2025 MG5: First impression

Over five years after it was first introduced in the Middle East, the new MG5 has been launched. Known as the Roewe i5 in China, the 2025 MG5 comes to the UAE as the successor to its older namesake. The new model is the result of a comprehensive facelift carried out to make the MG5 more competitive.

This means that the 2025 MG5 should still be based on the SAIC-GM co-developed GM-PATAC K platform. Where the outgoing model costs from AED 47,874 to AED 61,610, its successor will be a few thousand dirhams more expensive. The 2025 MG5 is offered in STD, COM, and DEL variants in the UAE.

Exterior

Considering it is only a facelift, the dimensions of the 2025 MG5 have not been changed much. The new MG5 is 6 mm longer, so it now measures 4,607 mm in length (instead of 4,601 mm). It continues to be 1,818 mm wide, and 1,489 mm tall, and its wheelbase is still 2,680 mm. Even the 45-litre fuel tank remains unaltered.

The front of the 2025 MG5 has been completely redone to keep up with the times. The new face looks leaner and more aerodynamic, featuring slimmer LED headlights with redesigned LED daytime running lights. The newer but sleeker grille gets a more detailed 3D-style pattern and a thin chrome strip connecting the headlights.

The new front bumper looks sporty and is better sculpted than before while also featuring air intakes tucked into the corners. Its lower apron is bigger as well and gets symmetrically designed intakes for the air dam. The hood has been restyled and the ‘MG” logo has been moved up from the grille to the front of the hood.

There haven’t been many changes to the sides of the 2025 MG5, save for the new alloy wheels. These 16-inch two-tone rims are identical in size to the old ones, but they look smaller due to their design. At the back are new taillights with fancier LEDs and a revised bumper with visible indentations for a sporty effect.

The crisp but smooth-flowing beltline has been untouched, ensuring the side profile looks fairly stylish. There is also a thin chrome line that stretches from underneath the wing mirror to the rear pillar. The contemporary design of the headlights and taillights, along with the revised bumpers, make the new MG5’s stance more appealing.

Then again, the styling of the old MG5 was far from being the worst in the segment. Compared to that car, the 2025 MG5 in the UAE gets only four exterior colour options. The new choices include Black Pearl, Blade Silver, York White, and Flare Red. Moreover, the boot space has plummeted from over 500 litres to just 406 litres.

Interior

While the flat-bottom steering wheel from the old model has been carried over, its perforated leather-wrapped design looks nice. The whole dashboard and centre console sections are new, though. The top of the dashboard is flat and set lower, offering better visibility out the front. It looks sleeker and features aluminium accents along with a piano finish and stitched leather trimmings.

The middle portion of the dash is angled towards the driver and gets a new 10.1-inch infotainment screen. It looks nicer, has better graphics, and supports wired Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. There is a row of shortcut keys at the bottom of the display, alongside on-screen shortcut menus. However, adjusting the climate control requires some fiddling with the touchscreen.

The 2025 MG5 features a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that shows lots more information than the old analog-cum-digital unit. But the funky blue animations used in the speedometer and rev counter are unnecessarily tacky. The optional leather seats look good and are reasonably accommodating and comfortable. There is adequate under-thigh support plus a good amount of rear legroom as well.

Most of the controls and everyday items are clearly laid out and easy to get to. There are two cup holders located between the front seats, while the wireless charger and USB ports are situated in front of the gear lever. The storage cubbies are just about decent in size, but the rear passengers miss out on a centre armrest & cup holders.

The electric sunroof is quite small, but does help make the MG5’s cabin feel more airy. Its other features include cruise control, an electrically-operated driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, push-button start, powered & heated ORVMs, and automatic AC. You also get a 6-speaker sound system, keyless entry, and paddle shifters.

Engine and performance

The 2025 MG5 has a 1.5-litre N/A four-cylinder petrol engine with 109 hp and 140 Nm of torque. It is mated to a CVT automatic, with the powertrain’s primary mission seeming to be to achieve good fuel economy. The company claims that the new MG5 can do 16.8 kmpl or 5.9 L/100 km, which are decent numbers.

However, the old model was more fuel efficient than this new one on paper (achieving 18.1 kmpl or 5.5 L/100 km). The new MG5 does not seem to be desperately slow, capable of hitting a top speed of 184 kmph. However, do not expect it to be quick when the lights go green at a traffic stop.

The handling dynamics of the 2025 MG5 will remain decent as long as you don’t push it hard while cornering. This is a sedan that likes to take things at a more leisurely pace, so hurrying would only unsettle it. The electronically-assisted steering is light and maneuvering the MG5 in the city will not be a challenge.

Safety

The 2025 MG5 gets front & rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD assistance. Then there are the ISOFIX seats, three-point seatbelts, electronic stability program, emergency calling (E-Call), and up to 6 airbags. The MG5 can be had with 360-degree cameras, along with parking sensors and hill-start assist.

The equipment further includes a manually dimming IRVM, central door locking, and a heated rear windscreen. MG also claims a five-star C-NCAP safety rating for the new MG5 sedan, which is likely to appeal to many buyers.

Conclusion

The facelift carried out for the 2025 MG5 has done its job of encouraging interest in the car. The sedan was always known for its simple yet effective design, which has now peaked with this new model. Buyers are sure to appreciate the improved fuel economy and performance, but the latter is not this car’s strongest suit.

The redesigned interior is now a lot more modern and better equipped, whilst space for passengers is not a concern. The higher-quality screens uplift the cabin’s appeal while offering a more cohesive experience. Even at the upper end, the new MG5 is likely to cost under 70,000 dirhams. Head over to your nearest Inter Emirates Motors showroom for a test drive.

Also read: MG RX9 steals spotlight at 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show