Take enough swings at something and you are bound a clean hit eventually. That is the de facto motto of MG, with the revelation that the now Chinese-owned automaker can indeed make an SUV that feels the finished article.
The fully-electric MGS5 is the latest model to join the ranks of MG, representing a refined and attractively priced option for Irish shoppers. It joins the ZS and HS in MG's SUV line-up and, while both of those are hybrids, the MGS5 is streets ahead. The MG ZS is incredibly dull and poor to drive, while the HS is an improvement but always felt short on refinement, tech and driving dynamics.
It is third time lucky for MG with the MGS5 – it ticks all of the boxes for this segment of car. It is no fluke either; the Cyberster for example, is a gleaming drop-top cruiser – the Chinese rendition of MG knows how to make a good car.
There are three versions of the MGS5 to choose from: the Excite 49kWh, Excite 64kWh, and the range-topping Exclusive 64kWh. Pricing starts at €29,995 while each model is supported by MG’s seven-year/150,000km warranty.
As is usually the case, the top-spec model has been tested here. This comes in at €35,995, which, dare I say, is a bargain. I suspect the Exclusive 64kWh version will be the main seller for MG, as it is loaded with the same level of tech you would expect in a +€40,000 car, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass and lumbar support.
The bigger battery model also does very well on range. MG quotes a range of up to 480km for the 64kWh version and a max fast charge speed of 139kW. Both of those figures proved fairly accurate, with particular praise due for its range retention on motorways.
Inside, the MGS5 offers generous space for passengers and luggage. There is 1,026mm of headroom in the front and 967mm in the rear, with a 453-litre boot that expands to 1,441-litres with the seats folded.
A two-stage boot floor, smart electric tailgate, mesh pockets and anchor points add practicality. The cabin is a step up from its MG stablemates, featuring premium finishes including soft-touch materials and a suede-style wireless phone charging pad.
I also found the centrally-mounted 12.8-inch touchscreen to be a much more finished product than that in the ZS and HS. Wireless Apple CarPlay being one example. Some physical buttons also grace the cabin, for demisting, hazards etc.
Overall, the MGS5 is fantastic value for money and deserves a look.
