MG ZS EV Review (2022)

Read Caroline’s MG ZS EV review for everything you need to know about buying MG’s compact electric SUV in Ireland in 2022.

MG made a return to Ireland in 2020 with the launch of a new line-up of electric and hybrid cars. The MG ZS electric was the first to launch here and has been joined by the MG HS plug-in hybrid SUV and the MG5 electric estate car.

But the MG ZS seems a particularly well-placed car in the Irish market, combining the trend for SUVs with an electric powertrain.

Now MG has given the ZS EV a facelift and a new battery with a significant increase to range, which bodes well for this SUV. The ZS EV will continue to be offered in two trim levels, Excite and Exclusive.

What’s new for the 2022 MG ZS EV?

On sale in Ireland priced from €32,995, including the SEAI grant and VRT relief, the MG ZS EV for 2022 has a new 72.6 kWh battery with a range up to 440 km (WLTP).

This replaces the first edition of the ZS EV, which launched with a 44.5 kWh battery and a range of 263 km (WLTP). The starting price has gone up, but the MG ZS offers that bit more comfort now on a full charge.

The MG ZS EV has a quite conventional look for an electric compact SUV. But the facelift has certainly given it a more modern and confident stance. That’s mostly down to the new front end design. There’s a closed, stamped-effect grille for the very first time, which helps the car stand out more. Especially in a bright colour like the Brilliant Blue of the test car!

This design feature is said to improve aerodynamics but it also now houses a more on-trend, side-opening charging port. It feels a bit sturdier than the access point on the previous version of the car that was positioned behind the MG badge.

LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights also feature, as does a redesigned rear bumper and new wheel designs.

Inside the MG ZS EV

The revamp continues inside the 2022 MG ZS EV. The cabin of the MG ZS has a nice snug and sporty feeling from behind the wheel. It’s quite a mature design for a B-segment SUV.

This new version gets a significant upgrade when it comes to the infotainment and digital technology on board. There’s a new digital instrument cluster for the driver. The 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen has new graphics and improved functionality. It looks better than the previous version and is more responsive.

There’s also a new iSMART connectivity system, which offers connection via a dedicated smartphone app for the first time. Features in the app include remote locking and unlocking, setting the air conditioning and heating, and activating the windscreen demister. Charging status and statistics can be viewed through the app, and you can also instantly stop or start a charge, and schedule charging.

There’s also wireless phone charging, as well as the first over the air (OTA) software updates from MG, including new features and improvements.

The MG ZS EV is a generously sized small SUV for the B segment. There is lots of headroom and large windows make the cabin bright and welcoming. The rear will seat three, though it will be most comfortable for two. The rear footwells are a decent size for this class of vehicle too.

There are plenty of handy storage spaces in the cabin. Buyers will find a good boot of 470 litres. The split folding rear seats enable you to expand this to 1,116 litres. Charging cables can be stored neatly under the boot floor leaving the boot clear of any apparel.

What are my options?

The ZS EV Excite model, priced from €32,995 (after grant and VRT relief) comes with automatic air conditioning, bi-function LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, 360 parking camera, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, sat nav, iSMART infotainment system and multiple USB charging points.

The Exclusive model, priced at €35,995 (after grant and VRT relief), adds a full panoramic roof and leather-style seats, along with more comfort and convenience options such as roof rails, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charging.

MG’s suite of driver assistance technology also features. MG Pilot includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist. The Exclusive model also gets Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.

The 2022 MG ZS is the first fully electric vehicle in the MG range to offer towing capability. A 500kg towing capacity means owners can now attach small trailers or fit a bicycle carrier.

The new MG ZS EV is also equipped with a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) system as standard. This allows the battery to supply energy to an external electrical system via a charging cable with a type 2-plug on one side that fits into the car’s charging socket, and a power strip with household sockets on the other side. Ideal for powering a kettle, cooling box, e-bike, laptop, electric scooter or even another electric car!

Driving the MG ZS Electric

On the road, the MG ZS EV makes good progress, moving effortlessly from town to motorway. Steering is light and the MG ZS feels agile through bends. It’s generally comfortable on the smooth stuff for a compact SUV, though you will feel the bumps over rough surfaces in town or rural roads.

The new 72.6 kWh battery gives this latest MG ZS a clear advantage over the previous version. The WLTP range is now 440 km, with 156 hp available. From my experience, the MG ZS will comfortably return over 350 km in mixed driving, which makes all the difference between charges.

Regenerative braking also features and the automatic transmission can be set to Eco, Normal or Sport mode.

The combination Type 2 and CCS charger provides up to 7kW fast charging using the on-board AC charger, or up to 76kW DC rapid charging. The new MG ZS EV can reach an 80% charge in about 40 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger, about 1 hour from a 50kW charger, and a 100% charge in about 10.5 hours using a 7kW charger at home.

Did you like it?

The latest MG ZS EV is more than just a facelift, with the new battery giving this car more flexibility and appeal.

Yes the price has gone up since the MG ZS first entered the Irish market. But with more range, the new MG ZS 72.6 kWh gives buyers more comfort between charges. It is also still competitively priced among a still rather limited market of small electric SUVs.

The new front end design also lifts the ZS considerably for more style and presence on the road. The interior update makes this car more user-friendly, along with the addition of the new app and new interesting technology features like vehicle to load charging for the first time.

The MG ZS EV has become a more familiar sight on Irish roads in just over one year since launch. This new version will help the brand to establish itself even more among buyers in the market for a new electric car.

Model tested: MG ZS EV Exclusive
Price: €35,995
Battery: 72.6 kWh
Power: 156 hp
Torque: 206 Nm
0-100km/h:  8.4 seconds
Top speed: 175 km/h
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Motor Tax:  €120 per year

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes