The MG5 electric station wagon has been named best value electric vehicle (EV) by UK EV site, WhichEV?
The electric wagon claimed the award based on its price versus range: it undercuts the MG ZS EV in the UK by £1,000 ($A1,760) coming in at £24,495 ($A43,150) starting price, but also has a longer range of 344km based on the WLTP cycle compared to the MG ZS EV’s 262km.
After UK’s plug-in car grant is applied it sets drivers back just £21,000 ($A36,990), MG says.
WhichEV? Editor James Morris said of the MG5 wagon win that, “The MG5 EV sets a new benchmark for EV affordability. Not only does it deliver an incredibly low price for an electric car, but it also provides a decent range, commendable performance and great practicality for passengers and cargo alike. It has a decent level of equipment and long warranty, too.
“This EV represents superb value for the UK market, and breaks down the barriers to electric ownership.”
David Pugh, MG marketing director said in a statement that being “recognised by a title as prestigious and influential as WhichEV? is terrific news for us, as well as for our dealers and our customers who can be reassured that they have made the right choice in choosing the MG brand”.
In awarding the MG5 electric wagon, WhichEV? also credited the Chinese SAIC-owned carmaker with ensuring plenty of rear space, plus standard features like cruise control and reversing camera.
“The MG5 EV has plenty of luggage space, being an estate car. You get 464 litres with up to five passengers, and 1,456 litres with the rear seats down. The boot with the seats down is not entirely flat, but you can happily get a ladder or appliance in the back, making this an extremely practical car,” the judges said.
However, it also criticised the MG5’s out-of-date interior and basic media and navigation system, and plain jane exterior appearance.
“The seats are comfortable, but otherwise the interior is old-fashioned and the media control system rudimentary. The satnav is quite slow in operation.
“The MG5 EV isn’t going to win any beauty awards, either. In fact, it’s a rather dowdy vehicle.
“But with cruise control and a reversing camera as standard, plus the performance, range and practicality on offer for this low price, the MG5 EV sets a new level for value and makes it even easier for everyone to afford to go electric,” WhichEV? wrote.
MG Australia introduced the MG ZS EV to Australia in late 2020, surprising drivers with the lowest EV price on the current market at $40,990 before on-road costs. While it said in November it had put its hand up for the sportier petrol-driven sedan version of the MG5, which is made in Thailand, there is no word on an all-electric version just yet.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.