New 2019 MG ZS EV: prices announced

MG has confirmed the first 1,000 examples of the new ZS EV will be priced from £21,495, with first deliveries due in September. The brand’s first EV competes against the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro but undercuts them on price.

Prices rise to £24,995 for entry-level model once the first 1,000 examples have been sold. The range will top out at £26,995 for flagship models.

• Read our first drive review of the MG ZS

The MG ZS EV’s produces 141bhp and 353Nm of torque. As such, it’s now the fastest accelerating model in the ZS line-up, with a 0–60mph time of 8.5 seconds. The fastest petrol powered variant manages the same sprint in 10.4 seconds. However, the EV’s top speed is lower than the conventionally powered models at 87mph.

MG’s all-electric compact SUV is powered by a water-cooled 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which the British brand claims will charge from empty to 80 per cent capacity in 43 minutes when plugged into a 50kW fast-charger. If charged using a domestic 7kW wall box, charging to 100 per cent capacity will take six and a half hours.

20

The British brand also promises that its new EV won’t be limited by the supply issues which have hampered the sales of its rivals. Over the past few years, the brand’s parent company, SAIC Motor, has spent around $7 billion (around £5.48 billion) on research and development, most of which was invested in its all-electric platform.

MG’s ZS EV will be available in two trim levels. The entry-level “Excite” variant comes with 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, electrically adjustable door mirrors, rear parking sensors, fabric upholstery, air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and an eight-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The first 1,000 range-topping “Exclusive” models will be priced from £23,495, after deducting the £3,500 government grant and MG’s initial discount. The trim level adds a six-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. MG will also supply the first 1,000 customers with a free 7kW home charger.

20

Thanks to its clever packaging, the MG ZS EV’s boot capacity rises slightly over the petrol powered variant, at 470 litres. A comprehensive amount of safety equipment is also fitted as standard, including active emergency braking, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist and intelligent speed limit assist. Exclusive models also get a blind spot detection system.

• Best electric cars on sale

Over the next three years, the ZS EV will be followed by a range of new models; next up will be a C-segment SUV called the HS, will reach the UK by the end of 2019, with a plug-in-hybrid edition following next year.

MG also plans to launch a further D-segment SUV in 2020, to rival the Skoda Kodiaq. It will be based on the same platform as the Chinese-built Roewe Marvel X, while an all-electric, four-wheel drive version is also on the cards. 

Do you think the MG ZS EV will be a success in the UK? Let us know your thoughts below...