By Ian Strachan.
The range of fully electric cars on the market is growing rapidly, and now MG has pitched into the competitive medium SUV market with the MGS5 EV.
For a marque with such a sporty heritage, the MGS5 looks conservatively styled. But don’t be fooled – this car has sparkling performance, particularly in the Trophy long-range spec which I tested.
Zero emissions don’t have to mean zero excitement. And in the case of this practical rear-wheel-drive MG you get a car that looks good, performs extremely well and gives you an enjoyable and engaging drive.
The MGS5, as well as being fully electric with a 640kw battery, develops 288PS, will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6.2 seconds and has a range of around 288 miles.
Of course if you take full advantage of the MG’s peppy performance, you won’t get the published range on a single charge. Being heavy-footed has a range penalty. But you’ll still get sufficient range for most journeys and this car has a rapid charge time from 10 to 80 per cent of just 28 minutes – assuming you can find a charging station.
The design of the MGS5 may be fairly conservative by the standards of some of its competitors, but it’s still a good looker from all angles. My test car came in an attractive Piccadilly Blue. Its side-on appearance is enhanced with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels, side cladding, twin roof rails and smooth, flowing lines. The split grille front-end design and integrated headlights add further design appeal.
The interior is where the MGS5 really scores. It modern and well laid out. You get pleasant trim and seat materials including soft-touch plastics, suede and faux leather. the Trophy spec also has heated, electrically adjustable front seats, heated, leather-trimmed multifunction six-sided steering wheel, and plenty of storage spaces.
Specification on the MGS5 Trophy which I tested is good, with a central 12.8-inch HD colour touch-screen, navigation system with DAB radio with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and a range of apps, cruise control and a range of safety technology including collision, lane keeping aid, active emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.
One safety aid which did grate was the voice reminding you of the speed limit if you exceed it by just one mile and hour. It was like having a particularly grumpy passenger, so I wasted no time in turning it off.
Other features include all-round electric windows and door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, rear parking sensors with camera, smartphone charger and powered tailgate. This MG, in common with some other electric vehicles, also has some more idiosyncratic features – power is switched on when you get into the car, and switches off when you get out and lock it.
Handling on the MG is sure-footed and involving, with a five selectable drive modes, a lightweight chassis and a rear suspension set-up which ironed out bumps in the road effectively. Plus you get a pleasant single-speed automatic gearbox.
If the is your first experience of a fully electric vehicle you’ll be hooked for life. It’s competitively priced – my test car came at £33,745 on the road plus £545 for the paint finish – but you get a lot of car for your money. The range starts at £28,745 and the smugness from saving the planet is a no-cost extra.
