MG is introducing a new, long-range version of its MG5 EV. The estate car’s battery has gained an additional 8.9kWh, increasing the car’s WLTP range whilst maintaining its rapid charging capability. In addition, MG has upgraded the level of kit and technology on offer. 

As if the MG5 didn’t have enough going for it if value for money and (slightly dour) practicality are your requirements, it has just gained another string to its bow thanks to the introduction of a long-range version.

The C-segment estate, which is still the only ‘proper’ full EV estate on sale in the UK, can now be bought with a 61.1kWh battery. This has seen the car’s range increase from the WLTP-tested 214 miles of the 52.2kWh version, to 250 miles, putting it up there with EVs that cost significantly more than the humble MG. In urban settings, MG reckons the MG5 can cover 334 miles. We can imagine it making a very capable minicab…

Charging can still be done at a maximum of 100kW, taking the MG5 to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes. A 50kW DC charger will do the same in 61 minutes, whilst a domestic home charger will see a full charge delivered overnight in 9.5 hours.

There’s no change in terms of power from the MG5’s motor, so it’s the same 154bhp, 192lb-ft unit driving the front wheels as on the standard range car. The 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds and real-world poke give the car a decent turn of speed in a straight line and we certainly didn’t find it lacking when we tested it.

The rest of the car is as-was from a design perspective, and whilst that’s not going to inspire anyone, it’s not offensive either. Practicality is the MG5’s strongest suit, offering 578 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, and 1456 with them folded. Passengers also get plenty of leg and head room. Tech-wise, the MG5 is adequately connected via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and four USB ports, as well as having a six-speaker audio system with DAB radio.

MG Pilot now included

MG has introduced its MG Pilot driver assistance suite on the long-range version of the 5 which add driver convenience and safety on top of the various passive safety systems already fitted. MG Pilot consists of active emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist – which controls the car’s speed in traffic, intelligent high beam assist and intelligent speed limit assist.

These features aren’t uncommon on EVs or cars in general these days, but at this price point it makes the MG5 a seriously well specified car and a bit of a bargain.

Price and availability

Speaking of price, you can pick up the MG5 long-range for £26,495 after the plug-in car grant making it the longest range per pound EV currently on sale in the country. A seven-year warranty makes the deal a little bit sweeter. Orders are being taken already.