2022 MG5 Electric vs. 2020 MG5 EV: Old vs. New [Update]

Update: ‘Price & Release Date section’ updated and ‘Sales’ section added.

MG Motor has introduced an updated version of the MG5 Electric for the European market. The rebadged Roewe Ei5 was first introduced to the UK in 2020 in a standard range variant, followed by a long-range variant last year. In October 2021, MG unwrapped an updated MG5, replete with cosmetic surgery and more features.

While the updated model is expected in the UK in the last quarter of 2022, as per DrivingElectric, the version is now on sale in European markets. Let’s see what is new by comparing the 2022 MG5 and 2020 MG5 on paper.

MG5 Electric design

Compared to the dull-looking rebadged Roewe Ei5, the updated electric station wagon appears more modern. Gone is the large grille, and in comes a sharp and aggressively styled front fascia. The nose is blanked off, and the headlamps are new. They have an inward swooping housing that neatly merges with a gloss black strip that unites the headlamps. The front bumper is sharper and houses an intake at the bottom.

Changes are less apparent at the rear of the 2022 MG5. While the tail lamp housing bears a similar shape, there are brand new LED tail lamps with unique signatures. The chrome strip uniting the clusters is less pronounced than the outgoing model, and the rear bumper has fewer elements. The wheel designs are new as well. 16-inch rims are offered on the Comfort trims as standard, while the Luxury trim brings you larger 17-inch units that look more premium.

The 2022 MG5 Electric is available in four colour options — Dover White, Pebble Black, Diamond Red, and Medal Silver.

Interior & features

The cabin appears comprehensively redesigned. While the outgoing model’s dashboard seemed traditional and boring, the updated cabin is better suited to newer audiences. There’s an attractive light grey and black dual-tone colour theme on base variants, a newly developed 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, redesigned centre console, and more. ADAS systems have been carried over from the outgoing model and are standard.

On both the Comfort and Luxury trims, MG’s iSmart Lite system comes as standard. The system offers navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a suite of connected car features that let you control certain vehicle functions remotely. Additionally, the Luxury version offers climate control, a 360-degree camera, an anti-glare interior rearview mirror, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather seats, and more.

Of cabin space, the 2022 MG5 Electric has plenty. There are 27 storage compartments, and the boot can hold 479 litres of luggage with the rear seats up. Tumble the rear seats down, and there’s 1,367 litres of space, enough for customers to move homes or carry large pieces of equipment like surfing boards.

Specifications

In terms of specs, there are subtle differences. Like before, two battery options are available, Standard range and Long range. Previously, both battery configurations came with a 115 kW (156 hp) electric motor. The Standard range now gets a more powerful 130 kW (177 hp) motor while the Long range continues with the 115 kW tune for the sake of range. There’s a 20 Nm increase in torque with the MG5 Electric making 280 Nm on both configurations, compared to 260 Nm previously.

The updated MG5 Electric’s Standard range version uses a 50.3 kWh battery that gives it a WLTP certified 344 km range (199 miles) in urban use. The Long range MG5 Electric’s battery is larger, a 61.1 kWh pack that delivers 402 km range (250 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Both versions have a 0-100 kmph top speed of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 185 kmph. From 5% to 80%, charging takes 40 minutes using a DC fast charger. It also supports an 11 kW AC charger for home charging.

What’s more, the battery can be used to charge external devices. V2L (Vehicle-to-load) is a smart feature to have, with MG providing a charging cable with a type two CCS plug on one side for the EV’s charging port and the other end with household sockets to charge your electric scooter, kettle, e-bike or other items. Even stranded EVs can be rescued using the MG5 Electric’s battery. The car has a towing capacity of 500 kg.

Price & Release Date

The 2022 MG5 Electric entered European showrooms in April. In Germany, prices start at EUR 31,920 (GBP 27,000) for the 50.3 kWh battery version, including VAT and transport costs. The 61.1 kWh battery version costs EUR 34,920 (GBP 29,578). The British media is expecting the updated station wagon to launch in the UK between Oct and Dec 2022. In related news, the 2022 MG ZS EV recently reached the European market.

Sales

MG Motor sold 22,135 vehicles in Q1 2022 in Europe, a whopping 158 percent increase compared to Q1 2021, when the brand only sold 8,580 units. Moreover, half of the Q1 2022 sales were achieved in March 2022 alone, which MG Motor states was the best ever sales performance for a single month. MG Motor already sells its cars in 16 European countries and plans to expand to eastern and central Europe in 2022.

2022 MG5 Electric FAQs

Featured image source: MG Motor

Suvrat Kothari Freelance Assistant Editor

I’m an automotive journalist with 4 years of experience in magazine and digital publishing, content creation, social media management and YouTube. A car enthusiast who converted my passion into a profession!