Summary
MG’s rebirth under Chinese ownership has been massively successful, with the brand now a genuinely major player in the UK car market. Much of this success has come from its electric models, like the MG ZS EV seen here.
The MG ZS EV is a small electric SUV, which has found more praise than might be expected from seasoned road testers in the UK media. Auto Express says it has “… real appeal – as a second car, company car or an affordable route into a pure electric vehicle.”
As the name suggests, this is a battery-electric version of the petrol-powered MG ZS small SUV, which launched in 2017. Replacing the petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor and 45kwh battery, the ZS EV has become a significantly better vehicle.
The electric motor is much quieter and smoother than the petrol engine in the regular ZS, which makes it a far nicer place to spend time. And like every model in the MG family, you get a lot of car for your money. The ZS EV undercuts other small electric SUVs by thousands of pounds, making it a very affordable way to make the switch to an electric car.
As well as its price advantage, the MG ZS EV has plenty of practicality. It’s surprisingly roomy inside, and in our own The Car Expert review we highlighted substantially more boot space than non-EV rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-3.
Interior finish is nothing to get excited about but, as several reviews point out, for its price some hard plastics in evidence is hardly surprising. The review in the Daily Mirror also found that the driving experience was nothing to be sneezed at, as the MG’s “… low-down centre of gravity, due to the batteries, gives a secure feel and the ride quality is better than in many crossovers.”
The current ZS EV is an updated version of the original model, arriving in the UK shortly before Christmas 2021. Crucially, this update saw a larger battery provided, which increases driving range from 163 miles to a far more usable 273 miles. That alone makes the latest ZS EV a far more viable option for many households.
As of January 2024, the MG ZS EV currently holds an Expert Rating of 69%, which is fairly average but still better than the petrol version. The facelifted model has been scoring significantly better than the original model, so this score is likely to keep improving as older reviews drop off and are replaced with newer ones.
ZS EV highlights
- Affordable route into EV driving
- Practical
- Big boot
- Comfortable ride
- Comes with long warranty
ZS EV lowlights
- Dull to drive
- Cheap plastics inside
- Rivals go further on a charge
- Not so modern infotainment
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £30,495 on-road
Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“One of the biggest compliments paid to the MG ZS is that those seeking a smaller SUV should consider it alongside much bigger-selling models from the better-known names in the business, so it’s no surprise that MG has chosen this car with which to step into the electric arena.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Affordable, practical and offering increased range, the all-electric MG ZS EV makes a strong case for itself.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2021 Facelift
Score: 8 / 10
” It’s a bargain EV for those prioritising range and roominess on a budget, but there are compromises to make on quality. It won’t suit everyone, but it’s an appealingly affordable electric SUV.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 2021 Facelift
Score: 7 / 10
“The ZS EV’s range is good for its price and its equipment levels are comprehensive, even if it’s lacking in perceived quality.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“By the standards of electric SUVs, which are saddled with sizeable battery packs, the ZS does weigh relatively little. MG claimed 1534kg at the kerb, which our test car weighed in very close to.” (Matt Saunders)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Its strengths are jaunty styling, plenty of equipment, ease of driving, good quality and a seven-year warranty on battery and car.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Trophy Connect Long Range
Score: 8 / 10
“Looking to make the switch to EV power but still having concerns over range and affordability? Well, MG’s tweaked ZS EV SUV could be the answer.”
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Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s the electric SUV for people who just want an electric SUV. Not a posh badge. Not a sub five-second 0-62mph time. And not a two-speed transmission with a shiftable planetary gear set.
The MG ZS EV is cheaper than its rivals with better battery tech than most.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2021 Facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG ZS EV has always been a no-nonsense electric family car, and this latest version only builds on that. The much longer electric range really increases its appeal, as does its much-improved interior.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The MG ZS EV is a surprise hit thanks to a powerful electric motor, excellent practicality and bargain price.” (Ben Custard)
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re in the market for a spacious and affordable EV, the MG ZS EV could be for you. It has plenty of practicality to offer, but be wary of overall refinement issues.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 44.5kWh Exclusive
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The MG ZS EV has its flaws around the driving experience, infotainment and some areas of cabin quality, but the costs equation stacks up very nicely and it looks smart.”
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Daily Mirror
Score: 6 / 10
“Affordable electric vehicle that’s value for money.”
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG ZS EV is a well-equipped and practical small electric family car, with the new Long Range version offering impressive range at an affordable price.” (Richard Ingram)
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“While it isn’t sporty to drive like you might expect from a car wearing an MG badge, the ZS EV is a practical family electric car. Its strong points are a good range and a long warranty, both of which give you peace of mind.”
Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: ZS EV Trophy
“The new Trophy model is a welcome freshening up of the ZS EV with the longer mileage range a big plus factor for many drivers and with the interior changes made still makes it one of the more affordable, practical and comfortable compact SUVs currently in the market.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Trophy Connect
Score: 7 / 10
“The MG ZS EV is basically a good car to drive. and it’s also practical. Perhaps most importantly, it’s one of the more affordable electric cars, and motorists need as many affordable electric cars as possible. However the infotainment system falls well short of most rivals, and a steering column that’s adjustable for reach would be a useful improvement.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The MG ZS EV is an all-electric compact SUV that’s good to drive, a practical size, and it’s also relatively affordable.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“There simply isn’t an electric car on the market that represents as impressive value for money as the MG ZS EV. Upgrades in 2021 mean it’s more useable than ever. You still get a generous amount of standard equipment, too, while a seven-year warranty should put your mind at ease.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“There aren’t many new car bargains these days but we reckon the MG ZS EV is one of them. A recently upgraded battery means it now has a genuinely competitive range, while the new infotainment system is just as good as you’ll find in mainstream.”
Read review
Move Electric
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The MG ZS EV represents a lot of car for the money, provided you can live with the limited range and the rather uninspiring driving experience and lumpy ride. For many, these compromises will be worth living with for the extra space and that confidence-inspiring warranty. And if the range is an issue, well there’s a bigger battery version on the way.” (James Disdale)
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
”Good value, decent driver-assistance tech and long range.“ (Murray Scullion)
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range review
“The ZS EV looks like a conventional SUV crossover at first glance, and MG says there haven’t been any practicality compromises in creating the electric model, thanks to some clever packaging around the battery pack.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 72kWh Trophy long range
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG ZS feels old fashioned in good and bad ways, but more importantly it isn’t as efficient as rivals which are coming to the market in their droves. The fact remains, however, that the MG fills a gap for those who simply want a battery car without frills or fancies and at a keen price.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Granted, the MG ZS EV is not a car that lives in the very heart of Top Gear’s mental terrain. But it has some compelling aspects. If you’re the person in your social circle who ‘knows about cars’, you’re going to be asked about it. After all, people have heard of MG now. In the UK, MG outsells Renault.” (Paul Horrell)
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG ZS EV is not exactly the last word in driving dynamics, but it is roomy, well-equipped and extremely well-priced. We reckon the Long Range version in SE trim is the pick of the range.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 70%
Despite its budget price tag, the MG ZS EV score a top five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP when it was launched in 2019. This score is better than several more expensive vehicles.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the MG ZS EV has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the ZS EV is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the MG ZS EV to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the ZS EV, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 235 miles | B | 163 – 273 miles | B – C |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 3.8 m/KWh | C | 3.6 – 3.9 m/KWh | C – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 28 | B | 21 – 28 | A – B |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £141 | A |
| Year 2 | £354 | A |
| Year 3 | £585 | A |
| Year 4 | £715 | A |
| Year 5 | £989 | A |
| Overall | £2,784 | A |
In addition to the MG ZS EV’s rather affordable price tag, the SUV is also very cheap to run. It’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is decent, while insurance premiums should be good compared to other cars as well. But the even better news is that scheduled servicing costs for the ZS EV are excellent.
In addition, an official battery range of 235 miles (which varies from 163 miles to 273 miles, depending on which model you choose) is just above average. So you shouldn’t need to worry about running out of charge in normal day-to-day driving.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the MG ZS EV has received
2022
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Family Electric Car
- What Car? Electric Awards – Best Used Small SUV
2021
- What Car? Electric Awards – Best Used Small SUV
2020
- Company Car & Van Awards – Best Medium EV
- Southern Group of Motoring Writers Awards – Dark Horse of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the MG ZS EV, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën ë-C4 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia e-Niro | Kia Soul EV | Mazda MX-30 | Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot e-2008 | Vauxhall Mokka-e | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge
The MG ZS EV launched against a small number of direct rivals but new ones are coming along all the time, recent examples including the Mazda MX-30. The most direct alternatives remain the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro, while many also consider the electric standard bearer, the Nissan Leaf.
Buy an MG ZS EV
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Subscribe to an MG ZS EV
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
