2023 MG ZS EV price and specs unveiled

Price up by 16 percent compared to the standard version, but the ZS EV Long Range promises 40 percent of additional driving range

In the recent month, MG has broadened its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the revamped ZS EV SUV. The electric vehicle now comes in two distinct models: the entry-level Excite and the premium Essence.

With a drive-away price tag of $44,990, the Excite version gives its competitors a run for their money, even edging out the BYD Atto 3 in some states. The higher-end Essence model is available for $48,990 drive-away, a significant price drop from the previously announced rates of $46,990 and $49,990.

A noteworthy update is the expanded range of the ZS EV, which now boasts a 320km range under the more stringent WLTP cycle, up from the earlier 263km. This improvement aligns it with the standard-range Atto 3.

The vehicle introduces a new software architecture named iSmart. This tech allows owners to manage the car's locks and air-conditioning remotely via a dedicated smartphone app, free for the first year.

However, Australian models of the ZS EV will not receive over-the-air updates and won't support Amazon Music streaming or live weather and traffic updates.

MG Motor Australia offers home AC chargers to support the EV's charging needs, with a 7kW Chargehub available at $1990 and an 11kW unit at $2090. Both prices do not include fitting costs.

The ZS EV 2023 comes powered by a front-mounted electric motor, delivering 130kW of power and 280Nm of torque, with a declared 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.2 seconds. This EV carries a 50.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which provides a WLTP range of 320km.

Measuring 4323mm in length, 1809mm in width, and 1625mm in height, the ZS EV sits on a 2585mm wheelbase. The car also offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty along with a capped-price servicing scheme.

Moving onto the ZS EV Long Range 2023 model, this electric SUV comes with a larger 72kWh battery pack, compared to the standard version's 50.3kWh. Consequently, it offers a notable 440km of single-charge driving range according to Europe's WLTP test cycle. This model is available for $55,990 before on-road costs, which is $8000 more than the standard-range Essence variant.

The Long Range model exhibits similar capabilities to the Polestar 2 and slightly lags behind the Tesla Model 3's claimed 491km range. However, the Long Range ZS EV compensates with a lower price point, as compared to both these competitors.

The Long Range model sees a slight decrease in power output to 115kW from the 130kW offered in the standard model, while the torque remains unchanged at 280Nm. MG states that a 50kW DC charger will take the Long Range model to 80% charge in 63 minutes, just nine minutes more than the standard ZS EV.

With a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, the ZS EV Long Range 2023 is set to launch locally in April 2023.

It's also important to note that the previous MG ZS EV model received a five-star rating from ANCAP in 2019. The adult occupant protection score was 90%, child occupant protection scored 84%, a vulnerable road user protection score was 64%, and a safety assist score was 71%. As of now, MG is reportedly working with ANCAP to acquire an updated rating for the new model.