MG ZS EV

The larger battery and hence increased range that the 2022 ZS EV update offers is, of course, the headline. The battery pack has been increased to 50.3 kWh from 44.5 kWh in the previous ZS EV. In terms of claimed range on a single charge, the ZS EV has a certified range of 461 kilometers, however, this is only under controlled testing conditions. In practice, the new ZS EV should comfortably travel more than 320 kilometers before needing to be recharged. In addition, this car can be charged from zero to 80 percent in sixty minutes, but only with a fast charger. Plug it into any standard AC home charging port and wait at least eight to nine hours for a full charge.

A larger battery pack also means greater power output than previously. The ZS EV has never felt slow, but with 176 horsepower and 353Nm of torque, it is now in a league of its own. It just takes off and gains speed under the legal limit, which is entirely due to the electric motor's instantaneous torque delivery. Although you may not notice the extra 33bhp all of the time, this 2022 model simply feels more effortless at highway speeds, and the severe drop in acceleration that plagues mass-market EVs is barely noticeable here.

Essentially, the ZS EV now resembles the Astor, but with a few characteristics found only in EVs. Things like this flat disguised grille, because there isn't any air flowing in there because there isn't an engine. Then, in addition to the large MG logo, there is a charging port, and MG appears to have smoothed up the lines and creases on this bumper to make the entire front look like a single-piece item. Other improvements include Astor-inspired headlights and taillights, as well as a new, energy-efficient design for the 17-inch alloy wheels.

The ZS EV comes in two variations, with the more costly trim shown here including all of the modern accouterments that one would expect from a 25 lakh rupee crossover. A panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera view, linked car amenities, leather layered dash motorized driver's seat, and other luxuries are included. The focus of this updated MG appears to be on improving the back seat experience, as all-new features include a rear center headrest, armrest with cup holders, and rear AC vents. The screens for the infotainment system and the instrument cluster are also new.

The main 10.1-inch screen is the same as in the Astor, and it includes all of the bells and whistles, like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 7-inch LCD panel for the instrument cluster is also from the Astor, and we're delighted it's here because the older model's analog dials looked far too plain for an EV.

The ZS EV has six airbags, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ESC for safety. Although it lacks several premium ADAS capabilities, the ZS EV does include blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The latter feature aids in the detection of vehicles approaching from the rear left or right but being out of range of the reverse camera and parking sensors.

Over broken surfaces, the ride quality of the 2022 ZS remains good. It has a wonderful blend of firmness and comfort, and it can take in even the sharpest road wrinkles without letting in road noise and vibrations. As the speed increases, the surface remains flat, and there is little vertical movement even over undulations. At high speeds, there is a lot of tyre noise, but that is merely nitpicking because there is no engine noise intruding into the cabin, which is otherwise a quiet place to be in at city speeds.

The new MG ZS EV is available in two trim levels: Excite and Exclusive, with ex-showroom costs starting at Rs 22 lakh and up to Rs 25.88 lakh. While bookings for the unique variation have already begun, MG will begin taking orders for the base excite variant in July. At this pricing, the new ZS EV is a modest premium above the previous model. This top-spec edition costs an extra 70,000 rupees and includes almost everything. More range, more performance, more features, and, most importantly, improved safety features.

Now, I know many of you are curious about the improvement in real-world range if any, but we only had the car for a couple of hours and will be asking for it shortly to complete a proper range and charging test.