MG RX5 Review: A Stylish and Feature-Packed Crossover

Introduction

One of the first MG cars we tested was the GT, which had a very nice start on our channel. The GT impressed us with its exterior, interior, and driving dynamics—all this coupled with its price of 89,900 AED made the car quite an impressive package.

Design and Exterior

This means that our hopes were very high for the RX5. The crossover showcases MG’s new design language, which looks sporty as well as classy, thereby appealing to the younger generation.

The grille featuring gloss black and chrome looks quite premium. The sporty lip with bronze accents enhances its appearance.

The headlights have a very attractive look with a chrome line from the grille splitting them into two. Coupled with the two-tone side mirrors with indicators, the RX5 stands out on the road.

Just like the headlights, the chrome line divides the rear lights, and much of the rear of the car follows the design language of the front. Unlike most crossovers, the spoiler blends nicely with the overall design.

Interior Features

Our RX5 had the top-of-the-line Luxe package, which includes Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and glossy alloy wheels. The Luxe package also features leather seats and soft inserts throughout the interior, indicating that MG has dedicated considerable time to its design.

The 12.3” infotainment screen is efficient, accompanied by six-way adjustable seats with lumbar support. Additional features include:

• Electric sunroof
• Auto-dimming mirror
• 14.1” HD infotainment touchscreen with modern connectivity options
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• GPS and Bluetooth
• Wireless phone charging

The back seats are exceptionally spacious compared to the RX5’s peers, making it a standout in the crossover segment.

Performance

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 171 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque, the RX5 delivers solid performance. While the noise cancellation is not top-notch, the Michelin tires effectively reduce road noise.

The 7-speed DCT transmission has its pros and cons. Although it shifts gears quickly, it lacks smoothness at low speeds, exhibiting some turbo lag during short bursts of speed. However, it performs adequately overall.

Safety Features

On the safety side, the RX5 is well-equipped with:

• Hill Descent Control
• Anti-Roll Safety
• Traction Control
• Emergency Braking

With 65% high-strength steel in its body structure, the RX5 aims to mitigate the risk of impacts. MG claims to have conducted 500,000 lab tests and opened and closed the doors 120,000 times to ensure sturdiness.

Conclusion

Overall, the MG RX5 is a comprehensive package featuring a handsome exterior, a feature-rich interior, and numerous safety features. At a price of 89,900 AED, the RX5 provides excellent value for money.