MG5 Electric: The Practical Electric Station Wagon Tested on the Deister Hills

When I first heard about the MG5 Electric, I was curious , an electric station wagon is still a rare bird in the EV market, especially one that claims to bring a practical, everyday family car vibe with zero emissions. Station wagons themselves have slowly fallen out of favor with traditional combustion engines, but the electric wave seems to be reviving this body style for those who want space without compromising sustainability. 

The MG5, with its 4.60, meter length and familiar silhouette, looks like a sensible choice for anyone needing cargo space and daily usability, but how does it really perform in the real world? To find out, I took the MG5 Electric out for a thorough test drive in the scenic Deister hills , a moderately hilly region near Hanover, Germany, known for its winding roads and beautiful forests. It was the perfect setting to put this electric station wagon through its paces on a variety of terrain, from steep inclines to tight bends and open stretches. 

Introduction: MG5 Electric and the Deister Experience 

Before diving into the numbers and features, picture this: rolling green hills with dense forests, narrow country roads, and steep ascents that challenge a car’s torque and handling. The Deister region is not just a pretty backdrop but a test of real, world driving dynamics, battery management, and comfort. 

The MG5 Electric is offered in two battery configurations, and although MG is a revived British brand, this car is purely a product of the Chinese SAIC group. The MG5 Electric, launched in 2022, stands out for combining the practicality of a station wagon with a fully electric drivetrain. Available in two trims, Comfort and Luxury, with prices ranging roughly from €35,490 to €39,990, it pitches itself as an affordable alternative to more expensive EVs. 

Powertrain and Battery: Two Different Chemistry Choices 

One of the MG5’s most interesting quirks is that it comes with two distinct battery chemistries. The base battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP), while the larger, more expensive pack uses lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC). Surprisingly, the smaller battery powers a stronger 130 kW motor, while the larger battery’s motor is slightly less powerful at 115 kW, but both deliver the same 280 Nm of torque. 

This equal torque means the MG5 feels lively on the road, especially in the hilly Deister terrain where quick torque delivery matters. Acceleration is brisk enough , from 0 to 100 km/h in around 8.3 seconds, which is solid for a family wagon. During overtaking maneuvers on narrow country roads, the instantaneous torque came in handy to get past slower vehicles confidently. 

Charging, wise, the MG5 isn’t a long, distance champion. It manages a peak DC charging power of about 87 kW, which allows charging from 10 to 80% in roughly 37 minutes. While this is decent for everyday use, it’s not exactly rapid when compared to top, tier EVs. Home charging at 11 kW AC means a full charge overnight is easy, taking about 5.5 hours. 

Driving Dynamics: Confidence on Deister’s Twists and Turns 

Driving the MG5 on the winding roads of the Deister hills revealed a car that wants to be steady and safe rather than sporty. The electric motor’s 280 Nm of torque delivers immediate response, making climbs easier and acceleration out of corners surprisingly punchy. The MG5’s handling is reassuring, though the steering is on the lighter side due to high power assistance, which somewhat dulls feedback. 

One highlight was the ADAC evasion test simulation on these roads, the MG5 held its composure well, thanks to a competent stability control system that keeps it glued to the road in sudden maneuvers. Still, the steering precision could be better for more enthusiastic drivers seeking sharper feedback. 

Regenerative braking offers three levels, but there is no pure one, pedal driving mode. The system encourages a moderate, relaxed driving style, which aligns well with the MG5’s family, oriented character. Energy consumption settled around 20 kWh per 100 km in mixed driving, including hills, which isn’t the most efficient, but fair for a vehicle of this size and drivetrain setup. 

Interior and Comfort: Practical, Simple, but Sometimes Clunky 

Inside, the MG5 Electric is straightforward and comfortable but doesn’t try to dazzle with luxury. The dashboard is made mostly of hard plastics, which feels utilitarian rather than premium. The 7, inch digital display and touchscreen infotainment system look modern but suffer from occasional sluggishness and some software glitches. 

I found the integrated climate controls in the touchscreen cumbersome, managing the temperature required multiple steps, and the absence of physical knobs made quick adjustments tricky, especially when driving on twisty Deister roads requiring focus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work, but only via a cable stored under the center console, which is a small inconvenience. 

The seats are supportive and comfortable, with enough legroom for taller passengers in the back even when the front seats are set for someone around 1.85 meters tall. Headroom is decent but not generous for anyone over 1.85 meters. 

Conclusion: A Real Contender for Bike, Loving Families 

After a day navigating the Deister hills with the MG5 Electric, I came away impressed by its practicality and decent all, around performance for a station wagon EV priced under €40,000. It isn’t the fastest or most efficient electric car out there, nor does it excel in tech polish, but it offers solid driving dynamics, a spacious and versatile interior, and enough range for most daily needs. 

The MG5 suits those who want a no, frills, spacious electric family car capable of handling some hills without fuss. Its limitations, especially in charging speed and infotainment software, keep it from being a long, distance tourer or tech flagship, but as an affordable, comfortable EV wagon, it holds strong appeal.