TEST: 4 things that MG5 Electric does better than Volkswagen Passat Variant - AutoReview.nl

This article is an abbreviated version of an extensive comparative test Auto Review 8. Here we highlight the handful of advantages of the MG5 Electric.

1. Electric MG5 drives nice and quiet

The MG5 has an electric powertrain and it is nice and quiet. The electric motor also whispers during powerful acceleration, while the 1.5 TSI petrol engine in the Volkswagen is clearly present. The four-cylinder does not roar, but you can hear it.

2. Electric driving is smooth

The combustion engine may give the Passat a wide range, but in terms of power and refinement, the EV is clearly the next step in the evolution of the car. The MG5's electric powertrain gives you smooth, powerful acceleration, plus quick throttle responses, even when you're in Eco mode. You can choose from three settings for recovering braking energy, but unfortunately there is no full one-pedal driving.

3. The MG5 is faster than the Passat

The MG5 Electric not only accelerates more smoothly, it also gets the job done faster. The hundred sprint only takes 7.5 seconds, while the Volkswagen Passat Variant takes 8.8 seconds. The MG also sprints faster to 50 km / h (useful in the city) and faster to 150 km / h (useful on the highway after 7 p.m.).

The Volkswagen with a petrol engine does have a higher top speed (214 vs. 185 km/h), but how often do you take full advantage of that?

4. The MG is much cheaper

If we take into account the test-relevant options, the electric station wagon is more than 16 grand cheaper to purchase. Then we are talking about 40,385 euros for the MG5 Electric Long Range in Luxury version and a decorated Passat Variant 1.5 TSI that is in the price list for 56,667 euros. And then the MG is also eligible for a 2950 euro EV subsidy.

Anyone who doubts the reliability of the technology or the build quality of the MG, will still sleep well at night thanks to the seven-year warranty. Moreover, you will not pay road tax in 2023 and 2024. What will happen after that is still not clear.

You are already reading the full test Auto Review 8/2023. Can be found in the magazine shelf and can be ordered in our webshop.