India-bound Facelifted MG ZS EV Unveiled In The UK. Five Facts You Should Know

The wraps are off the facelifted MG ZS EV, which just debuted in the United Kingdom. The facelifted electric SUV gets a cosmetic update inside and out, more features, and larger battery packs with an improved range. 

Here are five things you need to know about it:

Exterior Design

A few of the styling elements like the headlights and tail lamps have been lifted off the Astor, which is, in fact, the facelifted ZS petrol overseas. However, the EV gets its own unique touches to differentiate from the petrol model. For instance, the lack of an engine means MG has done away with the faux grille that is present in the pre-facelift model. The bumpers, grille, and alloy wheels are also different in the EV to distinguish it from its petrol counterpart. 

Interior Design

Unlike the exterior, the facelifted ZS EV’s interior is a direct lift from the Astor, which is no bad thing considering its premium build quality. It features the same revised central console with the same 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital driver’s display (albeit with EV-specific graphics). 

Features Onboard

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Apart from the updated infotainment system and new digital driver’s display, the ZS EV gets a wireless phone charger and automatic climate control as a new addition. Also on offer is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry with push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof. 

The ZS EV sold in international markets also gets driver aids like adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection like the Astor. 

Powertrains

This is where the main changes lie in the facelifted ZS EV. MG is yet to reveal the motor specifications, but we suspect it to be the same 143PS unit. The battery packs, though, are brand new. 

The 44.5kWh battery pack has been replaced by a larger 51kWh unit that claims to offer a driving range of 318kms on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. It can support charging speeds up to 76kW depending on the weather conditions. 

On the other hand, there is a new long range model with a larger 72kWh battery pack. This version is capable of doing 439km on the WLTP cycle and supports charging speeds up to 100kW. If you manage to find a 100kW fast charger, you can top this variant from 0-100 percent in just 42 minutes. 

For reference, the prefacelift ZS EV with the 44.5kWh battery pack is capable of a WLTP-claimed range of 262km. 

India Launch And Rivals

At the moment, there is no talk about MG planning to bring the facelifted ZS EV to India. However, considering the existing model is doing good numbers, the facelifted electric SUV is expected in 2022. The ZS EV is currently priced from Rs 21 lakh and rivals the Hyundai Kona Electric.