For those intrigued by the prospect of the popular MG4 but needing more space, there’s a new crossover in town. Based on the same platform as the affordable electric hatchback, the new MGS5 EV replaces the outgoing ZS EV and could preview the interior of the car that it shares a platform with, which is soon to receive a mid-life upgrade.
Spacious, Stylish and Somewhat Premium
The interior of the new S5 EV is far from the cheap-as-chips cabin of the first of the reborn MGs, featuring soft-touch plastics and a wireless phone charger with a suede-like finish. Trophy drivers will have both warm bottoms and hands, thanks to the heated front seats and steering wheel.
Screen-wise, there’s a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, which is promised to be more responsive. It even has physical buttons to control key functions, something that wouldn’t go amiss in the MG4 – signalled by the buttons being implemented due to requests from MG customers.
Practicality is not a problem for the new MGS5 EV, which gets 453 litres of boot space as standard and up to 1441 when the rear seats are folded. There are plenty of stowage spaces throughout the S5 EV’s interior, while the boot has a two-stage floor, a hook, mesh pockets and anchor points. Skoda’s Simply Clever features aren’t looking as unique now.
A Design That Draws Inspiration From Other MGs
The exterior of the new electric MG is just as smart as the interior. Sleek styling cues are drawn from the flagship Cyberster, particularly the sci-fi split grille design at the front.
There’s some cladding lower down, as on most new cars these days, with a touch of silver and roof bars to add to the crossover aesthetic. At the rear, there’s a prominent light bar, like on the updated HS, and a slight spoiler. SE models will wear 17-inch alloys, while Trophys get 18s.
School Runs Should be More Interesting
While driving fun isn’t exactly the name of the game, the new MGS5 EV has a few features that could liven up the driving experience. Firstly, it’s built on the lightweight Modular Scalable Platform that underpins the MG4. Secondly, it’s rear-wheel drive, offering some agility, there’s a 47:53 weight distribution and five-link rear suspension.
Large brakes (321mm front, 300 rear) are paired with Continental’s EV braking booster system to boost safety. Stopping from 62mph can take as little as 35.5 metres, which is pretty good going for an EV.
201bhp is available with up to 350Nm of torque. Full torque can be delivered in just 50 milliseconds, allowing for the SE Long Range to reach 62mph from stationary in 6.3 seconds, although there could be a faster version coming.
There are five drive modes available: Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow and Custom.
Competitive Prices and Ranges
Two batteries are available in the ZS EV replacement. The 49kWh unit in the SE Standard Range provides 211 miles of range, while the 64kWh battery provides 298 miles of juice in the SE Long Range and 288 in the Trophy Long Range.
The smaller battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes, while the 64kWh option takes at least 28 minutes.
The MGS5 EV range kicks off at £28,495 for the SE Standard Range, while the SE Long Range can be had for £30,995. Upgrading to the more generously-equipped Trophy Long Range will cost £2,500 – taking the total to £33,495. All models come with a 7-year/80,000-mile MG warranty for added peace of mind.
