Launched initially as a 72.6kWh Long Range version, New MG ZS EV range will be joined by a second battery option with a 51.1kWh capacity early in 2022. Both battery options in the New ZS EV offer more power and considerably greater range than the outgoing model. Combined range for 51.1kWh versions is 198 miles, 35 miles more than the outgoing model with 44.5kWh battery. Long Range versions offer a combined range of 273 miles, or an amazing 370 miles of city driving.
Some exterior design changes, such as the full LED front lights and signature rear light design, will be familiar from facelifted versions of the petrol MG ZS launched last year. Unique for New ZS EV are the front and rear bumpers with improved aerodynamic performance from the one-piece front bumper and grille. Also new are the 17” alloy wheels with ‘Propeller’ aero covers for improved efficiency.
The charging port, still located at the front, is now more convenient to access via a smaller side opening cover. Charging status is now readily viewed on the four stage indicator LED’s inside the charging port. The combination Type 2 and CCS charger provides up to 7kW fast charging using the on-board AC charger, or up to 76kW DC rapid charging (depending on climactic conditions). This means the Long Range 72.2kWh battery can be charged from 0-100% in 10 ½ hours on a standard 7kW rapid charger. With Vehicle-to-Load capability now available as standard you can even charge or power other external equipment using an accessory charging cable.
On the inside, the easy to use rotary gear selector and toggle switches for driving modes and regenerative braking are unchanged, but above them the piano keys and 10.1” tablet screen first seen on the ZS petrol facelift are now introduced for New ZS EV. Along with a larger display New ZS EV is the first model to feature the latest infotainment software, which is now much quicker and more intuitive to use with modern graphics throughout.
New MG ZS EV will be the first model to feature new version names. SE replaces Excite as the entry point to the range. An exciting addition to the infotainment system and ownership experience is the addition of iSmart. iSmart allows owners to control various vehicle features and functions from a smartphone app. Pre-heating, charge scheduling, journey planning and vehicle status are among the many features of iSmart. Offering a range of additional online ‘live’ services, customers can upgrade Trophy versions to Trophy Connect, adding real-time traffic and route planning, weather updates, POI searches and access to Amazon Prime.
Continuing the list of new equipment, a full digital driver display is standard on all versions, a wireless phone charger on Trophy versions is a first for MG, electronic air conditioning on the outgoing model is upgraded to auto temperature control, 360 degree parking camera is added to Trophy versions and there are even 2 USB-C sockets to connect the very latest devices.
New MG ZS EV will be the first fully electric MG vehicle to offer towing capacity. A 500kg towing capacity means owners can now attach small trailers or fit a cycle carrier for example.
An increased colour palette is available with the addition of Monument Silver. Pimlico Blue is replaced by Battersea Blue in alignment with the MG ZS petrol range.