MG ZSEV

In the future, Chinese cars will be our daily bread. The Asian giant has begun to deploy its first units in Europe. The MG ZS EV is one of them. An electric SUV with reduced dimensions that aims to demonstrate that the Chinese automobile industry is capable of making products as good as the general brands already resident in the old continent.

Although it may not seem like it, the ZS is the second oldest model of the brand MG, a company that now belongs to the giant SAIC, one of the largest producers in the Chinese industry. It was launched on the local market in 2017, although it was not until 2019 that exports to Europe began. with a very limited number of units. In 2022 the thermal versions of the MG ZS are introduced.

In 2021 the landing of the electric takes place together with its older brother, the MG EHS, undergoing an important restyling at the end of that same year. An early update based on a aesthetic change, an improvement in technology and an increase in performance and autonomy. In this way, the small electric is updated in the face of ever-increasing competition.

Technical characteristics of the MG ZS EV

Within the SAIC automobile conglomerate, many models share a platform and development with the aim of reducing the cost and simplifying production processes. In the particular case of the MG ZS, its development is linked to the MG GS. The 100% electric version derives from that same development, adapting part of its structure to house the entire electrical system.

Due to its measurements, the ZS EV is located in the B-SUV or utility SUV segment, a very popular and currently demanded market in our country. Outwardly it reaches 4,31 meters long, 1,81 meters wide and 1,64 meters high. A large size within the category. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,58 meters, which allows a maximum of five passengers to be accommodated inside.

Three of them are located in a somewhat narrow second row of seats in shoulder and leg room, where passengers over 1,85 will suffer from certain discomforts. Regarding its load capacity, the MG ZS EV offers a trunk with a minimum capacity of 448 liters. Volume that can be increased to 1.166 liters when the second row of seats is folded down in its 60:40 ratio.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the MG ZS EV

Like we have already said, MG's approach to the ZS EV is that it be a 100% electric vehicle with the advantageous CERO label of the DGT. The engine is located at the front, on the same axis from which it derives its strength. As part of the 2021 facelift, the ZS includes more options. There are two versions available: Long Range and Standard Range.

The first one offers a 50,3 kWh gross capacity battery that is connected to a single front electric motor. Offers 177 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. With a consumption of 17,3 kWh per 100 kilometers, it announces a range of autonomy of 320 kilometers. The model Long Range It has a battery of 70 kWh of gross capacity and a motor of 156 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. Its official consumption of 17,8 kWh/100 km allows it to offer a approved range of 440 kilometers.

Recharging is always a point of special attention in an electric vehicle. In this case MG has decided that the maximum recharging power is 90 kW in direct current and up to 11 kW in alternating current. With these data, the recovery times of the MG ZS include periods ranging from 23,4 hours to recover 100% if we connect it to a conventional domestic outlet, and 40 minutes to go from 0 to 80% if we plug it into a fast post 90 kW.

Equipment of the MG ZS EV

As with the EHS, from the inside the ZS EV is capable of surprising more than one. Far from the concept that we may have of a Chinese car, the reality is that the passenger compartment meets all European quality standards, which claim to be the most demanding in the world. The sense of perceived quality is good thanks to well-selected materials and adjustments that, for the most part, yield a good feel and an optimal feeling of durability.

As is customary in the house, the equipment packages are very closed, limiting the customization options for the client. The range is limited to just two steps: Comfort and Luxury. Outside of them it is impossible to add or subtract equipment, limiting the possibilities to a range of colors with only five different shades, at a cost of 753 euros.

As far as equipment is concerned, The MG ZS EV improves its offer in the restyling of 2021, having cutting-edge elements. It comes as standard very complete, although in its maximum level of equipment details such as: digital instrumentation, rear camera, driver's seat with electrical adjustment, multimedia system with 8-inch touch screen, connectivity for mobile phones and the MG Pilot safety equipment stand out.

The MG ZS EV in video

The MG ZS according to Euro NCAP

As appropriate, the MG ZS was subjected to the corresponding Euro NCAP crash tests in 2019. In these tests, the Chinese electric SUV showed excellent ratings, obtaining the five Euro NCAP safety stars. By sections, the results were as follows: 9 in adult passenger safety, 8,5 in child passenger safety, 6,4 in pedestrian vulnerability, and 7,0 in driving assistant performance. These valuations are still valid after the update at the end of 2021.

MG ZS EV rivals

The Chinese know very well what they are doing. Although their experience in the automotive world is not as extensive as that of other European or Japanese brands, they know that in the old continent people are looking for SUVs. While the EHS is offered in the main segment, the C-SUV, the MG ZS EV belongs to the second most important market today, the B-SUV. That means that its list of rivals is long and impressive, but in this case we must look at the models that have 100% electric versions. That feature reduces the opponents to a few units: Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka, Hyundai Kona, DS 3 Crossback, KIA e-Soul, Lexus UX y Mazda MX-30.

Highlight

Competitive price
Standard equipment
ride comfort

To improve

Closed mechanical range
Few customization options
Autonomy

MG ZS EV Price

In the utility SUV segment, one of the main selling points is price. Being exclusively electric, the ZS considerably increases costs. The starting price of the MG ZS EV is 33.690 euros. That figure corresponds to a model with standard autonomy and Comfort finish. The most expensive model in the family is the long-range ZS EV with a Luxury finish, in which case the starting price is 40.490 euros, without offers or promotions.