does the basics very well.

Is the car aimed at me? No. Would I buy one? Probably not. Could I be tempted? Certainly.