The refreshed MG ZS EV SUV is now out in India, with prices starting at ₹21.99 Lakh for the entry-level Excite variant, going up to ₹25.88 Lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the top-spec MG ZS Exclusive. MG India has just opened bookings for the Exclusive variant, while the Excite will be available for booking from July this year.
The biggest update on the ZS EV facelift lies beneath its skin. The previous 44.5kWh battery pack has been replaced with a larger 50.3kWh battery pack. MG claims a range of 461km (as per ICAT) with the bigger battery, which is 42km more than the 419km claimed range of the previous pack.
The ZS EV continues to be powered by a front-axle mounted electric motor that now produces 176hp and 353Nm, which means that the power has increased by 33hp as compared to the 143hp power output of the previous model. MG claims that the new ZS EV accelerates from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds.
The facelifted ZS EV looks more in line with the Astor. For example, the slimmer headlamps with the new LED daytime running lamp signature and LED tail-lamps are similar to the Astor. That’s where the similarities end, as the ZS EV gets a number of EV-specific touches. Notable among these is a new body-coloured, blanked-off frontal section that replaces the traditional grille. The front and rear bumpers are new for the EV as well and get sporty detailing. It also gets a unique design thanks to its 17-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, the equipment list includes a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system in place of the old 8.0-inch unit, and a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster replacing the analog dials. It also gets a 360-degree camera and rear drive assist feature which includes blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
For now, the new ZS EV is currently the most expensive mass-market EV on sale in the country, and will compete with the upcoming Hyundai Kona Electric facelift in the coming months.