2021 MG 5 EV facelift brings 400km of range

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New look for MG 5 EV combines with more power and a greater claimed range, but Australian launch uncertain.

MG has revealed a revised version of the 5 – its budget conscious all-electric family estate.

Under the skin lies an upgraded electric motor that now delivers a maximum 137kW and 280Nm of torque, 22kW and 20Nm up on the pre-facelift car we drove last year.

It gives the MG 5 the ability to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a brisk 8.3 seconds, which is comparable with acceleration figures from major rivals, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric.

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However, it is also slower than the 7.7 second 0-100km/h time claimed by the pre-facelift model. Though as yet unconfirmed (and we have asked MG for clarification), MG may have recalibrated the power map of the electric motor system in favour of greater electric range, compared with outright performance.

That would tally with the new maximum claimed range – it has increased from the 344km of the old car to 400km under WLTP rules for this one, though MG has not confirmed it the new MG 5 gets a new, larger battery pack than the 52.5kWh cell in the pre-facelift car.

The MG 5 also offers quick charging capability at a public charging point through its 11 kW on-board three-phase charger. It is also suitable for rapid-charging at suitable charging points, which can take the battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Again, while unconfirmed, it suggests that the maximum DC charging rate has been upped from 50kW to 100kW.

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The styling has been updated at the front and rear to offer a much more contemporary look than the old car. There are revised bumpers, plus more streamlined nose with new lights and a smaller grille.

At the rear, the bumper has been similarly updated and the tailgate is flanked by two more modern-looking tail lights. No interior images have been revealed.

Otherwise the MG 5 is largely unchanged, so maximum boot capacity remains unchanged at 1,456 litres with the seats folded down. Seats-up capacity stays at 464 litres with the load cover in place, and 578 litres to the roof.

The MG 5 EV is scheduled to go on sale in Europe this October, and MG says more will be revealed about the updated model in the run-up to it arriving in dealerships.

An Australian launch has not yet been confirmed, though MG has been stepping up electrification locally, now offering two plug-in hybrids models.

Euan Doig

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