MG ZS EV restyled (2022). Price, autonomy and performance on the rise

MG is restyling the ZS EV, and this update shows.

MG updates its ZS EV electric SUV. It gains in multimedia equipment and driving aids, is more distinguished from the thermal model on the aesthetic level and, above all, benefits from a significantly increased range. Its prices remain attractive with a starting price of € 30,990.

It’s time for a restyling for the MG ZS EV. The electric SUV has only been offered with us since the end of 2019, but it is based on the thermal ZS (unavailable in France) launched in 2017 and then restyled in 2020. With this update, the British manufacturer of the Chinese group SAIC corrects some notable defects of “phase 1” such as its relatively low battery life and its somewhat dated interior presentation.

MG ZS EV blue — The rear bumper adopts a less massive style.

A stronger electrical identity

On the look side already, the updated ZS EV stands out more clearly from its thermal alter ego. It abandons its black grille in favor of a full but textured body-color panel, and the charging hatch is no longer located behind the front logo but next to it. The front lights have been refined and the shield below redesigned. Also at the rear, we notice a new light signature and a less “adventurer” style bumper due to the disappearance of the lower skid plate.

MG ZS EV grille — The electric version of the ZS adopts a full grille.

MG ZS EV static — It is in profile that the evolution is least visible.

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Make way for screens

Inside the ZS EV, the counters are replaced by a 7-inch digital instrument panel, and the central touch screen now oriented towards the driver sees its diagonal pass from 8 to 10.1 inches. It remains to be seen whether the new iSmart infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, will be more responsive than the previous one which clearly fished on this point. Between the first row seats, a thumbwheel takes the place of the lever to control the automatic transmission, which is still connected to the front wheels only.

MG ZS EV instrumentation — Digital counters, enlarged central screen and new transmission selector are on the menu for this restyling.

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Up to 440 km of WLTP autonomy

MG Motor completely overhauls its copy when it comes to the ZS EV powertrain. The first version of the vehicle was only offered with a 143 hp engine and a 44.5 kWh battery giving it a range of 263 km in the WLTP cycle. The newcomer is available with two mechanical configurations to choose from. In an entry-level version called Standard Autonomy, it is equipped with a 51 kWh accumulator powering a 177 hp engine and can travel 320 km on an official charge. A new Extended Autonomy variant offers 440 km of WLTP autonomy thanks to a 69.9 kWh battery connected to a 156 hp engine. The on-board charger of this version supports a charging power of 11 kW, against 6.6 kW for the more modest ZS EV. The Extended Autonomy model is the first to be marketed; it will be available from the end of October 2021. The ZS EV Autonomie Standard must arrive in dealerships later.

MG ZS EV dynamic — MG announces up to 440 km of autonomy for the ZS EV.

The equipment of the MG ZS EV

In the absence of luxury or sportiness, MG relies on high-tech equipment from the basic Comfort finish, while showing a price that is always contained. The restyled ZS EV starts at € 30,990, or € 1,000 more than the one it replaces, excluding ecological bonus. Its standard equipment includes: