2024 MG ZS EV Review

Even after some recent price increases, the MG ZS EV lineup is a mighty attractive package for buyers looking for an affordable and well-equipped compact SUV that glides silently on its electric motor.

The MG ZS EV enjoyed quite the head-start on its competitors, in 2024, major rivals have very much caught up and are looking to get a greater slice of the pie.

Let’s take a look at the 2024 MG ZS EV range to see how it stacks against its most popular rivals, defends its spot amongst the best-selling battery-electric SUVs in Australia and whether it remains a go-to option for EV buyers on a budget.

MG ZS EV Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the 2024 MG ZS EV range kick off from $41,990 for the entry-level ZS EV Excite, while stepping up to the ZS EV Essence brings the price to $44,990.

Buyers looking for larger driving figures per charge also have the option of the range-topping MG ZS EV Long Range which is priced at $51,990.

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MG ZS EV Essence Specifications

What Features Does the MG ZS EV Have?

The base model MG ZS EV Excite comes riding on 17-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster.

Stepping up to the MG ZS EV Essence adds leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless smartphone charger, roof rails and automatic wipers.

Over this, the range-topping MG ZS EV Essence Long Range receives rear privacy glass.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

MG packages all members of the ZS EV range with a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits below the air vents and receives DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation as standard.

The 10-inch unit helps to give the ZS EV a high-tech nature in the front of the cabin and is fairly simple to use, access your real-time driving and charging information, change your media settings or adjust the climate control settings.

In the base ZS EV Excite you’ll pick up a four-speaker sound system that is pretty modest in power but gets the job done, while upgrading to the Essence range adds a more powerful six-speaker sound system.

The ZS EV range also receives a 12-month subscription to MG’s connected vehicle services dubbed the ‘iSmart’ app.

This offers everything from information on the vehicle’s charge level, driving range, remote locking and vehicle location services delivered to your smartphone.

Does the MG ZS EV Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Unfortunately, while the MG ZS EV has a large and modern display, the company’s 10-inch display is only able to deliver Apple CarPlay & Android Auto via a physical USB connection.

While this may be a little disappointing for buyers looking for wireless smartphone connectivity, at the very least, it’s a quick and simple process to connect your smartphone via a USB-C or USB-A cable.

Is the MG ZS EV Comfortable to Drive?

The driving experience behind the wheel of the MG ZS EV doesn’t lead the pack in terms of refinement, though it’s got all the fundamentals of a small, electric SUV covered.

Thanks to the instant hit of juice from its electric motor, acceleration off the line is pretty decent - far more than the 130kW of power and 280Nm of torque on the spec sheet may suggest.

Just a note - buyers opting for the ZS EV Long Range will see power drop marginally to 115kW in the interest of the most efficient driving figures.

Thanks to the immediate power delivery, the ZS EV feels relatively light on its feet, even while lugging around a large battery pack, though the acceleration does taper off as you pick up the pace.

As a fit-for-purpose small SUV for the city, the ZS EV fares well, with its relatively soft suspension package helping to iron out bumps on the road while a light steering rack makes it easy to park.

The trade-off here is driving engagement, with the ZS EV’s cornering abilities not exactly a key selling point, though for the majority of buyers, it’s user-friendly and pretty well-mannered around town.

Pick up the pace and the ZS EV feels a little unsettled by rougher country roads, though it behaves itself on the highway and makes for a smooth, near-silent highway cruiser.

How Far Can You Drive the MG ZS EV on a Single Charge?

MG offers the ZS EV in two main variants, each of which picks up a different battery pack, while both have an officially energy consumption figure of 17.1kWh per 100km on the WLTP tests.

The base MG ZS EV, you could call it the ‘standard range’ comes packaged with a 50.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery that claims up to 320km of range on the WLTP test cycle.

For buyers in need of some longer driving figures per charge, the ZS EV Long Range picks up a larger 72kWh battery pack offering a claimed 440km of range on the WLTP test cycle.

• MG ZS EV ‘Standard Range’ - 320km from 50.3kWh battery pack

• MG ZS EV Long Range - 440km from 72.kWh battery pack 

How Fast Can You Charge the MG ZS EV?

MG’s DC fast-charging infrastructure is somewhat lagging behind its most competitive rivals, though with access to the right DC fast-charger, you can still charge at speeds up to 50kW.

This means you’ll bring the ZS EV Standard Range’s battery from 0 - 80 per cent in a claimed 54 minutes.

Charging the ZS EV Long Range’s 72kWh battery pack takes upwards of 63 minutes for a 0 - 80 per cent charge with a 50kW DC fast charger.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While it’s not the fanciest interior design on the market, MG has done a pretty impressive job when it comes to maximising space and practicality from its small SUV platform - though there are a few catches.

Upfront, the lofty driving position will come as a pleasant surprise for some buyers when it comes to visibility, though taller drivers may find the permanently tall seats a little intrusive for headroom.

The same applies to the lack of telescopic adjustment in the steering wheel, which can be adjusted vertically, but lacks the reach adjustment for a perfect fit.

Having said that, though, the fundamentals on offer in the ZS EV’s cabin are solid, if not a little underwhelming, but it’s important to remember the emphasis here is on value, rather than visuals.

The layout is simple and identical to the standard ZS, though this means you do pick up the same storage options like a tray behind the rotary gear dial, cupholders and added storage inside the centre console’s folding armrest, door pockets and bottle holders.

Move to the rear and the ZS offers a healthy amount of space for rear occupants in a segment plagued by knee-breaking compact SUVs, with the absence of a transmission tunnel adding to your feet real estate.

There’s decent headroom, even with the flagship’s panoramic sunroof and just enough legroom for adults to get comfortable on a long trip, meaning you won’t hear any complaints from kids sitting back here.

The MG ZS EV’s second row picks up a pair of bottle holders, power outlets, as well as USB ports to keep devices charged up, while a pair of ISOFIX anchors on the outboard seats and three top tether mounts will keep the parents happy.

How Big is the MG ZS EV’s Boot?

The MG ZS EV proves itself a mighty practical little SUV with its generous rear bench accommodation, as well as healthy boot space figures that total 359L with the seats standing.

Fold down those rear seats and you’ll unlock 1,187L of cargo space to lug around bulky items, surfboards and a run to the hardware store, with a tyre repair kit, rather than a space-saver hiding beneath the boot floor.

Is it Safe?

MG’s most affordable member of the ZS EV range comes reasonably well-equipped with safety equipment, though we can’t award it full marks considering some key pieces of kit are reserved for the Essence.

As standard, the ZS EV Excite picks up autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a surround-view monitor, traffic sign recognition and six airbags inside the cabin.

Must-have safety features like rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring are, however, reserved for buyers willing to fork out extra for the ZS EV Essence.

Does the MG ZS EV Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The MY24 MG ZS EV range does not have a current ANCAP safety rating.

Though, for reference, its predecessor - introduced in 2020 and sold until late 2022 - was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022 after scoring the following marks.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 90%

• Child Occupant Protection: 84%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 64%

• Safety Assist: 71%

What Warranty Does the MG ZS Come With?

MG offers the ZS EV range with an outstanding seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, while the battery and high-voltage components are also protected by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The company offers buyers a capped-price servicing program for seven services which totals $3,610.

Service intervals for the ZS EV range stand at a lengthy 24 months or 40,000 kilometres -  whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the MG ZS EV Worth it?

While it’s no pack leader, it’s hard to ignore the MG ZS EV range when it comes to value for money.

With its relatively spacious interior layout, long warranty coverage and healthy driving range figures in the case of the ZS EV Long Range, there’s a lot to like about the package if you’re after an affordable electric SUV.

We’d encourage you to at least add the MG ZS EV to your shortlist of competitively-priced electric SUVs and, on that note, if you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help you find the best possible price.

Five MG ZS EV Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. 320km driving range in base model, 440km in long range 

3. 359L boot expands to 1,187L with rear seats folded

4. Seven capped-price services (intervals at 24-months/40,000km)

5. Expired five-star ANCAP safety rating