2023 MG5 EV wagon revealed at Goodwood, ruled out for Australia

The updated electric 2023 MG5 wagon has been revealed for the UK market, with Australian buyers only able to nab the petrol sedan when it lands here next year.

Headlined by styling and equipment upgrades, the upgraded model features revisions to the exterior design which extend to new front and rear bumpers, redesigned LED head and rear lights, and new alloy wheel designs.

First seen on the all new ZS EV launched in November 2021, the new MG5 EV will also come equipped with Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) capability, meaning users can power other electric devices using the energy stored in the battery, such as e-bikes, portable heaters or camping equipment.

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On the inside, the MG5 EV has also received interior design and technology upgrades, including a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system with improved software that is now capable of supporting iSMART connected car functionality through the MG app.

Car fans will be able to get their first official glimpse today when the vehicle takes centre stage in Goodwood’s dedicated EV section.

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Since it launched in 2020, the MG5 EV has proved popular with UK buyers, with more than 8000 finding homes in the country. It also remains the only fully-electric wagon in its sector in that market.

Full UK pricing and specification is set to be revealed at a later date, however Australians won't be able to get their hands on the electric wagon, with MG's local arm previously confirming it will only be adding the MG5 sedan to its line-up, with that model expected to arrive at the beginning of 2023.

A spokesperson told Wheels: “We are currently reviewing the MG5 for the Australian market and exploring different variants. It is unlikely that we will see this model before the first quarter of 2023.”

It's also understood the model's name could change before it arrives on local shores.

The Thai-built MG5 coupe sedan is about the size of a Honda Civic, to which it bears quite a resemblance.

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It’s powered by a choice of two 1.5-litre engines developed by MG’s parent company SAIC, including an 89kW naturally-aspirated version and a punchier 129kW turbo.

Transmissions include a 5-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

MG Australia is yet to confirm which powertrains will be available in Australia.

Equipment wise, expect it to be similar to the MG ZST small SUV, which features MG’s ‘Pilot’ active safety suite, a digital gauge cluster, multimedia touchscreen, leather-appointed trim.