MG just announced the pricing of its MG ZS EV electric car, which enters the British market later this year (customer deliveries are expected from September).
The first all-electric MG is described as "the first truly affordable, family-friendly electric car" and the price really catches our attention (more on the technical side below).
The base version MG ZS EV Excite will be available effectively from £21,495 (€23,810 / $26,720) including the £3,500 Plug-In Car Grant and another £3,500 MG's promotion for the first 1,000 retail customers. Moreover MG adds a free home charging point and standard installation.
The more expensive, better-equipped Exclusive version starts from £23,495 (£2,000 more), which is still a lot less than the base 39 kWh Hyundai Kona Electric (£27,250) and even less compared to the Kia Niro EV (e-Niro). Those who are interested in a more affordable alternative (or don't want to wait on the other EVs) can sign up for the ZS EV by placing a £500 deposit to secure a place in the first 1,000 group.
Daniel Gregorious, Head of Sales & Marketing at MG, said:
“With an exciting £21,495 price point at launch, ZS EV is a compelling option for customers who want to switch from old school petrol and diesel cars and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of electric motoring. ZS EV is here to revolutionise the way people think about electric cars. With the first truly affordable, family friendly electric car, MG is bringing zero-emissions motoring within everyone’s reach. Make no mistake, this car isn’t a brand statement or a vanity project, we’re here to sell electric cars and to sell big!”
It's hard to say much about the demand for ZS EV in the UK, but the Chinese factory is reportedly able to deliver 300,000 annually according to MG, but we take it with a pinch of salt as SAIC would need to have 13 GWh of batteries on hand.
Both the battery and car are covered by a 7-year warranty (but we didn't obtain details just yet).
MG ZS EV news
MG revealed also that the 44.5 kWh battery pack will be good enough for about 163 miles (262 km) of range under the WLTP test cycle. It sounds like a decent starting point, especially for city driving in/around London. The electric motor is rated for 105 kW and 353 Nm of torque.
MG notes also that the ZS EV is "the most high-tech MG ever, with MG Pilot driver assistance suite".
"Packed with innovative features, ZS EV is designed to provide customers with a stress-free driving experience. MG Pilot is a driver assistance suite which complements the driver and offers support when required. Excite and Exclusive versions both include MG Pilot as standard, with features including Advanced Emergency Braking, Blindspot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
ZS EV majors on interior space, making it ideal for busy families and those who value practicality. Boasting some of the most generous shoulder, leg and headroom in its class, the ZS EV also features a substantial, full-sized boot. With hidden storage areas, a split-level boot and practical features to keep items secure on the move, ZS EV can handle bikes, pushchairs, luggage and bulky loads with no trouble at all. In the cabin, the sky really is the limit with the panoramic, sliding Sky Roof offering uninterrupted access to the sunshine above, creating a bright and airy experience for the whole family.
Customers will also enjoy the latest generation of MG’s responsive infotainment system, with an 8” colour touchscreen featuring satellite navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming and DAB radio."
Now, we finally will be able to see whether an affordable Chinese electric car can give Western manufacturers a run for their money.
MG ZS EV specs:
- WLTP range of 163 miles (262 km)
- 44.5 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack (CATL cells)
- 105 kW (143 PS) and nd 353 Nm electric motor
- front-wheel drive
- 0-100% charging in 6.5 hours using 7 kW on-board charger
- 0-80% DC fast charging in 43 minutes
Gallery: MG ZS EV
MG ZS EV, THE FIRST TRULY AFFORDABLE, FAMILY FRIENDLY ELECTRIC CAR
Iconic British brand MG launches the first truly affordable, family friendly electric car
MG ZS EV available from just £21,495 for first 1,000 retail customers *
Price includes free home charging point and standard installation *
MG ZS EV is the most high-tech MG ever, with MG Pilot driver assistance suite
Go anywhere with 163 miles WLTP range and frequent rapid charging capability
Car and lithium-ion battery covered by MG’s famous 7 Year Warranty
MG’s Gigafactory capable of producing 300,000 EV batteries per year
MG Motor UK today announces its entry into the zero-emissions vehicle market with the first truly affordable, family friendly electric car. The sensational MG ZS EV has been designed to bring EV technology to a wider audience than ever before and represents an exciting new chapter in the MG story.
ZS EV is MG’s most high-tech car ever, with the MG Pilot driver assistance suite setting new standards of specification and delivering exceptional value for money. ZS EV combines the spacious and practical design of the original ZS with a clean, efficient and dynamic electric powertrain. With the first 1,000 retail customers able to get behind the wheel from just £21,495, MG is bringing zero-emissions motoring to the people. Combining a WLTP certified range of 163 miles and frequent rapid charging capability, families can enjoy the freedom to go anywhere in an electric car. MG is also proud to be offering ZS EV with its famous 7 Year Warranty that covers the car and the lithium-ion battery.
Packed with innovative features, ZS EV is designed to provide customers with a stress-free driving experience. MG Pilot is a driver assistance suite which complements the driver and offers support when required. Excite and Exclusive versions both include MG Pilot as standard, with features including Advanced Emergency Braking, Blindspot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
ZS EV majors on interior space, making it ideal for busy families and those who value practicality. Boasting some of the most generous shoulder, leg and headroom in its class, the ZS EV also features a substantial, full-sized boot. With hidden storage areas, a split-level boot and practical features to keep items secure on the move, ZS EV can handle bikes, pushchairs, luggage and bulky loads with no trouble at all. In the cabin, the sky really is the limit with the panoramic, sliding Sky Roof offering uninterrupted access to the sunshine above, creating a bright and airy experience for the whole family.
Customers will also enjoy the latest generation of MG’s responsive infotainment system, with an 8” colour touchscreen featuring satellite navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming and DAB radio.
ZS EV features an intelligently packaged and water-cooled 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, fed to a front-mounted electric motor which delivers 105kW / 143PS of power and 353Nm of instant torque. Water-cooling manages the battery temperature allowing frequent rapid charging and optimum range whatever the weather. MG’s ingenious packaging positions the battery pack underneath the car, meaning that there’s no compromise in cabin or storage space. This also results in a low centre of gravity, making ZS EV agile and dynamic through corners. While power and weight distribution are important, ZS EV also boasts some impressive technology to maximise range, efficiency and convenience for the driver. With three driving modes and three levels of regenerative braking, ZS EV can be tailored to suit the driver’s preferences, making it the perfect companion for everyday driving.
Both the car’s internal and external styling elements make the ZS EV feel reassuringly MG. ZS EV sports the latest evolution of MG’s distinctive star-rider grille which perfectly frames the famous octagonal logo. It also seamlessly integrates the CCS charging port. The new-style 17” alloy wheels are designed to be light and extremely aerodynamic, helping to maximise range even further, and the choice of four exterior colours includes the new and vibrant Pimlico Blue.
Daniel Gregorious, Head of Sales & Marketing at MG, said: “With an exciting £21,495 price point at launch, ZS EV is a compelling option for customers who want to switch from old school petrol and diesel cars and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of electric motoring. ZS EV is here to revolutionise the way people think about electric cars. With the first truly affordable, family friendly electric car, MG is bringing zero-emissions motoring within everyone’s reach. Make no mistake, this car isn’t a brand statement or a vanity project, we’re here to sell electric cars and to sell big!”
ZS EV customer deliveries will begin in September 2019. Customers wishing to make sure they secure one of the first 1,000 retail cars, available from just £21,495, can place a £500 deposit to reserve their place in the queue by visiting mg.co.uk/electric.
* MG ZS EV Excite starts from £28,495 OTR. After deducting the Government Grant of £3,500 and the matching MG EV Grant, the first 1,000 retail customers can purchase their car from just £21,495. MG will also match the Government Grant on Exclusive versions, reducing the £30,495 OTR price to just £23,495. Free home charging point and standard installation also applies to the first 1,000 retail orders.