Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

MG ZS EV review: performance, motor & drive

The MG ZS EV doesn't offer a thrilling drive, but it should do more than enough to satisfy typical family-car buyers

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Performance, motor & drive rating

3.0 out of 5

Price
£30,495 - £35,495
Fuel Type:
Electric
Model0-62mphTop speedDriven wheelsPower
Standard Range8.0s108mphFront174bhp
Long Range8.2s108mphFront154bhp

Keen drivers with memories of MG sports cars of old are unlikely to be queueing up to buy the ZS EV, but then they're not really the car's target market. Maybe the upcoming MG Cyberster roadster will be more suitable. The MG ZS EV is perfectly competent around town, even if the ride is perhaps a little lumpy for some tastes.

MG ZS EV 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

The updated ZS EV uses a single electric motor that produces 174bhp in the Standard Range version, and 154bhp for the Long Range model. Both pump out 280Nm of torque and drive the front wheels only. The car will sprint from 0-62mph in over eight seconds, although the performance from 0-30mph is more impressive – and arguably more relevant in urban and suburban driving. Top speed is 108mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are three driving modes to choose from in the ZS EV: Eco, Normal and Sport. Even in Eco mode, the car has enough punch for town driving and more, while Normal makes throttle inputs sharper and more reactive. The Sport mode, however, doesn’t unleash a hidden sporty side to the MG. 

You also get three switchable regenerative braking modes, which can be toggled through using the 'KERS' switch; the strongest of the trio isn’t quite resistive enough to enable one-pedal driving.

Handling

The ZS EV is best suited to those who want a car to get them from A to B with little fuss. It gets the job done, and many will be happy with how the soft suspension is able to deal with bumps and the decent level of refinement it offers. Hop on the motorway and the electric SUV is comfortable and quiet, although not the most serene EV on sale.

However, the ZS EV can feel slightly wayward at times, with a bit too much body lean. The steering also lacks keel and there isn’t an impressive amount of grip. One of the biggest bugbears is the lack of reach adjustment in the steering wheel and the completely flat seat bases, which may make it hard for people to find their ideal driving position and get comfortable behind the wheel.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Nissan’s masterplan: 6 new cars by 2026, including next-gen Micra, Leaf successor and revamped Juke,
New Nissan Future models - Picture 1
News

Nissan’s masterplan: 6 new cars by 2026, including next-gen Micra, Leaf successor and revamped Juke,

Nissan has set itself a target of introducing 30 new models globally over within the next two years
25 Mar 2024
New Genesis Neolun concept paves the way for the GV90 SUV
New Genesis Neolun concept - picture 1
News

New Genesis Neolun concept paves the way for the GV90 SUV

With a host of new technology, the Neolun is the brands first step towards a full-size electric SUV.
27 Mar 2024
Rolls-Royce Spectre review: almost the last word in fully-electric luxury
Rolls-Royce Spectre - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Rolls-Royce Spectre review: almost the last word in fully-electric luxury

The Spectre is Rolls-Royce’s admirable first step into the world of electric cars, but it’s not quite perfect
26 Mar 2024