The first generation MG 5 was launched on 28 March 2012 in China, and shares the same automotive platform as the Roewe 350 saloon car.

For most markets outside China and Thailand, the MG 5 nameplate is used for a different model, which is the export version of the Roewe i5.

The production MG 5 is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol four cylinder "VTi-Tech" engine, producing 80 kW (109 PS; 107 bhp) and 135 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft).

[8] According to SAIC, the second generation MG 5 features the third generation MG family design language, including a front fascia similar to the 2020 MG HS facelift, with engine options include a 1.5 litre turbo petrol four cylinder engine developed by SAIC, producing 173 PS (127 kW; 171 bhp) and a 1.5 litre petrol four cylinder engine producing 120 PS (88 kW; 118 bhp).

ANCAP (aligned with Euro NCAP) rated the Australasian-market MG 5 zero stars in 2023 due to the lack of seatbelt pre-tensioners and its autonomous emergency braking being limited only to car-to-car and vulnerable road user.

[16] In response, MG announced a $4 million worth of investment to introduce safety changes to the MG 5 to improve its crash-test performance for occupants by adding new collision avoidance features, which will be launched sometime in 2024 for the Australian market.

[17] The MG 5 received a performance variant called the MG 5 Scorpio for the 2022 model year with the front fascia completely redesigned and an additional performance-inspired body kit and additional colour options.

The MG 5 was launched in July 2021 in Thailand, in four trim levels: C, D, D+, and X; powered by the 1.5-litre SAIC 15S4C engine.

[20] In March 2024, the Pro model was introduced in Thailand which comes in D and X trim levels, alongside the 100th Anniversary Special Edition.

[30] The Chinese-imported MG 5 was one of only two vehicles introduced to Australia in 2023 to get the lowest possible Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP, aligned with Euro NCAP) safety rating of Zero stars in its Australasian market configuration.

Imported from Thailand, it is available in a sole variant powered by a 1.5-litre SAIC 15S4C engine paired with a CVT.