All-new 2019 MG ZS EV: prices and specs

Final specifications and pricing for the 2019 MG ZS EV have been announced. MG’s first fully electric car claims 163 miles of range on a single charge, and includes MG’s latest safety technology suite as standard.

The ZS EV arrives in dealerships in September and MG is offering a £3,500 discount, which it calls the ‘MG EV Grant’, to the first 1,000 customers. Combined with the plug-in car grant of £3,500, the discount results in a starting price of £21,495 for the Excite model. As well as the extra money off, the first 1,000 customers will also receive a home charging point fitted free of charge.

Best electric cars to buy now

The new electric SUV will be the first of several new MG models arriving in the next two years, as the brand expands its model line-up. With the ZS EV will be aiming to tempt buyers away from more expensive rivals.

16

The ZS EV has a 44.5kWh water-cooled lithium-ion battery and a single 141bhp electric motor powering the front wheels. MG claims the ZS EV will sprint from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 87mph, which is comparable to rivals such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Nissan Leaf.

Three different driving modes are featured along with three different levels of regenerative braking. The braking intensity can be changed to suit different driving styles, with the highest level giving a ‘one pedal’ driving experience with minimal need for the brakes.

Rapid-charging capability is also featured, allowing the ZS EV to be recharged to 80% in 40 minutes. If you want to charge via a 7kW wall charger, it’ll take six hours.

Outside, the ZS EV looks very similar to the petrol-powered version with the same ‘star rider’ grille design, which houses the car’s charging point hidden behind the backlit MG logo. Aerodynamic 17-inch wheels are fitted as standard, with MG claiming the design helps to extend the car’s driving range. Four exterior colours are available, including the new ‘Pimlico Blue.’

The interior features new soft materials with metallic accents and leather-trimmed seats. In the centre of the dash is a new eight-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sat nav as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A rotary style gear selector also features. Other standard features include DAB radio, keyless entry and a panoramic sliding sunroof.

16

An array of safety kit is also fitted as standard with the MG Pilot suite, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Detection and Active Emergency Braking. This standard kit list should go some way to improving the MG ZS’ score in our 2019 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, as it previously ranked bottom out of 100 cars for safety equipment.

Practicality matches the conventionally powered models with 448-litres of boot space, a split-level boot floor and rear folding seats to help accommodate larger items.

If you’re considering buying an electric SUV, take a look at our review of the Hyundai Kona Electric.