Chinese brand duel: MG challenges BYD with a new affordable electric SUV, available for just €19,990 at Automobile Barcelona.

Automobile Barcelona was the event chosen by MG to present its new electric SUV, the MGS5 EV. It has been designed to bring advanced electrification technologies to all audiences, and its prices are also revolutionary: thanks to the Moves III Plan, the brand's promotional discounts, and those specifically for Automobile Barcelona, ​​it is available from €19,990 in the Comfort version with a 49 kWh battery. It's undoubtedly a knockdown price, much lower than, for example, the Chinese model BYD Atto 3.

Prices

MGSE EV Confort 49 kWh: 32,990 euros - 19,990 euros* MGSE EV Confort 64 kWh: 36,490 euros - 23,490 euros* MGSE EV Luxury 64 kWh: 38,990 euros - 25,990 euros* *Price with applied discounts, which include aid from the Moves II Plan, promotional discounts from the brand and those specific to Automobile Barcelona.

These special conditions available at the Barcelona Auto Show allow you to enjoy the version with a 64 kWh battery from €23,490 if you choose the Comfort trim; and from €25,990 for the Luxury trim, which is only offered with the higher-capacity battery.

Measuring 4.47 m long, 1.84 m wide, 1.62 m high, and with a 2,730 mm wheelbase, the exterior design reflects the new styling language of MG's electric models, directly inspired by the Cyberster . It combines a highly dynamic body profile that conveys movement with a generous interior space.

Built on the MSP platform and featuring an advanced ultra-thin 110 mm battery architecture, the MGS5 EV offers generous interior space, with 1,026 mm of headroom in the front seats and 967 mm in the rear. There are numerous storage compartments, and the trunk has a capacity of 453 liters, expandable to a maximum of 1,441 liters.

The interior incorporates new materials, including soft-touch plastics, combined with a sporty hexagonal steering wheel.

The interior features new materials, including soft-touch plastics, combined with a sporty hexagonal steering wheel. At the center is a 12.8-inch touchscreen with improved graphics and ultra-fast response, combined with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The existing physical buttons allow for controlling key functions, avoiding distractions.

The MGS5 EV offers wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can run various built-in apps. The iSMART app allows you to lock and unlock the car, locate its location, pre-condition the cabin, plan routes, and view information such as available range, battery status, and tire pressure.

The MGS5 EV offers an electric propulsion system with two power levels. The 49 kWh battery variant produces 170 hp, and the 64 kWh battery versions have an output of 230 hp. Maximum torque is delivered in less than 50 milliseconds, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 and 6.3 seconds, respectively.

The MGS5 EV offers an electric propulsion system available in two power levels, 170 hp and 230 hp.

MG's new electric car uses a 400V system that allows charging powers of up to 139 kW. Thanks to this, the 49 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes using direct current, and the 64 kWh battery in about 28 minutes.

The combined range is 340 km (490 km urban cycle) with the 49 kWh battery; and 480 km (680 km city cycle) with the 64 kWh battery. The standard Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) helps to further extend the range and offers four regeneration levels, in addition to One Pedal mode.

MG is committed to delivering dynamic handling. Rear-wheel drive, a low center of gravity, balanced weight distribution, and a multi-link rear suspension are key factors that deliver agile and balanced handling. This model also debuts a braking system specifically for electric vehicles, developed in collaboration with Continental.

A complete range of driving aids

The MGS5 EV comes standard with the MG Pilot, a package that includes Drowsiness Monitoring System (DMS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Cruise Control System (SAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICA), Forward Collision Alert (FCW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Automatic Braking (RCTB).

Standard equipment on the Comfort trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a 10.25-inch digital display and a 12.8-inch central screen, parking sensors, a reversing camera, a navigation system, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the MG iSmart app.

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The Luxury trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, a wireless smartphone charger, a smart power tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, power front seats, leatherette upholstery, a rear center armrest, and a rain sensor.

José Antonio Galve, Senior Product Manager & PR at MG in Spain, explains that “the new MGS5 EV offers the best of the MG4 in SUV form. It's a model that has it all, with an unparalleled value proposition, equally appealing both rationally and emotionally. It's a model with ample interior space, thanks to the innovative MSP platform and ultra-thin battery pack; and it offers great range and fast charging. It also boasts very competitive prices, the latest technologies, and highly advanced safety equipment. On the emotional side, it stands out for its attractive design, its premium interior ambiance, and its driving dynamics, thanks to its advanced chassis.”