If SUVs are very present on the electric car market, this is not the case for station wagons. To the point that motorists have been waiting for the marketing of the MG5 for months. It’s time for the verdict of our tester Maxime Fontanier.
The model tested
MG communicates today on two lithium batteries to choose from (LFP 50 kWh or NMC 61 kWh), and two levels of finish (Comfort and Luxury). The model at our disposal benefited from the higher endowments.
It was presented in a metallic diamond red invoiced 650 euros including tax. The surplus to be paid would have been the same in black pebble or silver medal. White is the compulsory series color. Also optional (1,000 euros), light upholstery in fabric and imitation leather.
The MG5 electric station wagon fits in a rectangle of 4.60 x 1.82 m. For a height of 1.54 m including the roof bars, this footprint is unusual among electric cars. Not at the level of the width which is similar to that of a Hyundai Ioniq or close to that of a Kia e-Niroof a Mazda MX30of a Peugeot e-2008and even more.
It is in a certain German group that we will find similar lengths: Skoda Enyaq (+5 cm), Volkswagen ID.4 (-1,56 cm).
V2L, towing, WLTP autonomy
MG’s station wagon is powered by a front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor. For the same maximum torque of 280 Nm, it develops power up to 115 kW (156 hp) with the NMC 61 kWh pack, but 130 kW (177 hp) with LFP battery 50 kWh. Enough to complete the exercise from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.3 s, before spinning towards the top speed of 185 km / h.
Autonomy in the WLTP combined cycle for the model tested amounts to 380 km (400 km in the entry-level Comfort finish; 310-320 km in the 50 kWh version). The MG5 does not weigh much more than a Renault Zoe yet shorter by 52 cm and less wide by 9 cm: 1.562 once morest 1.475 tons. Only 87 kg difference.
It is possible to hitch a trailer with the electric station wagon up to 500 kg. Without offering the same power as the Korean models, V2L functionality is present, making it possible to recharge the battery of a electric bike or to occasionally power an electric barbecue and various portable power tools.
Dotation Luxury
In the entry-level Comfort finish, the MG5 is already very well equipped. It receives heated seats in the front, a multimedia system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay usable on the 10.25-inch touch screen, LED headlights, and all the driving aids of the MG Pilot suite.
For 1,500 euros more, the Luxury presentation offers more. Thus, without being exhaustive: 360-degree camera, electrically adjustable driver’s seat (but not the passenger’s), automatic air conditioning, rain sensor, connected exterior mirrors, remote control for locking/unlocking the doors.
The exterior is distinguished by tinted glazing at the rear and specific two-tone alloy rims fitted with Michelin Primacy 3 tires in 215/50 R17 (16 inches in Comfort finish).
Rear reception area
With the MG5, you can have a trunk volume of 479 liters which can be extended to 1,367 liters by folding down the 60/40 seat backrest. Values close to those of the Kia e-Niro: 451/1,405 l. With a high threshold and a fairly low cutout, access to the hold is however not the most practical on the station wagon.
In utility configuration, the floor is not flat. The double-bottom can only be used to store the Type 2 cable and the usual emergency accessories.
Three passengers can sit in the back. Correct, the habitability is however not exceptional, with a roof guard which might be perceived as a little scant by people measuring more than 1.80 m. In addition, the seat is low, hence the position of the knees higher than the buttocks.
In addition to cupholders in the central armrest, storage spaces in the door trims and in the front seatback pocket, occupants seated on the bench seat will have available grab handles at roof level and 2 grab handles. end of console: 1 USB + 1 USB-C.
The driver’s point of view
Although benefiting from electric adjustments with this level of finish, the driver may regret not being able to play on the inclination of the seat. His situation is however better than that of the passenger seated next to him and who cannot change the height of his seat. For him, the settings will be manual. ” It’s still a little disappointing for a high-end model. “, believes Maxime Fontanier.
The presentation of the elements around the occupants installed at the front of the MG5 is correct, even if the rigid materials have invaded the dashboard, the floating console and the door panels. All these rooms offer multiple storage spaces that are significant and sufficient, without always being very bulky.
Behind the steering wheel, the display is very readable, with a digital dial for the speed on the left, and the one reserved for the power on the right. Between the 2, a digital space with an upper line dedicated to driving aids, and another at the bottom which provides information on the direction of travel selected, the driving mode and that of regeneration, the total mileage, the estimated autonomy remaining and the level of energy available in the battery.
Ergonomics
Driving assistance such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and traffic jam assistance are easily managed on the MG5 thanks to the 2 levers to the left of the hoop. R, N, D, P, usual walking options, are selectable with a wheel placed below 2 buttons.
The one on the left allows you to modify the driving mode (Eco, Comfort and Sport), and the one on the right the power of the regenerative braking. However, it will not be possible to immobilize the vehicle simply by taking your foot off the accelerator. A ramping mode is triggered automatically below a certain speed.
The ergonomics of the multimedia system is satisfactory, with a few shortcut keys under a touch screen which is fairly fluid in use. The MG iSmart smartphone application lets you find the vehicle’s parking location, remotely manage charging, on-board temperature and door locking, and obtain a large amount of information.
First laps
Stepping back, we immediately notice that the images transmitted to the screen from the cameras are not of very high quality. However, the device has the merit of existing. Like the turning circle of 11.3 m, it makes maneuvering easier. The steering is thus quite gentle, and depends on the selected driving mode. It will be firmer in Sport, but less in Eco and Comfort.
Similarly, we observed a very marked difference in acceleration according to our selection. ” That’s pretty good: that means it’s not a gimmick “, emphasizes our tester.
At low speed, the relatively flexible suspension filters shocks caused by bad speed bumps rather well. With somewhat firm backrests, passengers seated in the back will undoubtedly experience another, less comfortable feeling. ” It lacks a little restraint in relaxation », Maxime Fontanier gauge.
Rather noisy, the indicators should not be forgotten by the driver. The engine, on the other hand, is fortunately quite discreet.
Compatible with family use
« We don’t have a great feeling at the management level. It’s not very precise. quickly remarks the man with the cap. Tickling the front axle a little reveals a fairly well-balanced car, with a little body roll due to the suppleness of the suspension. Traction control is quickly felt in these conditions, without great finesse.
Overall, the MG5 does not display exceptional dynamism. However, accelerations can bring great sensations. At the height, the brakes know how to provide powerful slowdowns. The Michelin Primacy 3 tires help to have grip. ” For traveling with the family, the MG5 is perfect », assure Maxime Fontanier.
On the expressway, the soundproofing of the electric station wagon is reasonable up to more than 110 km/h. From 130 km / h, the aerodynamic noise will however be present.
Consumption and autonomy
One of the good surprises of our test of the MG5 is its moderate consumption. In the combined cycle, we obtained an average of 16.8 kWh/100 km. What to do in these conditions just under 350 kilometers without intermediate recharging. The 380 km of autonomy announced by the manufacturer can be reached with a softer driving.
At 130 km/h, it will take 22 kWh/100 km, or regarding 260 km of range. While driving in Paris, the figures fell to 12.5 kWh/100 km. What lets hope here more than 450 km at the disposal of the drivers of the break of the British mark. Enough to end the week on a single recharge for many Ile-de-France motorists.
« This MG station wagon offers a very good performance/consumption ratio sums up our tester.
The machine accepts a charging power of up to 92 kW on direct current fast terminals. What find 80% of energy in the battery in 30-40 minutes. It carries an 11 kW AC charger which will allow it to correctly use the 22 kW AC infrastructure available on the road.
Prices
By automatically offering all the driving aids and many interesting devices from the entry-level model displayed from 32,490 euros including tax (bonus not deducted), MG gives its electric station wagon an excellent price/equipment ratio.
« The car has everything you need straight away. Its prices are very competitive on the electric vehicle market. You have a perfectly equipped family station wagon almost at the price of a Renault Zoé “, highlights Maxime Fontanier. For confirmation, the Losange website offers its trendy versatile from 32,100 euros, dated April 26, 2022.
With the lithium pack and the superior finish, the amount of the check to be drawn up to leave with the MG5 rises to 36,990 euros. By adding the metallic paint and the light upholstery, the copy we tested would be charged 38,640 euros before deduction of the bonus.
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