2022 MG ZS EV (facelift) review: Should you buy it?
What's the story
MG Motor's ZS EV has been one of the few affordable electric vehicles available to the Indian car buyer and to keep the momentum going, the British automaker recently launched the facelifted version.
The 2022 model gets crucial updates, including a larger battery pack and various feature additions. It comes Excite and Exclusive trims but the former will be available from July onward.
Context
Why does this story matter?
There are only a handful of EVs on sale and the MG ZS is one of the more affordable options.
With the launch of the updated version, MG hopes to attract premium SUV buyers to its facelifted ZS and make the leap toward electric mobility.
The previous ZS has been the second most popular EV in our market after the Tata Nexon EV.
Exteriors
The car gets a new body-colored grille
The MG ZS EV (facelift) is easily distinguishable via its extensive exterior changes which include a new body-colored 'EV' grille along with slimmer LED headlamps.
The charging port is still present in the grille but the location is now changed from the MG logo to being present at the side.
Elsewhere, there are new LED taillamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Interiors
The car has a new digital instrument cluster
The basic dashboard architecture is still the same while some of the switchgear has been replaced.
The soft touch materials, contrast stitching and special carbon fiber trims increase the premium quotient while quality levels are quite high.
Elsewhere, there is a new touchscreen infotainment system with an overhauled interface while a digital instrument cluster replaces the analog dials of the previous ZS.
Space
Panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of space
In terms of space, the MG ZS (facelift) continues to do well with a good amount of legroom/headroom at the back.
That said, it is more of a comfortable 4-seater rather than a 5-seater with its lowered roofline.
The panoramic sunroof adds a crucial element of space in terms of making the cabin feel airy. The rear seat occupants get an armrest as well.
Features
From Bluetooth key to rear drive assist function
Aside from the earlier mentioned 10.1-inch touchscreen and a new digital instrument cluster, the MG ZS (facelift) also gets a 360-degree-view camera with rear drive assist, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Other features include a PM 2.5 air filter, connected car technology, wireless charging, a Bluetooth key function, six airbags, and USB Type-C ports.
Performance
The electric motor now makes more power
The electric motor in the MG ZS (facelift) now makes 176hp/280Nm. That's an increase of 33hp over the earlier model.
There are three drive modes on offer while performance is strong and seamless. Acceleration is linear and it is very relaxing to drive.
You can also customize the regeneration levels and it works very well along with measured brake pedal feel.
Range
The car has a bigger battery pack with more range
One of the biggest highlights of the MG ZS EV (facelift) is its 50.3kWh battery pack and its increased range of 461km.
We drove the car in varied city/highway conditions and we found the real-world range to be around 380km and that is very impressive.
MG Motor will provide a portable charger along with an AC fast charger as well.
Our verdict
Is it worth your money?
The 2022 MG ZS EV Exclusive trim, as tested here, is priced at Rs. 25.88 lakh. The Excite variant costs Rs. 22 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom).
The ZS EV has now become an even more desirable product owing to the larger battery pack, more range, and added features.
At this price, it does not have any competition and is a strong buy overall.
MG ZS EV