MG boosts range on its 5 wagon electric car to a long 538km, but conditions apply.
Chinese car brand MG has launched a new long-range version of the MG 5 EV. The model is not currently in the Australian line-up though its longer range and practical boot space would make it more desirable for EV car buyers.
It’s powered by a 61.1kWh battery pack (up from the 52.5kWh cell in the standard car), which increases the wagon’s range from 346km to 402km. However, MG says that range figure will increase to 538km if the car is only driven around town.
The new battery pack also offers support for 100kW DC rapid charging, which can top the cells up to 80 percent capacity in 40 minutes. When connected to a home wallbox charger, the battery can be fully recharged in around eight and a half hours.
The larger battery feeds an electric motor mounted on the front axle, which develops 115kW and 260Nm of torque. The company says that’s enough grunt for a 0–100kph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 185kph.
Like the standard MG 5 EV, this long-range model focuses on practicality. The boot can swallow up to 578 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place – and this figure expands to 1,456 litres with the bench seat folded flat.
Buyers have their choice of two specifications, called Excite and Exclusive. The base-model comes as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable door mirrors and safety kit such as lane assist and autonomous emergency braking.
The MG 5 EV’s safety equipment is bundled into the standard-fit MG Pilot package, which also includes items like adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist, meaning the electric estate can automatically keep pace with stop-start traffic.
Inside, the MG 5 EV Excite comes with air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, a six-speaker stereo, four electric windows, four USB ports, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster and an eight-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Upgrades over the base model include silver roof rails, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, keyless entry and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
The cabin gets a lift for 2021, too, with heated front seats, faux leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, satellite navigation and six-way electrical adjustment with lumbar support for the driver’s seat.
Luke Wilkinson