What We Like
What We Dislike
In an age when online exposure and search engine optimisation (SEO) are tickets to success, it is odd that MG decided to name its latest electric compact crossover 'S5'. Before the car was launched here, Googling 'MGS5' primarily returned results for Metal Gear Solid V, an iconic video game.
Digital exposure matters because the MGS5 is up against the BYD Atto 3, the model that defined the electric compact crossover segment for local buyers. As if that weren't enough, it must also contend with the Aion V, which is also similarly priced yet superbly equipped.
The MGS5 is undaunted because it has a unique mix of abilities that it can bring to the table. But as a newcomer, does the MGS5 have enough to convince buyers of its proposition?
Making an impression
A car primarily draws attention with its looks and the MGS5 scores points in this department. It's a sporty-looking crossover, with a sharp nose and large air intakes, but it's also sleek, thanks to 'three-dash' daytime running lights. In line with current trends, the head lights are separate units that sit below them.
Study the car's flanks and you'll notice that the strong shoulder lines continue towards the tailgate, where they morph into what resembles a ducktail. Here, you'll find 'dotted' tail-lamps as well (mirroring the daytime running lights). The rear is reminiscent of the MG 4 hatchback.
There's more stuff to admire inside. The cabin has a cohesive design and feels properly put together, comparing favourably to its aforementioned rival, whose cockpit is an eclectic mix of inspirations.
At the same time, the MGS5's interior isn't like most EVs, for it is not devoid of physical controls. Buttons, dials, and tabs are present here, so adjusting the temperature, fan speed and airflow direction, and open/close the sunshade and/or the panoramic sunroof is convenient.
Even the buttons and tabs on the steering wheel are conventional instead of haptic. Some might view the MGS5 as 'outdated' because the functions aren't controlled via a touchscreen. But you can't deny the handiness they offer.
Other nifty features include a flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel, wireless charging pad and phone holder, a 10.25-inch HD instrument panel, and a 12.8-inch HD display for the infotainment. The latter system is one of the least-complicated ones I've seen, and the user experience was generally pleasant.
However, the system takes a moment to boot up and the touchscreen requires precision tapping, as it prefers users to tap on the menu icons to quickly load the sub-menus.
The good news is that both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless. Once your phone is paired, the connection is seamless - provided you disable the weather forecasting feature.
Spotify was interrupted when the computer voice started talking about the weather. And it did not return until the car was switched off and turned back on again. But once forecasting was disabled, Spotify worked fine.
Everyday matters
Although the MGS5's 2,730mm wheelbase is on a par with the segment, the crossover's short overhangs, flat rear floor and optimal interior packaging result in generous backseat space. Comfort is enhanced by the high and supportive backrests, which are ideal for taller occupants.
Air vents help the passengers remain cool, and for convenience, there's a pull-down centre armrest with two cupholders, along with a pair of USB ports. On overcast days, the sunshade can be retracted to reveal the panoramic sunroof, allowing in more light and creating an airier feel.
The MGS5 has a 453-litre boot and folding the rear backrests expands the volume to 1,423 litres for stowing bulkier items. It's certainly useful for moving house or transporting a full-size bicycle.
As for driving range, the MGS5 offers 425km (WLTP) from its 62kWh battery. MG claims an average consumption of 5.84km/kWh, which is accurate, for I managed 5.6km/kWh in equal amounts of city and expressway driving.
The MGS5 has a maximum AC charging rate of 6.6kW, while DC charging is capped at 150kW. At the latter rate, juicing up the battery from 10% to 80% will take 26 minutes.
Unruffled manners
The rear-wheel drive MGS5 provides 99kW (133bhp) and 250Nm of torque. On paper, these figures hardly seem adequate for a crossover weighing 1,755kg. But if you've driven EVs, you know that modest power figures don't matter because electric motors deliver instant performance.
So, even if the MGS5 takes 9.9 seconds to go from a standstill to 100km/h, it does not struggle. Without needing to build revs, the MGS5 scoots off the line without fuss, silently accelerating as it leaves ICE-powered vehicles behind.
The fact that it is not overly powerful is a boon, because not everyone can deal with and/or enjoys head-snapping acceleration. Consumers prefer gentle, linear responses, and the MGS5 delivers.
It handles predictably, too, giving drivers a confidence boost. Despite not being marketed as 'sporty', it's nimbler than expected and surprisingly eager when you try to tuck its nose into bends.
The crossover wants to emulate the MG 4, which moves with the spiritedness of a warm hatch and is keen to be thrown around corners. If not for its mass, the MGS5 would have felt more animated.
That said, the MGS5's regenerative braking is well-executed, for the feel corresponds with the chosen settings (Low, Medium, Strong, Adaptive). One-Pedal Drive made commuting during peak hours easy, as lifting off the accelerator gradually brings the car to a halt and activates the auto-hold function.
A fresh angle
The MGS5 is not designed to look overly sleek, and its cohesive interior balances advanced technology with the convenience of conventional controls, leading to a user-friendly experience.
The infotainment is the main bugbear. It takes longer than expected to initialise, has a touchscreen that requires precise taps (neither easy nor safe when the car is moving), and has a weather forecasting feature that can interrupt your karaoke session. That aside, it must also contend with rivals that include the well-specced Aion V, which at $169,988, costs just $100 more than the MGS5.
Before the car arrived in Singapore, Googling "MGS5" only threw up results for Metal Gear Solid V. Today, the top search result is the link from MG Singapore, interspersed with links to YouTube reviews of the model. It has tickets to succeed - now the brand must figure out how to punch them.
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