Will the RM 20k+ advantage the ZS EV has over the its rivals prove to be a winning formula for MG?
Aside from debuting the MG4, SAIC Motor Malaysia has also brought along the MG ZS EV to fulfil its local launch lineup. Arriving in a sole variant with the rather attractive price tag of RM 125,999, this B-segment crossover is currently gunning to snatch some sales away from both the segment heavyweight BYD Atto 3 and newcomer Chery Omoda E5.
And just to prove this point too, aside from its price tag that is some RM 20k lower than its other two aforementioned rivals, MG is also currently throwing in quite a few goodies to further entice buyers into its e-SUV. Among these include:
- 7-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty
- 8-year/180,000 km battery warranty, with 1-to-1 replacement if battery health drops below 70% during warranty period
- Free 7 kW AC Wallbox Charger worth RM 4,600 (limited time only)
Talking specs now, propulsion for the MG ZS EV comes courtesy of a front-mounted motor that outputs 130 kW (176 PS) and 280 Nm of torque. This in turn translates to a reasonably decent (for an SUV at least) century sprint time of 8 seconds, before eventually running out of puff at 175 km/h.
As for what powers its motor meanwhile, the Malaysian-spec MG ZS nets the sole option of a 51.1 kWh lithium ion battery pack, which MG claims is good for a WLTP-rated range of 320 km. This particular pack accepts AC charging of up to 7 kW for an 8-hour full charge, in addition to up to 50 kW DC CCS charging, that sees for a 10-80% top up taking 54 minutes.
MG is further keen to highlight that available with this ZS EV are three levels of regenerative braking, in addition to 3 selectable driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport). Though most buyers will probably be more interested in the rather comprehensive safety package available with this SUV, which includes 6 airbags, the usual array of passive safety tech (ABS, EBD etc.) and the MG Pilot ADAS, that encompasses Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), 360º surround view camera among others…
Moving back outside and touching on its dimensions, the MG ZS EV measures 4,323 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, and 1,649 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,585 mm. This sees for it to be slightly smaller (about 100 mm in length) than both the Atto 3 and Omoda E5.
In terms of aesthetics, the blacked-off front grille of this ZS EV (which incidentally hides the charging port) is to be flanked by projector LED headlights with integrated DRLs. 17-inch alloy wheels and LED wing mirror indicators are subsequently to be found along the side of this SUV, with its rump topped off by similarly LED rear light clusters and a massive MG badge.
Turning within the ZS EV on the other hand, among the key features are its class-leading panoramic glass roof that measures 870 mm x 1,365 mm. Similarly large too with this SUV is its 448 litre cargo capacity, which can be increased up to 1,187 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded down.
On the kit front, the MG features within a 7-inch digital multi-information display and 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration), which is seen from behind a leather-wrapped red-stitched multi-function steering wheel and inset within a similarly red-accented padded dashboard respectively. Also present within the ZS EV are two USB ports up front (with a third built-in for a DVR), a wireless charging pad and a rotary gear selector.
Four colours will be available with the MG ZS EV at launch. These are namely the Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Black Pearl and Monument Silver.
