Review: MG ZS EV

A Chinese SUV from a traditional English brand that looks like a German car: the electrically powered MG ZS EV is a thoroughly globalized vehicle. And still seems reassuringly familiar.  

If VW had not started its electric offensive until 2020, but ten years ago, the Wolfsburg-based company would probably have built a car like the MG ZS EV. That is both a compliment and a criticism of the compact SUV with which the Chinese brand will start its Europe offensive in the coming year.

Review: MG ZS EV
Review: MG ZS EV

Test: MG ZS EV - German design

There are reasons why the world market leader from Wolfsburg comes to mind when you get closer to the MG ZS. Despite the traditional English logo, the compact SUV is part of the portfolio of the Chinese SAIC Group, which together with the Volkswagen Group builds locally adapted variants of VW and Skoda models in its home country - including the legendary VW Santana for a long time which mass mobilization in China picked up speed in the 80s.

The long German-Chinese cooperation has also left its mark on MG: Even from the outside, the ZS, which has been built since 2017, looks like a slightly compressed cousin of the first VW Tiguan. The visual similarities in the interior are almost obvious: the steering wheel, door panels, buttons, switches and even some of the ventilation grilles have all been seen in models from the VW Group. You can condemn that as a copy - or enjoy the familiar atmosphere, the good ergonomics and the simple operation.

Test: MG ZS EV - good workmanship

There is still room for improvement when it comes to the choice of materials and workmanship. No wonder, since the brand is deliberately positioned as a budget provider. In direct comparison with one VW ID.3 The MG, for example, doesn't have to be ashamed of itself, it looks more conservative, but by no means cheaper. Nothing smells unpleasant here, nothing is badly glued or improperly mounted. Only during the journey does it crunch and rattle a little more here and there than you are used to from North German cars. The MG leaves the first Chinese models, which ventured into Germany a good decade and a half ago, far behind in terms of quality.

The infotainment system is surprisingly weak, however, with its slow processor, insensitive touchscreen and cumbersome user interface. After all, it offers a relatively up-to-date charging station display, which is not a matter of course even for established western car manufacturers. The space at the front is good, and two adults sit comfortably in the rear. And the trunk is also impressive with 448 liters. The charging cables fit comfortably under the false floor.

Sensitive to cold

If you drive regularly, you should keep the copper hose within easy reach. Because the short wheelbase only leaves space for a 44,5 kWh battery pack. Theoretically, the energy content should be enough for 263 kilometers (WLTP), in practice it was never more than 227 at single-digit autumn temperatures according to the on-board computer. However, they were relatively accurate. At least as long as you stay below the recommended speed on the motorway. If you reach the maximum speed of 140 km / h, you have to quickly turn right and go to the fast charger. There the Chinese draws a maximum of 50 kW direct current, which gives a fill level of 40 percent after 80 minutes. The bottom line is that around 180 kilometers of motorway travel between two refueling stops are possible. So the MG is not the first choice on the long haul. For everyday city traffic, however, that is enough battery capacity Loosely off, at the wallbox and AC charging station, the SUV has a maximum charging capacity of 7 kW. That's just enough to fill the battery up overnight. The charging process itself is a bit too fiddly and cumbersome: It starts with the flap in the radiator grille, which doesn't necessarily seem stable, continues with the stubborn rubber closures of the power connections and doesn't stop with the missing real-time charge status display in the cockpit.

When driving, the compact SUV is balanced and unspectacular. The chassis is designed with comfort in mind, the smooth and somewhat synthetic steering and the manageable engine power ensure a more relaxed driving character. The slightly raised seating position, reminiscent of a driver's seat, does not interfere with it, in which there is no real connection to the vehicle. The interior is rather average insulated, which is hardly noticeable except for fast stretches of the motorway. It is more likely that the usual e-car boost in the ZV is a bit meager - even in its electrically generated form, 105 kW / 143 PS have no easy game with a car of this size.

Test: MG ZSEV Good basic equipment

What weakens all of the criticisms mentioned, however, is the price of the MG, which will start at just under 32.000 euros when the model is available in Germany in early 2021. After deducting the environmental bonus, around 23.000 euros remain. In return, the customer gets good equipment with a touchscreen navigation system, 16-inch aluminum rims, cruise control, blind spot warning system and roof rails. For around 2.000 euros more, the full equipment is on board, which also includes, for example, artificial leather seats, a panoramic glass roof and a reversing camera. There is also a five-year guarantee (150.000 kilometers) for the car. The battery and drive train are secured for the 8 years (150.000 kilometers) that are customary in the industry.

Ambience and charging technology do not come from the top shelf of the MG. Compared to many new e-cars from the brands established in Europe, the ZS actually doesn't look very fresh (which, with three years of construction under its belt, it is no longer). In return, the car looks solid and mature. But most of all, it's cheap. So if you are not afraid of exotic brands and want a cheap but spacious electric car, you can take a look.

Technical data

Five-door, five-seat SUV in the compact class, length: 4,31 meters, width: 1,81 meters (with exterior mirrors: not specified), height: 1,64 meters, wheelbase: 2,58 meters, trunk volume: 448 liters.

Power Type

PMS electric motor: 105 kW / 143 PS, maximum torque: 353 Nm, 0-100 km / h: 8,2 s, Vmax: 140 km / h (limited), average consumption: 13,8 kWh / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g / km, battery capacity: 44,5 kWh, range 263 km (WLTP), 335 km (NEDC), charging: Wallbox (7 kW) approx. 7,5 h, fast charging (50 kW) 40 min (80 percent), test consumption: 19,6 kWh / 100 km, price: approx. 32.000 euros

In brief

Why lots of equipment, lots of space, affordable price

Why not simple material quality, limited suitability for long distances

What else VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV, Peugeot e-2008

MG ZSEV
MG ZS EV - For the time being it will remain an exception in the street scene.
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