Did you know that MG would be an EV-only brand in Malaysia? Yes, the SAIC Motor-owned brand will only be selling electric cars in the local market, however, it does offer ICE-powered cars in other ASEAN markets. Part of the company’s lineup is the ZS EV and the MG4 EV, both of which are currently open for booking.

While we have already discussed five things about the MG4 EV here, it is time to focus on the ZS EV. So, let’s get started

MG ZS EV: Body-type

After being teased for a lengthy amount of time, SAIC Motor finally opened the order books for its latest offering, the ZS EV. The latest electric car from MG is categorized under the B-segment SUV segment which makes it a comfortable ride for a family of five. Also, the car is good enough to load luggage for all passengers on board going on a weekend trip.

MG ZS EV: Price & Variants

The MG ZS EV is offered in a single variant option, namely Luxury which carries an estimated price tag of RM 129,000.

Part of every purchase is a 7-year/150,000 km mileage vehicle warranty, alongside an 8-year/180,000 km battery warranty.

MG ZS EV: Exterior design & features

The all-new electric vehicle looks like any other compact SUV available in the local market. However, the closed front panel shouts its EV nature. Here are its key exterior highlights -

• Grille-less front face: The front features a sleek, futuristic design with highlighting bits like a clean and grille-free front end, emphasizing its electric essence
• Silverstone LED front lamps: The EVs feature LED front lamps that are inspired by the iconic Silverstone circuit. The unit is a mixture of sophistication and performance.
• Phantom LED tail lamps: The lighting unit at the back showcases signature illumination that captivates attention and ensures proper visibility. It surely is a blend of style and safety.
• Sporty wheels: The EV features 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tyres; they complement the car’s dynamic look and combine agility with attitude.
• Other features: Daytime running lights with auto on/off function, follow me home, rear parking sensor, electric adjustable wing mirror signal light, 17-inch alloy wheels

MG ZS EV: Interior design & features

The ZS EV’s cabin feels like home, it offers signature illumination that instantly captivates attention and ensures full visibility. The car’s interior is a blend of style, comfort, and safety. Here are its key highlights -

• Power seats: The EV is fitted with super comfortable power seats covered in the luxury of leather. The seats can be adjusted to passengers' comfort giving them full support on every journey.
• Impressive loading & storage capacity: Being a compact SUV, the EV offers a spacious cabin and luggage compartment. The latter offers a loading capacity of 448-liter and 1,187-liter with 2nd-row seats down.
• Several storage units: Every item can find a storage space inside the ZS EV. The thoroughly designed storage spaces keep passengers' belongings organized and easily accessible.
  Power panoramic sunroof: Enhancing the sense of space, is the EV’s expansive glass sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light.
• 12.3-inch LCD virtual cluster: The 12.3-inch LCD panel offers full clarity and control by offering high-definition driving data at a glance.

• 10.1-inch on-board system: The comes with an engaging 10.1-inch infotainment system which acts as a portal to entertainment, connectivity, and car settings.
• Wireless charging: Free the cabin space free from the clutter of cables via the convenience of a wireless charger.

• Rotary gear selector: Not only does the gear selector offer a seamless transaction between drives but also marries the cabin’s elegance with ease.
• Air purification system: The EV comes with an advanced air purification system that ensures a clean and healthy environment on the inside.

• Impressive in-car entertainment: There is no dearth of entertainment features in the ZS EV. Part of the list is a 10.25-inch floating color touchscreen, 4 speakers, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, one 12-volt power outlet, and two USB ports.
• Other features: Leather steering wheel with BTHF & audio switches, full digital driver information display, rotary gear selector, rain sensing wiper, leather steering with tilt & telescopic adjustment, 3 regenerative braking modes, electric window with driver one-touch up/down, leather upholstery, 6-way power seats, keyless entry with push start ignition, and 60:40 split seats.

MG ZS EV: Driving Excellence

With a narrative of innovation, every turn in the ZS EV is a promise of future-forward travel. The electric powertrain is the protagonist of the tale which delivers agility and a whisper-quiet ride.

Part of the car’s powertrain setup is a single electric motor that drives the front wheel and produces a maximum power output of 176 hp along with a peak torque of 280 Nm. The setup allows the EV to complete a century sprint in 8 seconds.

Also, the EV packs a highly efficient electric motor with low-pressure casting technology that reduces weight, noise, and vibration levels. Compared to regular electric motors, the one in the ZS EV offers 1% higher efficiency and 10-15% more torque.

 

MG ZS EV: Utility to its best

The ZS EV showcases a 500 kg towing capacity that allows the driver to easily transport all one needs in a single drive. Also, part of the utility kit is a vehicle-to-load feature that makes the car a power source for both indoor and outdoor activities.

MG ZS EV: Strong safety kit

• Airbags: In addition to a rigid body structure, the EV benefits from six airbags which give the driver and passenger maximum protection in an accident.
• 3 Regenerative Braking Modes: The EV offers High Regenerating Energy Efficiency of up to 85.7% which extends the range up to 15.4%
• Auto unlocking: During a serious accident, this feature automatically unlocks the car

• Collapsible steering column: In case of a serious accident, the steering column will collapse automatically, thus protecting the driver’s leg
• Battery safety: The entire battery pack of the EV has undergone strict safety testing
• Active Emergency Warning: Brakes are automatically applied when the system detects an imminent collision with another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian moving in front of the EV
• Lane Keep Assist: The front camera detects the left and right lane marks and automatically adjusts the steering wheel angle keeping the EV in the middle of the lane. The system gets activated at 60 kmph and when it detects the driver is not controlling the steering wheel continuously, it raises an alarm and even displays a warning on the instrument panel
• Lane Departure Warning System: The system detects visible lane markers using a front camera and activates when the speed reaches 60 km/h. In case the wheels are close to or overlapping the marker, the system will alert the driver with an audio alarm. Further, the dashboard warning light will indicate the side overlapping the line, and the steering wheel will vibrate to prompt the driver to input steering corrections.
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA): The system automatically manages the EV's movement in traffic jams, assisting the driver in navigating the traffic flow at speeds ranging from 0 to 60 kmph.
  Intelligent High Beam Assist (IHBC): The system automatically controls Lb and Hb by detecting approaching cars' headlights from the opposite direction.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: ACC automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by detecting objects ahead within the range of 30 kmph to 200 kph using fixed-speed cruise control. Integrated Cruise Assist, on the other hand, partially controls the EV on good roads to assist drivers in staying within lanes (60km h – 150 kmph).
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD): This feature detects vehicles in blind spots on both left and right side mirrors. If a vehicle is detected, BSD will illuminate a bright warning light to alert the driver and prevent a potential collision. It activates when the speed exceeds 30 km/h.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): At the time of reversing, RCTA detects approaching vehicles from the rear end on both the left and right sides. If it detects a vehicle approaching, a warning light appears on the side where the vehicle is approaching. A warning symbol also appears on the instrument panel, alerting the driver of potential collision. It activates when the speed is below 9kmph.
• Other safety features include ABS, EBD, BA, TPMS, Electronic Stability Programme, Hill Start Assist, front & rear passenger seatbelt reminder, and 3-point with load limiters

MG ZS EV: Driving mode

The EV comprises three driving modes - ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT. Each mode is capable of coping with all road and weather conditions. The driver can adjust as per the driver's needs.

MG ZS EV: Temperature management system

The EV features a Temperature Management System that comes equipped with a liquid cooling and preheating system that ensures an ideal battery pack temperature at all times.

MG ZS EV: Charging

The MG ZS EV features DC fast charging that helps the owner to recharge the car on the go, it minimizes downtime and maximizes convenience. The AC charger comes with a capacity of 7kW that recharges the car in 8 hours.

MG ZS EV: Smart tech

With MG’s amazing iSMART tech, the owner wears confidence on his/her sleeves. The driver can check the EV's status and enhance its safety via smartphone.

The MG iSMART offers the following advantages -

• Before departure features: find your vehicle (helps determine car’s exact location), Bluetooth key (uses your phone as key), vehicle status diagnosis, route planner, and app remote control (turns air-con beforehand).
• On-the-road features: The driver can access the smarter life and command functions without moving hands from the steering by just saying ‘Hello MG’ or via the smartphone and touchscreen. The features it offers are - connected navigation, online points of interest, range visualization & charging point info, DAB+, weather forecast, hotspot, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and voice control.
• Smart Connect features: The driver can access several smart features through the touchscreen. Part of the list is - the lock & unlock car function, abnormal status alarm, set scheduled charging, and vehicle status check.

MG ZS EV: Competitors

In Malaysia, the MG ZS EV will compete against the likes of the Chery Omoda E5 and the BYD Atto 3.

Bottom line

The MG ZS EV seems like a smart and efficient car with several impressive features. A prospective buyer must check out this B-segment electric SUV.

Also Read: 2024 Chery Omada E5: What to expect