2025 MG 5 price and specs: Entry cost up $8000 with safety upgrades, fewer variants

• 2025 MG 5 pricing and specifications
• Budget-priced sedan now limited to turbocharged Essence variant
• Safety updates result in three-star ANCAP score, up from zero stars
• Priced from $32,990 drive-away

International model shown.

Pricing for the updated 2025 MG 5 sedan has been announced, following confirmation of safety upgrades earlier this month after the outgoing model scored zero stars in previous crash-testing.

Due in local MG showrooms this month, the MG 5 line-up has been reduced to one variant, the 1.5-litre turbo Essence, with the entry-level non-turbo Vibe grade axed.

The latest MG 5 Essence starts from $31,990 before on-road costs – or $32,990 drive-away nationwide under a current offer – up $3000 from the RRP of the outgoing Essence, and $7000 more than the Vibe's RRP.

However, the Model Year 2024 (MY24) MG 5 Vibe has been offered in recent months for $24,990 drive-away – $8000 less than the new Essence variant – while the Essence costs $29,990, $3000 less than the Model Year 2025 version. This offer will continue until June 30, 2025, unless extended.

The safety update has allowed the latest model to achieve a three-star ANCAP rating, up from the zero-star result handed to the outgoing model when it was tested in 2023.

Revisions include the addition of seatbelt pre-tensioners for the front and outboard rear seats, rather than front pre-tensioners only in the top-of-the-range model, plus seatbelt reminders, 'whiplash restraint' front and rear seats, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking updates.

ANCAP said the three-star ANCAP score applies to MG 5 models built from November 2024, but it only went on sale from June 2025.

"Despite the MG 5’s enhancements, several safety limitations remain in contrast to competitor models. Notably, a centre airbag – to mitigate occupant-to-occupant and occupant-to-vehicle interaction during side impacts – remains unavailable," ANCAP said in a media release.

The MG 5 Essence has also gained adaptive cruise control for 2025, while all other specifications remain identical.

Compared to the outgoing MG 5 Vibe, the Essence receives a 119kW/250Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, extra speakers, a 360-degree camera, paddle shifters, and a powered driver's seat.

VFACTS new-car sales data shows 1266 examples of the MG 5 were delivered in Australia between January and May 2025, behind the Toyota Corolla (7907), Mazda 3 (4535), Hyundai i30 (4323) and Kia K4 (1892).

The 2025 MG 5 Essence is on sale now.

• MG 5 Essence 1.5-litre turbo – $31,990 before on-road costs (up $3000, available for $32,990 drive-away)

• Adaptive cruise control (new)
• Front and rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners (new)
• Seatbelt reminders (new)
• Lane-keep assist (new)
• Updated autonomous emergency braking with vehicle, turn-across traffic detection (new)
• Front and rear whiplash restraint seats (new)
• Three-star ANCAP safety rating (up from zero stars)
• 119kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
• Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
• 6.4L/100km combined fuel consumption rating
• Front-wheel drive
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• USB-A charge ports
• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• Synthetic leather-look seat upholstery
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Grey front bumper inserts
• Six-speaker sound system
• Synthetic leather-look steering wheel trim
• Glass sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Automatic LED headlights
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
• Rear air vents
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Six airbags

• Dover White – no-cost
• Royal Yellow – no-cost
• Diamond Red Metallic – $700
• Misty Grey Metallic – $700
• Black Pearl Metallic – $700
• Brixton Blue Metallic – $700

Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.

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