MG ZS EV Review

The most affordable electric SUV

The high starting price of most electric vehicles remains a big barrier for many to make the switch to an electric car. The clearest exception to this rule is MG. Thanks to this rejuvenated brand offering the most affordable electric SUV in the MG ZS EV, and the most affordable electric estate car in the MG 5 EV, their sales and stature as a brand is certainly growing.

In fact, while the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe and Tesla 3 have become electric car favourites, that label can now be applied to the MG ZS EV as one of the most popular current electric cars.

The previous incarnation had a smaller battery and smaller range, that still did the job the well, and earned many fans and buyers. But now this new Long Range model offers 100 miles more range.

While the styling now looks more modern and sharp (and different from the petrol MG ZS) and inside offers a larger 10.1 inch touchscreen.

All in all there’s a lot to like about this car…

A Long Range electric SUV

The MG ZS EV now offers a WLTP range of 273 miles, which puts it close to the more expensive and highly respectable Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro.

This new impressive electric range is achieved with a 72kWh battery (up from the previous 44.5kWh battery. While the MG ZS EV packs an electric motor notching up 154bhp and 280Nm of torque that lets the MG accelerate from 0-60mph in a rather zippy 8.2 seconds, and hit a punchy top speed of 108mph.

The battery can also rapid charge at up to 76kW. That means that using a 50kW public rapid charger can get you 80% charge in 1 hour 3 mins (about 215 miles). While for regular overnight charging using a 7kW wallbox, it take 10.5 hours for a full charge, though given that you should typically charge up to 80% for best battery health, and you’ll likely run down to 30 or 20% battery before you charge, or less, overnight charging is likely to be done in half the time.

A speedy electric SUV

On the road, the MG ZS EV really shows you how quickly it can pick up speed. To be fair, that’s a feature of just about every electric vehicle, but perhaps because of the SUV dimensions the MG feels especially peppy. And getting onto the motorway and overtaking is a breeze.

However, the MG ZS EV is best enjoyed around town, thanks to great visibility from a high driving position, and light controls that make it really easy to live with and use day to day.

It also features a 360-degree camera system that really helps when parking and negotiating tight roads.

On rougher roads, the MG ZS EV isn’t amazing, it can be a little unsettled and responsiveness on steering feels like it drops, however this is very typical with electric SUVs, and in most cases you’ll be on steady town and city roads, or motorway stretches, where the MG ZS EV is more than capable.

Spacious interior

The main update inside the MG ZS EV is the new larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, which works in a similar way to a tablet, allowing you to swipe and scroll between pages.

The MG ZS EV is packed with features too, such as smartphone mirroring and satellite navigation both included, and something MG calls ‘iSmart’, that allows remote functionality, meaning you’re able to use the MG app on your phone to heat or cool the car and lock, and unlock it too, which is snazzy.

A new digital dial system and updated climate settings also give the MG ZS EV a higher-quality feel inside. However some hard plastics still remain.

Since its launch, the MG ZS EV has always had serious family appeal, and this latest version adds to that. With a larger battery there’s no impact on passenger space, and it still has a massive 470-litre boot (along with space dedicated to store the cables).

Plus, you can also choose to have a panoramic sunroof, though this can dent headroom in the back slightly.

Well-equipped

There are three trims to choose from – SE (replaces Excite), Trophy (replaces Exclusive), and a new top-spec Trophy Connect.

All specs come with plenty of standard equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, bi-function LED headlights, climate control, keyless entry, digital dials and the new larger touchscreen.

Upgrade to the Trophy trim to get extra touches like leather-style upholstery, heated and electric front seats, wireless smartphone charging, and panoramic opening sunroof.

While Trophy Connect offers live services for satellite navigation, to alert you to traffic and weather updates. While that’s nice we think the SE or Trophy more than suffice.

A cheap electric SUV

MG excels on value for money. The MG ZS EV is far cheaper than its electric SUV rivals. It is more expensive than its predecessor, due to the larger battery, but it’s very much worth it for that extra range.

Starting from £27k, the MG ZS EV has prices that you can’t beat if you want an electric vehicle that can carry a family and lots of luggage too.

An excellent choice 

In many ways the MG ZS EV is a no-brainer, if you want an affordable electric family car, and you favour the SUV body style.

It’s a no-nonsense electric family car that’s become tangibly better in its latest incarnation, with better range, exterior looks, and interior quality.

In fact, when we looked at electric cars that save you money, this model came out on top. You can read our article here.

Some rivals may be more stylish, and a smidge better to drive, however the MG ZS EV is a great option if you want to switch to electric driving with a car that’s spacious for the family, goes the distance, looks good, and is affordable while being electric.