MG5 EV: interior, dashboard & infotainment
The MG5’s interior isn’t as dreary as it once was, but it’s still indicative of the car’s bargain price
It was inevitable that the MG5 price tag was going to increase just like the majority of EVs have recently, and that’s before you consider the extra kit, sharper looks and more modern cabin that came as part of the electric estate’s spruce up. And yet the MG5 starts from a whisker under £31,000, so it’s still one of the best value-for-money EVs on the market.
MG5 EV dashboard
While its styling has received a bit of a nip and tuck, the MG5’s cabin has been largely overhauled as part of its facelift and it’s much nicer place to be as a result. Gone are the analogue dials, replaced by a seven-inch digital driver’s display, while a new 10.25-inch touchscreen is mounted in the centre of the dashboard. There are a few handy shortcut buttons below it, as well as a lightning blue strip that runs across the dash, doors and air vents.
The steering wheel still features physical buttons which is nice to see, while the litany of switches and dials on the centre console has been reduced to just the gear selector, drive modes and the regenerative braking strength. You also get two cupholders up front, some storage underneath the armrest, and a bit more space in the centre console with two USB ports to charge your phone from.
Ultimately, though, MG had to cut costs somewhere in order to sell the MG5 at its bargain price and nowhere is this more apparent than when sitting behind the wheel; never have we seen such a sea of cheap plastic than on the set of TOWIE. At least build quality isn’t too bad, which isn’t something that can be said of even some premium rivals (we’re looking at you, Tesla!).
Equipment, options & accessories
The MG5 comes in just two trim levels: SE and Trophy. The former gets you a 10.25-inch touchscreen, seven-inch digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the MG Pilot driver assistance system that includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and active emergency braking. Other kit includes a leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera.
It’s also compatible with MG’s 'iSMART' app as standard which allows you to check the charge state of your car or pre-condition the cabin, among other functions. Plus, Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) charging that lets you power or charge devices like e-bikes, portable heaters or camping equipment – anything with a three-pin plug – using the car's battery.
Upgrading from the base SE spec to Trophy trim brings the price up from £30,995 to £33,495 and adds a 360-degree parking camera, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, automatic air-conditioning, leather-effect upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels. However, those larger wheels also reduce the MG5’s official range from 250 miles to 235 miles.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
One of the biggest upgrades that came with the MG5’s facelift is a new 10.25-inch central touchscreen running the brand’s iSmart infotainment system and connected services. It’s the same system you’ll find in the MG4 hatchback, and while it’s certainly a step up from the previous software, it’s hardly packed with features, nor is it as intuitive to use as the tech in Kia or Hyundai’s latest EVs. Thankfully, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard in the MG5, along with bluetooth and sat-nav.
