A pure electric touring car with versatile space, suitable for multiple scenarios, what are the highlights of MG ES?

The MG ES underwent a facelift for the old model in March 2023. The highlight of this facelift is the upgraded configuration, with the addition of intelligent driving assistance systems, which makes the MG ES more intelligent in terms of functionality. Moreover, the original model's dual airbags have been upgraded to a total of six airbags throughout the vehicle, resulting in a noticeable improvement in vehicle safety.

However, an important reason for many people to pay attention to and choose this car is its identity as a station wagon. Its space is very flexible, and daily family trips can carry items of various sizes and lengths, even surfboards. Because its rear seat can be reclined in a 60:40 ratio, it can also hold a surfboard in the case of four people. In addition, the roof rack can also expand the storage space. When all this is taken away, the MG ES's electricized elegant design is capable of handling some business trips and receptions.

Information about the MG ES that we need to know:

• Price: 959,000 Thai Baht
• Pure electric range (NEDC): 412 km
• Flexible and versatile interior space, with a rear seat fold-down ratio of 60:40
• Equipped with a comprehensive intelligent driving assistance system
• Fast charging: 0-80% in 40 minutes
• Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds

I. Exterior Design of the MG ES

The design of the MG that we are more familiar with is youthful and dynamic, like the MG 5, but the MG ES presents a completely different style. On the one hand, the MG ES is a station wagon, which gives it an inherent elegance. At first glance, you can tell that it focuses more on family use rather than aiming to attract attention on the streets.

The overall design of the car conforms well to the modern EV style, with a closed front face that doesn't express too much intense emotion. Although the front bumper has some sporty black decorative parts, they don't significantly enhance the sporty style of the MG ES. Instead, they seem to enhance its elegance. The flattened MG logo looks more exquisite and luxurious, which fits well with the overall temperament of the MG ES.

Both the front and rear LED headlights of the MG ES have been replaced with more exquisite details, along with eye-catching 17-inch two-tone aluminum alloy wheels. The standout feature of the MG ES is its versatility, and its exterior design nicely complements this characteristic.

The MG ES comes in five colors: red, black, gray, silver, and white.

Main exterior parameters and configurations of the MG ES:

• Dimensions of MG ES: 4,600 x 1,818 x 1,543 / 2,665 millimeters
• Minimum ground clearance: 115 millimeters
• Maximum trunk volume: 1367 liters (with rear seats folded)
• Dual LED projection headlamp assembly
• Automatic opening and closing headlamp system
• LED daytime running lights
• Light curtain design LED taillight assembly
• Rear spoiler, matching the car's color
• 17-inch alloy wheels, tire size 215/50 R17
• Shark fin antenna
• 3 rear distance sensors
• Roof rails capable of supporting a weight of 75 kilograms.

II. Interior Design of the MG ES

The interior of the MG ES seems to lack options for different colors, with predominantly black interiors decorated with blue stripes. The blue stripes add a sense of technology, much like choosing red stripes to emphasize a sporty atmosphere. However, the blue stripes better suit the pure electric identity of the MG ES.

A notable feature is the use of denim-like texture for interior coverings, evoking the tactile feel of denim clothing. This fabric-like texture adds warmth to the MG ES interior, making it more suitable for domestic use. Imagine encountering an MG ES with red decorations and extensive carbon fiber trim or cheap plastic panels with faux leather texture when you open the door – how would you feel?

The front seats of the MG ES are ergonomically designed to provide better support for the waist and legs. Additionally, the design of the dual-layer center console leverages the advantages of electric vehicles, freeing up space traditionally occupied by transmission mechanisms in conventional cars. This space under the center console offers considerable storage and is equipped with USB ports. It would be even better if this location could provide a wireless charging pad for phones.

Main internal configurations of MG ES:

• 7-inch digital multifunctional instrument panel
• 10.25-inch touchscreen entertainment system screen
• 360-degree surround-view camera
• Dual-layer center console (bridge-style)
• Electric parking brake with automatic hold function
• 6-way electrically adjustable driver's seat
• 4-way manually adjustable front passenger seat
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats
• One-touch power windows
• Steering wheel adjustable in tilt and telescopic directions
• Multifunction steering wheel with audio control switches and phone answering/hang-up functions
• Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
• 6 speakers
• Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto multimedia connectivity systems
• Navigation system
• Intelligent remote key system (smart key) with one-touch start button and MG digital key
• Digital air conditioning system
• PM 2.5 air filtration system
• Emergency tire repair kit

III. Intelligent and Safety Configuration of the MG ES

MG ES was one of the early pure electric vehicle models to enter the Thai market, it has undergone a facelift and upgrade just as other models were about to enter or had recently entered. As a result, MG is one of the Chinese automotive brands relatively well-known to users worldwide. Of course, with the increasing export of Chinese automotive brands, brands like BYD pose a significant threat to MG.

In its early days, the configuration of the MG ES was relatively basic, with no intelligent configuration. Nevertheless, the MG ES has incorporated the ADAS intelligent driving assistance system, enhancing the vehicle's active safety performance. Additionally, measures such as adding safety airbags have improved the vehicle's safety in collisions. These changes align with current mainstream trends, as MG ES aims to maintain a high level of competitiveness in the market. Nevertheless, consumers can still benefit from these advancements.

Furthermore, MG ES offers the MG i-SMART TECHNOLOGY intelligent system. Through the MG application on a smartphone, users can check the vehicle's battery status at any time, locate nearby charging stations, and even remotely control the vehicle's air conditioning and unlock it. These functionalities are scenario-based applications, such as pre-cooling the car in hot weather before leaving.

Main safety configurations of the MG ES:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Electronic brake assist (EBA)
• Stability control system (SCS)
• Cornering brake control system (CBC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Hill-start assist system (HAS)
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Emergency stop signal system (ESS)
• Forward collision warning system (FCW)
• Autonomous emergency braking system (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Low-speed automatic cruise control system (TJA - Traffic Jam Assist)
• Lane departure warning system (LDW)
• Lane-keeping assist (LKA)
• Emergency lane-keeping assist system (ELK)
• ISOFIX seat anchorage points
• 6 safety airbags (front, front side, side curtain)

IV. Powertrain and Charging Situation of MG ES

The MG ES is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor, and it utilizes a front-wheel-drive configuration. The motor boasts a maximum power of 177PS and a maximum torque of 298N·m. This motor enables the MG ES to achieve a performance level of 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.3 seconds, sufficient for everyday household commuting scenarios. It's worth noting that the earlier ternary lithium batteries have been replaced by lithium iron phosphate batteries, with the battery capacity adjusted from the previous 50.3kWh to 51kWh. The primary advantage of lithium iron phosphate batteries lies in their high stability. Compared to ternary lithium batteries, they can withstand more severe natural environments, and their durability during repeated charge-discharge cycles is also higher.

The tangible change brought about by these modifications is that the pure electric range of the MG ES (NEDC) is 412km. Under AC slow charging conditions, the charging power can reach 11kW, requiring 7 hours and 15 minutes to charge from 0-100%. While under DC fast charging, the charging power can reach up to 87kW, thus requiring only 40 minutes to replenish the battery from 0-80% of its energy. This rapid charging capability enables the MG ES to embark on long journeys, and currently, MG has established 129 MG Super Charge charging stations across Thailand, which facilitates the quick recharging of vehicles. Furthermore, the MG ES can provide 2200W of power for electrical devices, allowing camping and outdoor activities to utilize electrical equipment through the MG ES's external power supply function.

The MG ES offers three driving modes: Eco/Comfort/Sport and the energy recovery level of the powertrain system also has three adjustable levels, ranging from minimal to strong recovery intensity. Difinitely, different recovery levels will result in significantly different driving experiences for both the driver and passengers.

Summary:

The obvious fact is that the MG ES is not exclusive to young users like the MG5 or MG3, it focuses on providing services for families' multi-scenario driving needs. Therefore, the styling of the MG ES doesn't leave a particularly memorable impression on us. Many of its features really need to be experienced firsthand to be appreciated.

For example, its versatile space and ample storage capacity mean its usage can vary significantly depending on scenarios such as family outings, daily commutes, and hanging out with friends. Additionally, equally important is the MG ES's relatively fast charging speed. It would be a shame if a station wagon were limited to running within one city due to difficulties in recharging because of its pure electric drive. Fortunately, the MG ES doesn't find itself in such awkward situations.

(Author: Kevin Wong)