Used MG5 (Mk1, 2020-date) buyer’s guide: electric estate is great value
A full used buyer’s guide on the MG5 EV that’s been on sale since 2020
Verdict
While everyone else has been focusing on electric SUVs, MG snuck in with its electric estate and cornered the market. No, the sector isn’t all that big, but when you have it pretty much to yourself, it doesn’t matter. The thing is, while the MG5 offers undeniably great value, especially as a used buy, the ownership experience can be problematic. Sure there’s a long warranty, but reliability and dealer service can be patchy. But there are also lots of owners who’ve had a trouble-free experience, so before buying an MG5 be sure to undertake a comprehensive inspection and test drive.
Few car brands have seen a transformation as big as that of MG. A marque that arrived just over a century ago (it was launched in 1924), MG used to stand for sportiness, but under Chinese ownership, the company has gone down the value route and the result has been an explosion in sales. Buyers love the brand’s affordable pricing and generous standard equipment.
However, it’s not all good news, with quite a lot of areas that owners aren’t so impressed with. That’s not to say that the MG5 is a poor buy though – more so a car that isn’t for everyone. The question is: is it right for you?
History
The MG5 went on sale in October 2020 as the UK’s only electric estate. Priced at £27,495 (less the £3,000 Plug-In Car Grant), a 52.2kWh battery powered a 154bhp electric motor that drove the front wheels. The range was pegged at 214 miles, or up to 276 miles around town. A £28,995 long-range model joined the line-up in August 2021, with a 61.1kWh battery that could give up to 250 miles, or 334 miles around town. Fleets loved them, and almost half of the MG5s sold went to company customers, with many now entering the used market.
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A heavily facelifted MG5 arrived at the end of 2022 with a redesigned front and rear, improved LED headlights, new wheels and fresh colours. Only the bigger battery was offered on the facelifted model.
On the road
The MG5 is quick, refined and handles well. Despite there being little here for enthusiastic drivers, it’s a decent family cruiser. It’s a car that puts the emphasis on ease of driving, with three settings for the regenerative braking, including one that allows almost one-pedal driving.
The steering lacks feel and the soft suspension means there’s some roll in corners, but grip levels are high, so the MG feels stable and reassuring.
Which one should I buy?
Most of the MG5s for sale are long-range examples, and because you needn’t pay a significant premium to buy one of these, that’s what we’d go for. We’d also aim for a facelift if possible, because these have a lot of worthwhile improvements, not least of all a much more user-friendly infotainment system.
Just two trims were offered at launch – Excite and Exclusive – but the 2022 facelift changed them to SE and Trophy. Entry-level cars came with an eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear camera, cruise control, speed limiter and air-conditioning. Top specification models added keyless go, navigation, simulated leather trim, heated front seats, climate control plus automatic wipers.
Alternatives to the MG5
As MG has found to its cost with the introduction of the MG4 – which has stolen most of the MG5’s sales – demand for electric estates is low, so there aren’t many to choose from. There are really only two: the Peugeot E-308 SW and the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric.
Under the skin these two are essentially the same, and they share many of the same characteristics, including a classy cabin, a decent driving experience and more practicality than the MG can offer. In short, they are both significantly better all-rounders than the MG5, but that’s reflected in the price that you’ll pay for either of them.
What to look for
Peace of mind
All MG5s came with a seven-year warranty with an 80,000-mile cap. If problems do arise, the quality of dealer service can be inconsistent.
Going limp
Some owners have had problems with their cars going into limp mode. A software update usually fixes things, or sometimes a replacement 12-volt battery.
On the pull
The original MG5 couldn’t tow, but a bike rack could be fitted to the roof of the Exclusive, with a 75kg limit. Facelifted cars can tow up to 500kg, braked or unbraked.
Electronic gremlins
The most common issue that owners seem to face is with the infotainment system and dashboard displays, especially with pre-facelift cars. Sometimes, all that’s needed to fix things is a software update.
Interior
There isn’t the feeling of quality here that you take for granted in other family cars. Many materials look and feel cheap, although facelifted models are better. These have a more modern dashboard and posher materials.
Where the MG5 excels is with cabin space, because there’s plenty of head and legroom for those in the front, as well as in the back. Seat comfort is pretty good too; top-spec MG5s have electric adjustment and lumbar control for the driver’s seat.
Boot space is another major plus point. With the rear seats up there’s 464 litres of space (578 litres to the roof). Drop the 60:40 folding seat back and the load capacity increases to a respectable 1,456 litres.
Prices
Used MG5s usually offer great value, meaning you get a lot of car for your money, but bear in mind that all examples will face significant depreciation.
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Running costs
All MG5s need to be serviced every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Services generally alternate between minor and major at £96 and £190. The former is just a check-up, but the latter involves fresh brake fluid, key fob batteries and a pollen filter. Service five costs £240, because that’s when new coolant is required.
Insurance costs are likely to be quite high relative to the car’s value, with the MG5 sitting in insurance groups 27-32. From 1 April, you’ll have to pay £195 per year for road tax, but with all MG5s priced at less than £40,000 there will be no Expensive Car Supplement to pay, not that this is levied retrospectively anyway.
Recalls
Since 2013, MG Motor has issued seven recalls across its model ranges, which is a decent record. Two were for the MG6, there was one each for the MG3, MG4 and HS, while the MG5 has been the subject of a pair of them.
The first was issued in May 2021, because 2,531 MG5s made between July 2020 and February 2021 were recorded as having roof rails that were non-load bearing, when they could actually carry up to 75kg.
The second campaign came in November 2021 and affected 5,803 MGs built between June 2020 and August 2021. It related to faulty software that in a handful of cases led to the brake lights not illuminating fully under heavy braking.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The MG5 appeared in our Driver Power new car survey in 2023, when it came 66th out of 75. The car scored poorly for its quality and design, along with versatility, handling, safety and infotainment. But owners love the low running costs, value for money, the ride quality and refinement.
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