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With the “5 Electric”, MG is launching the first all-electric station wagon on the market. It can do many things that characterize the classic load master. However, the Sino-British car lacks one important virtue.
There is no “sustainability revolution” coming here. No “reinvention of mobility”. And certainly not a "new definition of sportiness". The following is quite calmly about the first ride in a new one Electric car – and the return to a much less excited form of locomotion. The promise of simply moving five people plus luggage sensibly - and with all the classic virtues that have made the steel donkey a global success.
Under €40.000
The concept is called station wagon, and German car manufacturers in particular have helped to make this category a long-standing success model. A few days ago, the Chinese with British roots introduced their 5 Electric model in Europe. The variant with a large battery available at the start costs from 38.490 euros, while the later version with a smaller energy storage unit is available for 35.490 euros.
When it comes to handling, the MG almost disguises itself as an unexcited combustion engine station wagon. Of course, when starting off, the drive-typical spontaneous start is available. 280 Newton meters of torque are available almost at foot. When accelerating further, it goes ahead like a turbo diesel, in 8,3 seconds to 100 km/h. That's enough.
solidity and security
At 185 kilometers per hour, MG regulates the 5 - unlike some competitors in the price range. It's all about the performance comparison with combustion combos. And the Chinese also want to convey solidity and safety in terms of driving behavior. A properly responsive, tightly guided steering wheel makes it comfortable to move even on longer, brisk and winding routes - without tempting to exaggerate. In addition to Eco and Comfort, there is also a sport gear, in which the 156 hp of the version with a 61 kWh battery is a bit more agile. But that's not the world of MG. The 177 hp of the later version with a 50 kWh battery should not fundamentally change that.
Four recuperation levels can be selected at the touch of a button in the clearly arranged cockpit, but there is no pure one-pedal feeling. If you drive as the chassis and drive suggest, you should be able to move the MG 5 around the 20 kWh consumption line under average conditions. The WLTP consumption promises bargain hunters even two kWh less per 100 kilometers.
Better technique
The interior is not characterized by deprivation. The materials used are better than most of what is offered in this price segment of electric cars. Unlike in earlier MGs, the clearly structured and quickly reacting touchscreen can be liked. Important functions such as volume or home screen can be found as tactile buttons under the screen. However, air conditioning or the only one-stage seat heating must be set via the display menu. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works, but only with a cable that is housed in a storage compartment under the center console.
The basic version scores with alloy wheels, heated seats, LED lighting or adaptive cruise control. In the "Luxury" version, which is 1.500 euros more expensive, MG adds useful details such as automatic air conditioning or an electric driver's seat - and an imitation leather upholstery that still has to complete its mid-summer test. The cozy seating is comfortable and suitable for long journeys, both at the front and at the back, where all passengers have plenty of space due to the lack of a cardan tunnel.
He doesn't bring driving fun
And after all, space is the central argument in the station wagon clientele. In terms of loading space, the MG is comparable to a VW Golf Variant or a Fiat Tipo station wagon. Measured against this, the station wagon connoisseur will not have his unalloyed joy in the MG. Although the loading sill is lower than in SUVs, the combustor combo mentioned above is even closer to the ground due to the lack of batteries. The length of the loading area is 1,77 meters but also for bicycles without removing their front wheel. However, after folding the backrest, which can be divided 60:40, the surface is not completely flat. There is also a step to the folded seats when the loading floor is in a low position. And the front passenger seat cannot be folded forward for very long goods.
The MG 5 also lacks another central ability for the unrestricted renaissance of the classic holiday station wagon: the perfect duality of range and charging speed. The maximum range of 400 kilometers of the large battery (from 38.490 euros/28.920 euros after deducting the environmental bonus) is already tight for a long-distance car. However, the maximum 87 kW charging speed noticeably extends the long-distance tour - especially for those who used to cover 900 kilometers in a diesel station wagon without thinking about the range.
MG specifies 40 minutes for recharging from 5 to 80 percent filling level or a range of 320 kilometers. In practice it will be less. Overnight at the home wall box with 11 kW, however, the MG should always be full. The smaller battery with its 50 kWh and a maximum range of 320 kilometers degrades the MG 5 to a medium-haul vehicle. But even there he still has arguments in the price-performance mix.
Technical data
Four-door, five-seat mid-size station wagon; Length: 4,60 meters, width: 1,82 meters, height: 1,54 meters, wheelbase: 2,66 meters, trunk volume: 479 - 1.367 liters
Electric motor, front-wheel drive, automatic, lithium-ion battery with 50,3/61,1 kWh, total output 115 kW/156 hp or 130 kW/177 hp, maximum torque: 280 Nm at 0 rpm, 0-100 km/h: 8,3 s, Vmax: 185 km/h (limited), range: 320 (400) km, standard consumption: 17,9-17,5 kWh, DC fast charging (up to 87 kW) 5-80%: 40 min ., efficiency class: A+, Price: from 35.490 euros (before deduction of the environmental bonus)
In brief
Why: because the combination of reason and ecology fits
Why not: because the long holiday trip takes longer
What else: VW ID.3, Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
When does he come: can be ordered now