MG MGS5 vs Jaecoo 5 EV: which Chinese electric SUV convinces more under 35,000 euros

The quiet invasion of Chinese manufacturers has found its favourite battleground in the C-SUV segment in Spain. Under 35,000 euros, two proposals currently attract much of the interest: the MG MGS5, a 100% electric SUV that claims the British heritage of the brand under SAIC capital, and the Jaecoo 5, the urban offering from the young premium brand Chery. They share silhouette, ambition and price, but they respond to opposing mechanical philosophies.

Two visions of the accessible Chinese SUV

The MGS5 is the natural evolution of the MG4 in SUV bodywork: a platform specific to electric cars, battery under the floor and an approach centred on electrified daily use. The Jaecoo 5, by contrast, arrives in Spain in HEV hybrid version with a 1.5 turbo petrol engine supported by an electric system, a more conventional architecture that prioritises total range and ease of use in any scenario.

This is a key clarification: although many comparisons place both as electric rivals, the Jaecoo 5 available on the Spanish market is not purely electric, but a conventional hybrid. That conditions the entire subsequent technical and economic reading.

MG MGS5 — from approximately 33,300 €

The MGS5 debuts SAIC’s new MSP platform with an LFP battery of about 49 kWh in its entry Comfort trim, a rear-mounted motor of about 170 CV and a homologated range close to 340 kilometres WLTP. It is a modest figure on paper, but consistent with intensive urban and peri-urban use. DC fast charging reaches peaks close to 120 kW, enough to recover most of the battery in under half an hour.

Dynamically, it inherits the best of the MG4: rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution and a firmer suspension tuning than the segment average. It is probably the most entertaining Chinese SUV to drive in Spain today.

Jaecoo 5 — from approximately 30,000 €

The Jaecoo 5 in its HEV 1.5 TGDI 244 Pure variant combines a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with an electric module to deliver about 220 CV of combined power. The homologated consumption is around 5.5 l/100 km and emissions stay close to 120 g/km of CO₂, enough to display the DGT ECO label.

Its great asset is total versatility: a petrol tank, no range anxiety and an entry price below 30,500 euros that make it one of the most affordable hybrid SUVs on the market. Aesthetically it opts for a more rectilinear language, almost pocket-sized off-road, compared with the softened shapes of the MG.

Range and real use: the plug dilemma

Here the Spanish buyer must be honest with themselves. Whoever has a garage with a charging point and mainly makes urban journeys will find in the MGS5 a car with an unbeatable cost per kilometre. The homologated 340 km translate into real use of about 270-290 km, enough for a working week without plugging in.

Whoever lives in a flat without a charger or covers many motorway kilometres will find in the Jaecoo 5 the most practical tool: over 900 km of range with one tank, three-minute refuelling and contained consumption.

Design, space and equipment

Both are around 4.5 metres long and offer boots larger than 450 litres. The MGS5 opts for fluid styling with a horizontal light signature and a minimalist interior dominated by a 12.8-inch central screen. The Jaecoo 5 is more expressive, with a vertical grille, adventure-style alloy wheels and a cabin with a double screen and materials that, without being premium, surprise at its price point.

Summary table and score

HighMotor final verdict

The MG MGS5 wins on dynamics, energy cost and regulatory future: it is the most coherent vehicle for those who have already made the electric leap. The Jaecoo 5 wins on entry price, total range and flexibility of use. The decision, more than a question of brand, is a question about the buyer’s lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Jaecoo 5 sold in Spain electric?
No. The version available in Spain is hybrid (HEV), with a 1.5 TGDI petrol engine and electric assistance. It carries the ECO label, not ZERO.

Which one has better real range?
In electric mode, the MGS5 offers about 270-290 real km. In total range with a full tank, the Jaecoo 5 comfortably exceeds 800 km thanks to its hybrid mechanics.

Which is cheaper to maintain?
The MGS5, due to fewer moving parts, no oil changes and lower energy cost if charged at home. The Jaecoo 5 depends on the price of fuel.

Can they access Low Emission Zones?
Yes, both. The MGS5 with the ZERO label has unrestricted access; the Jaecoo 5 with the ECO label also has access, although with potentially greater future limitations.