MG ZS EV Long-Term Review

Introduction

The all-new MG ZS EV is a fully electric vehicle manufactured by SAIC Motor, a Chinese automobile manufacturer. The MG ZS EV was first launched in the UK in 2019 and is now being introduced in the Indian market. It is a plug-in hybrid SUV that promises efficient performance and comfortable ride quality. It may not be the most influential electric vehicle in its class, but it is one of India's most affordable total electric vehicles. The MG ZS EV has a comprehensive equipment list that includes: an 8-inch hi-tech infotainment system, intelligent drive assistance, a two-zone climate control system, power windows, and a host of safety features like airbags, ABS, traction control, hill hold assist, and more. MG's first all-electric vehicle was designed to offer a practical, affordable, and fun way of getting around. It has been met with enthusiastic praise from the motoring press for its range, features, and value-for-money proposition.

In this review, we will see how it performs in everyday use for family life and whether it is a good fit for potential electric car buyers. We will cover aspects such as range, reliability, charging, performance, value for money, and other notable features.

Design and Features

The MG ZS EV has a modern and sporty design that adds to its appeal. The exterior of the SUV has sharp creases and curves, giving it an aerodynamic shape. It has a slim grille with a smoked finish, while the headlamps are slim LED units with circular fog lamps mounted in the lower bumper. The sides have body-colored ORVMs, and the wheel arches have been given muscle for a dominating road presence. A chrome strip connects the tail lamps, and the car has a shark fin antenna.

The interior of the MG ZS EV has a well-laid-out dashboard with soft-touch materials and beige leather upholstery, giving it a premium feel. There is a digital instrument cluster situated in the center of the dashboard. The 8-inch infotainment system has Android Auto and Apple Carplay for enhanced convenience. It also has a rearview camera, keyless entry, climate control, power windows, and more.

The MG ZS EV is a sophisticated example of modern-day electric vehicles. Its appealing design is dominated by an oversized MG grille at the front, complemented by angular headlights, integrated bumpers, and angular wraparound LED tail lights. The overall result is a bold look that distinguishes it from other electric cars. An extensive touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dashboard, and a generous amount of leg and headroom dominates the cabin's design. The electric powertrain makes the cabin quieter, with only a gentle whir that quickly fades into the background when the car moves.

Performance

According To ARAI, the MG ZS EV is powered by a 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives it a maximum range of 340 km. The battery can be fully charged in about 6-8 hours from a home charger or 50 minutes from a DC fast charger. The electric motor's power output is 143 PS and 353 Nm of peak torque. It has an electronically limited top speed of 140 km/h.

The electric motor is mated to a single-speed auto transmission which is silent when shifted. The SUV has an adequate pick-up and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. Despite its impressive performance, the MG ZS EV is also efficient and can return a mileage of up to 272 km/l on a full charge. Moreover, the MG ZS EV has three driving modes, Eco, Normal, and Sport, for better control over the ride.

Once on the move, the MG ZS EV delivers an engaging driving experience. Thanks to its electric powertrain, it feels surprisingly nippy, accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Handling-wise, the car feels stable and sure-footed, with direct and responsive steering and an impressive level of grip. The suspension is tuned for comfort, making for an enjoyable ride in town and on the open road.

The ZS EV also has an impressive level of refinement. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, and there is very little motor noise in the cabin. The car also has various driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and emergency braking.

Safety and Comfort

The MG ZS EV is well-equipped with safety features like airbags, ABS, ESP, hill-hold assist, and traction control, to name a few. The car also has an electric parking brake, rearview camera, and an auto-hold system which ensures the vehicle remains stationary without applying brakes.

The MG ZS EV has a comfortable ride quality, further enhanced by the McPherson strut suspension at the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear. The SUV also has good grip and stability even on sharp turns and an impressive ground clearance of 175 mm, better suited for Indian roads.

Range and Charging

The MG ZS EV has a claimed range of 262 miles on a single charge, making it one of its class's most extended-range electric vehicles. In real-world testing, it is found that the range could vary significantly depending on the driving conditions. For example, the mileage would be lower on long country drives than in urban areas, but it always stayed between 200 and 260 miles. That said, it is still more than enough range for most people's daily commute.

The MG ZS EV can be charged at both fast and slow chargers. A 50 kW DC charger can charge from 0 to 80% in about 40 minutes, while slower AC outlets can take up to 8 hours for a full charge. The car also supports regenerative braking, which can recapture energy from braking and coasting and put it back into the battery to extend its range.

Reliability and Aftersales

The MG ZS EV has proven to be highly reliable in many testing. The car had no significant issues, and all controls and systems worked as they should. Being an electric car, there are very few moving parts to worry about, which helps to keep maintenance costs down.

MG also offers a comprehensive warranty on the car, covering the battery for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition, the car comes with a seven-year perforation warranty, covering any rust which may occur. MG also offers a seven-day/1,000 miles exchange policy for customers who change their minds after buying the car.

Value For Money

The MG ZS EV offers excellent value for money for performance, range, and equipment. Prices start from �27,495 after the government grant, and depending on the variant, one can get optional extras such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel.

Regarding running costs, the ZS EV is one of the cheapest electric cars to run. Official fuel economy figures are currently N/A, but in many testing, the car consumed between 4 and 5 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, averaging 4.5 kWh/100 miles. This works out at around �2.75 per 62 miles, making it much cheaper than its petrol and diesel-powered rivals.

Conclusion

The MG ZS EV proves to be an excellent electric car for everyday use. It offers a great range, is reliable, has plenty of features, and is excellent value for money. It's a great choice for electric car buyers looking for a practical and affordable family car for city and motorway driving. It has an impressive range of 260 km(may vary a bit) and a decent pick-up. The car also has good ride quality and the necessary safety features. All these factors together make the MG ZS EV one of its segment's most attractive electric cars.