MG ZS EV

While all the midsize crossovers and SUVs are upping the ante when it comes to interior designing and features, the MG ZS EV seems to lack behind in this cut-throat race. The cabin is far from appearing dated but somehow looks too simple and clean for a modern-day SUV.

The flat bottom three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with its silver finish for the lower spoke looks and feels great to hold, however, the instrument console layout looks too basic and a bit outdated. The center console here looks broad and is tilted slightly towards the driver's side. A large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits in the middle in a trapezoidal housing, the upper edge of which gets slim asymmetric AC vents. The propeller-like round AC vents on the corners of the dashboard and the sleek silver garnish line flowing across the width of the dashboard adds a premium touch to the cabin.

The overall cabin of the MG ZS EV is very spacious for five passengers, and the presence of a panoramic sunroof adds to the spacious feel of the cabin even more. However, apart from the sunroof, the MG ZS EV gets a simple features setlist, which includes the essentials in the form of a powered driver’s seat, tilt-adjustable steering, automatic climate control, push-button start with keyless entry, and PM 2.5 air purification system.

The MG ZS was regarded as one of the most balanced designs to have ever come out from the design house of MG. This MG ZS EV is based on the first-ever MG ZS model, which was given a subtle facelift for the year 2020. This makes it look one generation old, but still relevant and proportional enough.

At the front, the MG ZS EV has got a wide front grille with its jewel-studded theme on its inside, which gets tapered edges on its lower corners and small chrome extension on its upper sides, which then join the inner boundaries of the headlamps. The headlamps here are shaped like bird’s eyes and get simple halogen projector bulbs flanked with split design daytime running LEDs.

The side profile of the MG ZS EV looks quite aerodynamic for a crossover/SUV, with its curved fender design and sleek creases emerging from the front fender and one above the rear fender. The subtle roof rails and slim body cladding running throughout the side profile adds some muscle to the design of the MG ZS EV.

At the back, the MG ZS EV looks too simple and clean, with a fuss-free design for the boot lid, the outer corners of which are fitted with the LED tail lamps, the outer design of which mimics that of the front headlamps. Here too, the rear bumper gets thick body cladding to give that essential SUV touch to the design.

The MG ZS EV gets humble mechanical underpinnings under its skin, with a monocoque frame and a soft suspension setup of Macpherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. The overall ride quality and handling balance of the MG ZS EV is quite decent, with minimal possibility of body roll making it a good handler too.

The MG ZS EV sources its thrust from a 44.5 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack paired to a permanent magnet synchronous motor and single-speed gearbox. This powertrain is powerful and economic at the same time – while it produces an impressive 143 PS of maximum power and 353 Nm of maximum torque, the maximum drive range of the MG ZS EV is claimed at 335 km. The battery takes 7.5 hours to get fully charged, while it can be fast-charged up to 80% in just 40 minutes.

The MG ZS EV is blessed with all the safety essentials, with the list of safety features including front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, hill start assist, hill descent control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, reverse parking sensors and reverse camera.

The MG ZS EV might not be too exciting to look at from the outside as well as inside. However, the zippy electric powertrain and supple ride quality make it a hugely practical car for urban usage and show the way how the future of electric crossovers lies for the budget segments.