MG ZS EV review

Overview

The facelifted ZS EV turned MG's already affordable electric SUV into a much more credible all-round family car. This review covers UK Long Range Trophy examples from the late-2021 update through 2024, not the original 44.5 kWh model or the facelift Standard Range. Its nominal 70–72.6 kWh battery, usually reported at about 68.3 kWh usable, brought a 273-mile WLTP figure and removed much of the first version's touring anxiety. Trophy adds the equipment buyers most often seek. It is not the quietest-riding, fastest-charging or richest-feeling EV, but depreciation has made the combination of range, space and specification unusually persuasive on the used market.

Exterior and interior

The facelift is easiest to identify by its smoother, body-coloured nose and side-mounted charging flap, replacing the original car's imitation grille. Proportions remain conventional SUV rather than futuristic, which some buyers will consider a virtue. Trophy brings 17-inch wheels, roof rails and richer trim, while the interior receives a cleaner digital display and 10.1-inch touchscreen. Space and equipment impress more than material quality: glossy surfaces mark easily, hard plastics remain visible and some switches lack the precision of Volkswagen or Kia equivalents. Inspect the upholstery, charge-port door, lights and alloy edges closely. A well-kept cabin can feel cheerful and functional, but this is a value-led car rather than a cut-price premium product.

Practicality

Five adults can travel for shorter journeys and four fit comfortably, with a high roof and sensible rear legroom giving the ZS genuine family usefulness. MG quotes 448 litres beneath the luggage cover and 1,166 litres with the rear seats folded; some UK publications use roughly 470 litres under another method, so compare shapes rather than treating either number as universal. The floor is not perfectly flat in every configuration and the rear bench does not offer clever sliding versatility, but pushchairs and a weekly shop are realistic companions. Cable storage is less elegant than a front boot, and towing eligibility must be checked rather than assumed. Test child seats, charging cables and holiday cases in the actual car.

Driving experience

Light steering, a commanding seating position and a single-speed transmission make the ZS EV very easy in traffic. Regeneration strength can be adjusted, although it does not deliver the seamless one-pedal calibration of the best newer EVs. At urban pace the car is quiet and responsive; on rougher roads, Trophy's wheels can expose a fidgety edge, and faster bends produce noticeable body movement. Motorway stability is sound but wind and tyre noise rise with speed. The controls take acclimatisation because some functions live in menus, while the 360-degree camera and parking sensors substantially reduce low-speed stress. It is secure and approachable rather than entertaining, with comfort varying more by surface than its family-SUV appearance suggests.

Performance

The front motor produces 115 kW or 156 PS and 280 Nm. UK testing commonly reports 154 bhp and 0–62 mph in about 8.4 seconds, while MG's European release quotes 8.6 seconds to 100 km/h; the small discrepancy is conversion and test context rather than a different performance class. Immediate low-speed response makes it feel brisker than many petrol SUVs, and motorway joining is straightforward. Acceleration tails away at higher speed and the front tyres can struggle if full power is demanded on a wet or broken surface. Eco, Normal and Sport alter response, but none makes this a performance model. Check that the advert says Long Range, since battery versions share much of their appearance.

Fuel economy

The official combined range is approximately 273 miles, but no buyer should construct a journey plan around achieving that number in every season. At a planning efficiency near 3.5 miles per kWh, mixed warm-weather use can be usefully close; fast winter motorway running with cabin heat may reduce range substantially. Home charging is the decisive economic advantage because cheap off-peak electricity can undercut petrol, whereas repeated high-priced public rapid charging narrows the saving. Exact UK derivative data lists up to 100 kW DC and about 42 minutes from 10–80% in favourable conditions. That is workable for occasional tours but slow beside newer rivals, and the peak will not persist throughout a session.

Reliability

Our 3.6 reliability score reflects moderate evidence and the need to distinguish inconvenience from traction-battery failure. Before purchase, request a battery-health report where available, complete an AC and preferably DC charging test, confirm both charging cables and operate the scheduled-charge functions. A weak 12V battery, software state or app connection can create alarming symptoms even when the high-voltage pack is sound, so test after the car has stood and inspect every warning message. Verify service history, recall and campaign completion, tyre condition and brake-disc corrosion. Warranty transfer and remaining high-voltage cover must be confirmed from the VIN with MG; registration date, mileage and servicing terms matter more than a seller's generic “seven-year warranty” statement.

Safety

Euro NCAP awarded the original ZS EV five stars in 2019, scoring 90% for adults, 85% for children, 64% for vulnerable road users and 70% for safety assistance. That rating expired on 1 January 2026 and predates this facelift, so RoadMatch does not call the Long Range Trophy a currently five-star-tested car. The facelift retains a broad MG Pilot suite, including autonomous emergency braking, lane assistance and adaptive cruise, yet the exact sensors and software must work correctly. Inspect the windscreen camera area, tyres and repair history and try the assistance controls on a safe test drive. A star graphic in an advert cannot show that a particular vehicle is undamaged or correctly calibrated.

Technology and features

Trophy includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a digital instrument display, heated front seats, keyless entry, adaptive cruise, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. Vehicle-to-load capability can power suitable external equipment through the correct adaptor, although the adaptor's presence should be checked. The feature list is generous; interface speed, translation and menu logic are less polished. Pair a phone on both platforms, test the microphone, every camera view, USB sockets, remote app and charge scheduling, and check for installed software updates. Trim names and equipment changed during the car's life, so a specification printout is useful but physical verification remains decisive rather than assuming features from an online advert.

Running costs

The £900–£1,500 estimate covers indicative home electricity, routine servicing, MOT, vehicle tax under rules applicable in August 2026, tyres and normal wear; it excludes insurance, finance, depreciation, a home charger and unscheduled repair. Electricity tariff and public-charging reliance can move the total more than small efficiency differences. Group 28 insurance is not especially low, and quotations should precede a viewing for younger or urban drivers. Heavy EV mass can accelerate tyre wear, while regenerative braking may leave discs underused and corroded. Early depreciation benefits today's used buyer but remains a resale risk. Confirm warranty terms rather than assuming all battery and vehicle components share the same time and mileage limits.

Advantages and disadvantages