2025 MG5: Variants explained

The 2025 MG5 has been launched in the UAE, still being the brand’s most affordable sedan in the country. It sits on the SAIC-GM co-developed GM-PATAC K architecture, sticking to its Chinese roots that hail from the Roewe i5. The new MG5 is a facelift, but one that would help this car in the GCC market.

Despite its entry-level positioning, the MG5 is a car worthy of your consideration. It encapsulates a lot of updates over its predecessor, making it worthy of being a “2025” model. The MG5 goes up against cars like the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Sunny, and Toyota Yaris. Understandably, this segment is full of really competitive rivals.

Variant overview

Customers of the 2025 MG5 in the UAE will get to choose from three distinct variants of the 2025 MG5. The base option is the 1.5L STD (Standard), which is likely to cost from around AED 50,000. For those who want to strike a middle ground, there is the 1.5L COM (or Comfort) variant.

This mid-spec variant of the new MG5 should be priced at around AED 55,000. The fully-loaded 1.5L DEL (or Deluxe) variant of the 2025 MG5 is likely to cost around AED 65,000. Do note that these prices are indicative and include UAE’s 5% VAT but not registration or insurance charges.

The 2025 MG5 in the UAE is sold exclusively by Inter Emirates Motors. Therefore, customers interested in buying the new MG5 can check it out at one of IEM’s many showrooms across the Emirates. There are MG showrooms located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Engine specs

Unlike some of its closest competitors, the 2025 MG5 sedan gets only one engine option in the UAE. The unit in question is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 109 hp and 142 Nm of torque. This naturally aspirated motor is mated to a CVT gearbox with ‘8 steps’ to mimic actual ratios.

As per WLTC, the new MG5’s fuel consumption is rated at 15.63 kmpl or 6.4 L/100 km. Meanwhile, its top speed is 184 kmph. The suspension of the MG5 is pretty standard – MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back. It has been set up to perform reasonably well over less-than-ideal roads rather than to carve corners.

The acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph feels lethargic, especially considering the lower output of this 1.5-litre engine. Even though the old MG5 had this N/A engine, it did push out nearly 10 hp and 10 Nm more. No matter how aggressively you operate the gearbox and throttle, the MG5 is likely to hit 100 kmph in around 12 seconds.

Dimensions

One of the first stand-out aspects here is the boot space of the 2025 MG5 sedan. Its predecessor could accommodate 512 litres in its boot, though that figure now stands at 406 litres. Even though MG Motors has not explained the reason behind this, it could be down to the methods of measurement.

The new MG5’s boot may depict the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) figures. This tends to represent a more usable boot volume that includes the height and shape of the loading area. The other method here is the VDA (Vehicle Design Area), whose numbers are higher as it considers the absolute volume of the boot.

The 2025 MG5 measures 4,607 mm in length, 1,818 mm in width, and 1,489 mm in height. This means that the new MG5 is 6 mm longer than the old MG5. MG Motors has not changed any of the car’s other exterior dimensions, thus retaining its silhouette and general appearance.

Features

Surprisingly, the entry-level MG5 1.5 STD has enough features to keep you from feeling like you got shortchanged. However, the mid-spec 1.5 COM ticks a few more boxes compared to the Standard variant. The top variant of the 2025 MG5 sedan, the 1.5 DEL (Deluxe) comes loaded with equipment that makes it the pick of the bunch when it comes to ticking all the boxes.

Here’s a detailed list -

Variants	STD	COM (Over STD)	DEL (Over COM)
Exterior	15-inch wheels LED headlights w/ LED DRLs LED front foglights Electrically-operated & heated ORVMs	16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
Interior	Keyless entry w/ push-button start Fabric upholstery Manually-adjustable front seats Multifunction steering wheel w/ faux-leather covering Cruise control 3.5-inch digital MID  Rake-adjustment for the steering column Single-zone AC w/ rear vents 4-speaker sound system 10.25-inch touchscreen w/ Android Auto & Apple CarPlay	Faux leather upholstery Steering wheel w/ faux-leather perforations	6-way electrically-operated driver’s seat Rear reading light Front sunvisors w/ vanity mirror & lights 12.3-inch digital driver’s display Electric sunroof
Safety	Heated rear windscreen Manually-dimming IRVM Dual front airbags ABS w/ EBD Electronic stability program Electronic brake assist Electronic parking brake w/ Auto Hold ISOFIX anchors Three-pointed seatbelts E-Call (emergency calling)	Dual front-side airbags Rearview camera	Curtain airbags (6 airbags) Anti-pinch sunroof 360-degree camera system

Colours

All the variants of the 2025 MG5 sold in the UAE are usually available in four exterior colours. These would be Flare Red, Blade Silver, Black Pearl, and York White.

Which MG5 variant should you buy?

If you do not want to spend more than 50,000 dirhams, you should be fine with the STD variant. It will cover your basic convenience needs and has the niceties of LED exterior lights. This will ensure that it presents itself well on the outside for the most part.

However, if you want a slightly nicer-looking MG5, then upgrade to the COM or Comfort variant. This gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, along with a better interior upholstery (faux leather) and thus a more premium cabin experience. Then there is the fully-loaded DEL or Deluxe variant of the 2025 MG5.

While it mostly looks similar to its COM sibling, the DEL has a few nice upgrades under its sleeve. It gets a proper digital gauge cluster, a powered sunroof, and a surround-view camera system. Beyond these, the top variant of the new MG5 features 6 airbags – this alone matters the most.

Also read: Is the Hyundai Tucson 2025 worth your investment? A Deep dive