MG GROUP TEST: MG4 vs MG5 vs MG ZS - which is right for YOU? | Electrifying

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It’s no overstatement to say that MG has transformed itself in recent years. Although its cars have always offered decent value for money, the brand’s pre-electric range was somewhat lacking in appeal. Now, in the electric era, MG is back to its best. The MG5 estate and MG ZS SUV set new benchmarks for value when they first arrived and remain great buys for drivers looking to switch to battery power.

2023 sees the MG electric range at its most impressive and comprehensive yet. Sitting alongside facelifted versions of the MG5 and MG ZS is the brand’s third new model, the MG4. A multiple award-winner, the MG4 has redefined the electric car sector bringing with it remarkable value for money and striking design.

And don’t just take our word for it, why not try one for yourself? Click the link below to organise a test drive of the new MG4 at your nearest MG retailer. If you have already tested on or have bought one, let us know what you think in the comments below - we love to hear from you.

MG4 Long Range
£29,495 SE Long Range, (£32,495 Trophy LR, MG4 SE Standard Range £26,995)
201bhp, 184lb ft of torque
Rear wheel drive, 1-spd
7.9 seconds 0-62mph, 99mph top speed
61.7kWh battery (useable), 280 miles range WLTP
135kw DC, 11.0kw AC, 34 min fast DC (23- 180 miles added), 68min 50kW
10hr on home wallbox
Weight: 1,785kg
Boot: 363-litres/ 1,177 seats folded (No frunk)
Tow: 500kg
Vehicle-to-load 2.2kW AC

MG5 SE Long Range (LR only)
£30,995 SE (£33,495 Trophy)
154bhp, 207lb ft of torque
Front-wheel drive, 1-spd
7.7 seconds 0-62mph, 115mph top speed
57.4kWh battery (useable), 249 miles range WLTP (200 real)
87kw DC, 7.4kw AC, 42 min fast DC (21-164 miles), 63min 50kW
9hr 15 on home wallbox
Weight: 1,637kg
Boot: 479-litres 1,367 (no frunk)
Tow: 500kg
Vehicle-to-load 2.2kW AC

MG ZS SE Long Range
£32,995 (SE Standard Range £30,495)
154bhp, 207lb ft of torque
Front-wheel drive, 1-spd
8.4 seconds 0-62mph, 109mph top speed
68.3kWh battery (useable), 273 miles range WLTP
94kw DC, 7.4kw AC, 37 min fast DC (23-180 miles), 62min 50kW
11hr on home wallbox
Weight: 1,695kg
Boot: 448-litres 1,166 (no frunk)
Roof load: 75kg
Tow: 500kg
Vehicle-to-load 2.2kW AC

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Our reviews are written by some of the most experienced reviewers in the business and will even help you find the perfect new or used car.

[stianthomassen]

I’m super happy with my Mg zs ev 2022 long range in Norway. One year in. Good space, good drive, great baggage space and good enough trailer towing for my use. The kids love it. Even though I have had long trips I haven’t really got to the rapid chargers to much since the range is so good I usually just charge at home. Winter no problem, summer definitely no problem.

[ashb]

Correction : the MG4 Long range has 11kw AC charging, not 7kw. You do need to buy a 32amp 3 phase type 2 cable, as the MG cable can only charge at 7kw. I've tested this at a local 22kw podpoint and it works a treat.

[ttnrrzu]

Absolutely agree with your review. For me, the MG4 was the car I wanted, but the 5 was the one I needed! I picked up an old shape one and have been driving it for about 7 months now; love the way it drives, one or two little niggles, but it's a good, practical car.

[itechtalk]

I’d choose the MG4, I find the ZS looks a bit too generic and while the MG5 seems like a good offering, not the biggest fan of estates and certainly don’t see myself using one. So definitely the MG4 because of its design and overall great value.

[brucekennedy]

All 3 are decent, but it was never a competition. MG have pulled a blinder with the 4. Tesla charging network aside, I think it’s the best medium sized EV you can buy in the Uk right now for price and features.

[sailingoctopus]

I have both the 4 and the 5 (Pre-facelift) and if I could only choose one I would struggle to decide. The 4 is a better car in every department, but I rather like the understated competence of the 5. The 4 is a truly brilliant car, great fun to drive, looks good and is amazing value, but apparently bugs in the software are still being ironed out.

ZS is a non-starter for me, as it's a SUV.

If I had to choose, I would choose the 4, no the 5, no the 4... probably the ... 4, no the 5

[ashtaroth]

My heart goes to the MG 4, my brain to the MG 5 but i have a ZS because it was available back in 2021 when i had to change my car

[garryellis]

We now have the MG4 available in Australia. What's even better we have one pedal driving, rear wiper and rear reversing camera and that's on the basic excite. 😊

My dream MG would be an estate like the MG 5, but with the style and technology of the MG 4 and more ground clearance.

[simonpritchard]

I actually prefer the MG5, went to test drive a 4, ended up driving the 5 instead because I much preferred the interior. It's a 'pleasant' drive and I would consider getting one, but... No NCAP rating. The spare parts issue also seems to be a real one as I've heard several reports (including in comments here!) of months long delays.

[darrenjones]

I’ve had my MG ZS EV for 2.5 years and it has been trouble free motoring. I test drove 6 cars before I bought it and, though the Kia Niro was better, the MG was a worthy runner up and £££££ cheaper. It is extremely economical to run (£325 charging for the past 12 months, approx 10k miles, servicing less that half what my Hyundai Santa Fe cost), and does 95% of what I need it for. The other 5%? I either use the train or my wife’s Audi A6. That is the key - buy the car that covers your needs. I’ve never charged away from home and my overnight electricity rate is currently 7.50 p/kWh. It drives OK too.

[mikadavies]

Having had a deposit on an MG4, I had a serious look at all of these. Including test drives. I think MG are like Hyundai 10 years ago... by that I mean, they are basically good vehicles (with a great warranty) but there is something wrong with the way they look! The design is OK but not quite right!! The SUV is proportioned wrong, the MG4 is so cheap when you are close up to it and MG5 is boring. However, after driving all of them .... I would choose the MG5. Whilst ugly, its proportions & quality of finish is actually the best. With the correct finance they are seriously affordable. Currently the deal on the MG Web site is a new MG4 for £109/mth.... Which is the cheapest deal I have seen for any Electric car....

[colinjohnson]

I’m patiently awaiting the delivery of my MG4 Trophy. I enjoyed the video, thankyou Nicki, very informative.

[Dave-in-France]

I bought my ZS EV in sept 2021 and loved it loads until a small mistake on my part landed it back to the supplying garage for repair - 3 months ago !!!! They say they've ordered parts but not yet received them and have no anticipated arrival date. They also told me that they have another ZS EV at their garage waiting parts for over 12 months

[djModu]

The MG4 would be the one for me. I was really surprised about the passenger backseat space. The MG5 was not as practical as i thought and had not so much space on the second row. So see and test it yourself.

[simrae]

Different cars for different applications and different people. I have a 5 because we have two dogs - it's been great over the last year and I've never had to step into the dealers (apart from it's annual service) since the day we bought it. Personally, I'm not a fan of SUVs, as I don't like high cars - inefficient and clumsy-looking to my eye. I wish the 5 was a bit lower and sleeker looking, but at the price - you can't really complain!

[davidsmithyman]

I managed 255 miles from a full charge in my mg4 trophy driving to fully charged live. Stopped at ionity at gretna on way home and put in 110 miles in under 9 minutes. Peaked at 139kw.

[mariashippam]

I have been trying to make the decision between the MG4 and the ZS. My boys are now teenagers so no need for the additional space for buggies. Liked the ZS for the ease of access, as it looks taller, however the MG4 is still my favourite. Just need to go for a test drive in both now to completely make up my mind. Thanks. 5* for your review from me. 🙂

[Rob-xpss]

Thanks for this, I tried the 4 and 5, wanted to love the 5 as i like estates and pretty much zero ev estates out i could not get on with the driving position, it feels like your sitting on top of a few yellow pages, the 4 is much more mordern and i did like it (especially considering the price)

[tomdavison]

You keep referring to the MG4 as SE. The test models are Trophy. Only the trophy comes with spoilers or orange colour.