MG’s best-selling pure electric vehicle, the ZS EV will be available to order later this month. With refreshed aesthetics, a veritable ton of new in-cabin technology and improved performance, MG has also added a long range battery and improved charging capabilities.
In a market that is becoming increasingly competitive, the MG ZS EV finds itself looking like good value against class-leading award winners. The refreshed model sees more tech features added in a bid not just to stay relevant and increase brand appeal, but to take on the bigger brands, all guns blazing.
So what’s changed?
The modest styling changes to the front and rear of the MG ZS EV include a more aerodynamic front end ‘electric-only’ grille, redesigned rear bumper and new wheels.
The biggest change in this update is the 72kWh long range battery, offering a range of 273 miles—a steep climb from the 163-mile claim of the previous model. With the capacity to charge from 0-100% in just over forty minutes on an ultra-rapid 100kW charger, or more realistically, ten and a half hours on a standard 7kW home charger, the MG ZS EV offers a bigger battery than rival Hyundai Kona Electric, with a shorter charging time. The charging port moves from its previous position behind the MG badge to a slightly offset position for ease-of-access and visual indicators have been integrated to denote charging status too.
Interestingly, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is available as standard with the MG ZS EV, which enables drivers to charge other devices, such a laptops or an electric bike, from the vehicle.
And inside?
It’s all about technology. The in-cabin technology has seen an upgrade to a 10.1-inch tablet-style infotainment display. A new digital instrument cluster is coupled with over-the-air software updates (like your mobile), which enable MG to maximise security of the connected features and minimise the need for the customer to go to the dealership or download something at home.
What’s more, the new MG ZS EV also has a companion app to the iSmart connectivity suite, called, erm, iSmart, which enables drivers to remotely control the door locks, schedule charging and activate the climate among other things.
Anything else?
The new MG ZS EV is the first pure electric vehicle in the MG range to be able to tow—albeit a modest 500kg.
What this means for you
Prices start from £28,495 on-the-road (after the Plug-in Car Grant) for the entry-level SE model. With automatic aircon, adaptive cruise control and a birds-eye view parking camera, it’s a competitively priced option. Of the additional two trim levels, Trophy and Trophy Connect, the latter is arguably the better value. After the PiCG, £31,495 will get you fancy additional features, such as a panoramic ‘Sky Roof’, leather-style seats, wireless phone charging and heated front seats.
Trophy Connect also provides further technology features, with live services added to the iSmart connectivity suite, including weather, real-time traffic information (RTTI) and Amazon Prime. The standard MS Pilot ADAS suite also features Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection, which aren’t offered as standard, but help justify the extra £3,000.
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Further reading
>> The best electric SUVs 2021
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