MG ZS EV: Review of A Car That Has It All

The EV market is here to stay. Any buzz or upgrade in an EV creates ripples in the industry. That’s what pretty much happened with the MG ZS EV. It was launched in January 2020 and was upgraded in 2021 with a bigger battery and more extended range. And it created a rage and how.

It has changed the way India is traveling. Now, no more jerkings, and this point goes pretty much underappreciated. There are no vibrations or hard jerks due to gear changes and gradual speed reduction due to regenerative braking. It looks more modern and EV-like, and the design changes stirred less sensation if compared with other ICE, but the extended range and battery took the cake. After all, it is the most critical aspect. So, why not talk about that first? 

Key Features of the MG ZS EV

New MG ZS EV: battery

The upgraded EV has a bigger battery pack and a 50.3kWh unit. Well, there is a difference of only 5.8kWh. The number is small, but it sure does pack a punch when we talk about the range of the car. The upgraded version claims 461 km (ICAT). With a fully charged battery, the updated ZS EV is good for 357 km in Eco mode, 340km in Normal mode, and 306 km in Sport mode. 

The figures fluctuate in different terrains, ambient temperatures, and driving styles. The above range is reasonably sufficient for travel enthusiasts who like exploring places in their cars. The extended range is making a significant difference between reaching your destination or getting stuck just before.

New MG ZS EV: recharging

The larger battery will need a longer recharge time. With a 7.4kW AC wall box charger, the ZS can charge from 0-100 percent in 8.5 to 9 hours. The 50kW DC charger takes just 60 mins. MG India provides Exicom 7.2 KW units free with this car and can be installed in your home. MG India has also lowered the power draw on the same so that the unit consumed stays within its sanctioned load. 

Apart from this, there is regen MG ZS EV, which also gets three levels to alter the intensity. But it falters in using its full potential. So, if the regen is set to the first level and the speed is broken from the triple-digit, the regeneration will be only to level 1, and not all the regen force will be available. There is also no display of gain in range by using regen. It could easily have been added in a digital instrument cluster.

Well, the above specifications have satisfied the tech geeks. But what about exteriors and built quality?

The exterior of MG ZS EV

Before going all out on exteriors, let’s talk about the variety of colors provided by MG India. MG ZS EV comes in four vibrant colors, which are Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Colored Glaze Red, and Candy White. MG India has given a lot of thought to the colors as they can make a huge impact on buying decisions. Apart from the colors, the interiors and exterior of the car should exude classy vibes. 

The front is dominated by a bug grill, which is body-coloured and houses the charging port. There are chrome handles in the side doors with request sensors and the wheel caps over the alloy wheels, which aids aerodynamics. The rear has also been modified and includes LED rear lamps that are similar to Astor. Headlamps are LED. 

Another aspect that is worth mentioning is that the tires are Michelin branded 215/55 R17 profile; the earlier version had 215/50 R17 profile. The recommended air pressure is 41 PSI. The tires have been imported from China and cost a whopping 22K per tire, as per the service advisor. 

Positives and Negatives of the MG ZS EV

Well, we have given a detailed review on what are the good aspects of the MG ZS EV. But let’s do a comparison of positives and negatives.

What we liked:

• Smooth, vibration-free driving.
• Quick acceleration, which means speed goes 0-100 in 10 seconds. Hence, a fun ride on highways.
• Armed with safety features including 6 airbags, TC, ESC, ABS, Blind spot monitoring, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers
• It ensured a range of 350 km, even at good highway speed.
• Pleasant interiors including 360 camera, connected car technology, sunroof, cruise control, Bluetooth key, remote monitoring, selectable regen, music app, etc
• Excellent after-sales service with coverage on warranty, service pack, RSA
• Spare wheel.
• Negligible maintenance costs.

What we didn’t like: 

There are some missing features, which cost a whopping 25L. 

• No steering reach adjustment, lumbar support, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats
• Softer suspension, which leads to bouncy rides on rough terrains at higher speed 
• Lack of lumbar support also means that the car can’t be driven at a stretch.
• Non-availability of fog lamps.
• Tech could be improved in the infotainment system.

Review of MG ZS EV after driving for 6 months

It is an absolute breeze to drive this car on the expressway. We thoroughly enjoyed all the power on sports mode without any worry about range. An EV can beat an ICE day when you are talking about convenience without compromising on the adrenaline pump during a highway ride. Also, for someone who loves to spend much time sitting in the car with AC running, this car is a great fit. The car roughly loses 1.5% per hour while idling with AC at 24C. 

So, should I buy an MG ZS EV?

Though priced at Rs 25.88 lakh, excluding some interior changes, it is still Rs 8.73 lakh more expensive than the Nexon EV. But it is a superior product in most respects, and with a weekend drive thrown in, then the ZS EV is just about perfect.