MG4 vs MG5: Which is the better electric car? – Frandroid

Which of the MG4 or MG5 will win? It’s time to compare: design, range, price, driving experience, volume… We’re going to examine these two electric cars to decide which will be the best.

MG hits hard in the world of electric vehicles, always with the same method: to offer cars with excellent value for money. We are going to verify this today by comparing two references from the manufacturer: the MG4 and the MG5.

There are plenty of cars that have rubbed shoulders with the MG4 and we have to admit that so far it’s been unanimously accepted. Its looks and intrinsic qualities make it an easy recommendation.

Not everything is won in advance, because the manufacturer’s electric station wagon, the MG5, is not lacking in advantages either. By being switched on another new segment for electroIf you are looking for a practical vehicle, you should be interested in the MG5 at a relatively low price.

Between the MG4 and the MG5, let’s see which one suits your profile best.

Data sheets MG4 and MG5

Dimensions, weight and exterior design

The MG4 is not compact, as he measures 4.29 meters long, 1.84 meters wide and 1.50 meters high. We’ll see below that the habitability is pretty good, proving that MG is making good use of this honorable length.

The MG4 features the eye-catching design elements: aggressive hood, remarkable light signature and extraordinary colors. It must be admitted that the pencil line is well done.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the MG5, which is decided more practical than pretty. Its lines are very classic for a station wagon, and although this one is electric, it does not stand out from the other vehicles on the market.

Definitely longer than the MG4, The MG5 has to prove that its 4.60 meter length is an advantage in terms of usable volume. In width (1.82 meters) and height (1.51 meters) it is very similar to the MG4. To conclude the spec sheet, note a weight of 1655-1685 kilograms for the MG4 versus 1562 kilograms for the MG5.

In terms of design, this is clearly about the MG4, which provides a welcome breath of fresh air and will probably attract a few looks.

Inside

With its 30 centimeters less, the MG4 does not compete with the MG5 in terms of trunk volume. As a matter of fact, the MG4 indicates 363 liters of available volume, versus 479 liters for the MG5 (32% more).

In practice, of course, this means that the MG5 is more suitable for traveling with luggage. Unfortunately with the rear seats folded down the bottom of the MG5 is not levelwhich is generally one of the advantages of station wagons.

In terms of interior design, the MG4 is fairly minimalist, with generous space for the first and second row passengers, where the MG5 has a very imposing center console at the front, separating the two occupants.

Also, the floor of the MG5 is quite high, making long journeys difficult for tall people. We didn’t find this issue with the MG4, which wins this point for its more practical front-end space and decent boot space considering its size.

Embedded Technologies

Both vehicles of the manufacturer MG, MG4 and MG5 are largely similar in terms of onboard technologies. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are also in play, as is a range of Level 2 driver assistance systems.

Adaptive cruise control like Lane Keeping Assist is offered, although the operation isn’t excellent. These aids have the benefit of being present from the entry-level MG4 onwards, which is rare enough to warrant emphasis.

Regarding the available screens, on the MG4, as on the MG5, we find two with the usual layout: one behind the steering wheel for the instrumentation and one in the center of the dashboard for the infotainment part.

For their similarities in terms of embedded technologies, it is a tie between the two MGs of this comparison.

Traveling

Smaller, The MG4 is also more agile on the roadespecially with a standing start: 7.7 seconds are enough to reach 100 km/hand winding roads are good for the smaller MG.

In terms of consumption, we note around 18 kWh per 100 kilometers, enough to guarantee a range of around 350 kilometers with the 64 kWh battery under real conditions.

We immediately notice a few flaws in the MG5 that the MG4 doesn’t have. The swaying of the body is clearly noticeable with rather soft suspension. Add to that a tricky driving position for big boys and you have a combination that barely beats the MG4.

The consumption is also higher (around 20 kWh/100 km in our test) and also a defeat in terms of performance, because that 0 to 100 km/h is announced in 8.3 secondsS

Finally, neither of the two MGs offers the famous single-pedal drive, as the manufacturer chose too little regenerative braking. Be that as it may, the advantage of the MG4 is in terms of road holding.

The different engines offered

The MG5 is currently offered in two configurations:

• Range Standard all-wheel drive, traction with 50 kWh battery: 130 kW front motor, 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, top speed 185 km/h;
• Range Extended all-wheel drive, traction with 61 kWh battery: 115 kW front motor, 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, top speed 185 km/h;

The same applies to the MG4, which is available in two different engines:

• 170 hp engine, drive with 51 kWh battery: 125 kW rear engine, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, top speed 160 km/h;
• 203 hp motor, traction with 64 kWh battery: 150 kW rear motor, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, top speed 160 km/h.

Autonomy, battery and charging

We find two different battery capacities on the MG4: 51 or 64 kWh. In the first case, the announced WLTP autonomy is 350 kilometers, in the second – 450 kilometers.

Another difference between the two is the power of the onboard charger. For the 51 kWh battery it is 7 kW in AC versus 11 kW for the 64 kWh battery. In both cases, this makes it possible to fill the battery in almost seven hours.

Finally, fast charging is included with 10 to 80% in 35 to 40 minutes. The same goes for the MG5, which takes 40 minutes to reach 80%.

The WLTP range of the MG5 is either 320 kilometers with the 50 kWh battery or 400 kilometers with the 61 kWh battery. Finally, an 11 kW on-board charger ensures a full charge if the battery runs out in less than six hours.

With a greater WLTP autonomy, the MG4 wins over the MG5 in terms of autonomy.

Price

The MG4 is available from 29,990 euros, not to mention the ecological bonus. It costs 33,990 euros for a version that offers at least 450 kilometers of autonomy and the high-end versions are displayed at 36,640 euros.

The MG5 is more expensive with a price starting at 32,990 euros, without eco bonus. For the versions with a larger battery and greater autonomy, the price of entry is 35,990 euros. Finally, adding the few options offered brings the price up to €38,140.

Which one to choose between the MG4 and the MG5?

Who can beat the MG4? As is so often the case when we put the small electric MG against the competition, it wins hands down. Even if you try to find an opponent within the same brand today, it is clear that the MG5 cannot compete.

In fact, the design clearly speaks for the MG4, as well as the handling, the performances or the acceleration. The space available on board is not a major advantage of the MG5, as the front seats do not offer great comfort.

There are undoubtedly a few use cases where the MG5 outperforms the MG4, thanks in particular to the larger trunk. But while MG’s electric estate car is interesting for those who want a big boot, consider that it’s not flat when the seats are down. In addition, its more imposing size makes it a less pleasant vehicle in urban areas, the MG4’s favorite playground.

Once again, the MG4 shows that it is an excellent electric car, with a value for money that is difficult to achieve. In 2023 it is undoubtedly one of the best electric cars on the market.

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