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The new Long Range ZS EV from MG has arrived!

It's powered by a new 72.6kWh battery, and has new styling and new tech.

As is our wont, we like to showcase the capabilities of BEV's, so when and where we can, a road trip is planned in order to do so. As luck would have it, we had received invites to the official opening of Silverstone's Lap of Lights Festive Event. Held on their legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix race track, the Lap of Lights gives you the chance to experience their Chistmas Lights Trail.

The new ZS EV is - technically - a facelift, although SAIC have really listened to their customers, and the new model has had some improvements.

Launched in 2019, the ZS EV came with a 44kWh battery, and offered a range of around 163 miles. I was lucky enough to attend the launch event at MG's headquarters in Marylebone, and the driving route I experienced was the most stress free driving I have ever had in London!

Fast forward to November 2021, and we now have the long range ZS EV - and as mentioned before, although it's technically a facelift, quite a lot has changed.

Let's start with the powertrain: the long range version has been launched with a 72.6kWh battery which offers a range of up to 273 miles. This increases up to 370 miles in a city environment. In terms of real world figures, this new model is far closer to what is on offer, although it's always best to keep in mind that range - as well as battery performance - can be affected by the cold. (As we were travelling to and from Silverstone on the cusp of Storm Arwen, the temperature was far colder than we've come to expect for the end of November - this caused a drop in range on the way down - we were seeing real world range figures of around 250 miles at full capacity)

Next is exterior: the facelift boasts a new grille, new lights and a new rear bumper. Even though it doesn't technically need a grille, the look and style of this new one is on point with MG's design language. The biggest difference in the front is the new charging port. Now situated slightly to the left, it's now fitted with hinge-spring openings, giving a more robust feel than it's predecessors rubber bungs. The pulsing MG badge has now gone - I, for one, will miss it. The next upgrade is the headlights - now fitted with 21 LED lights in each lamp, it's a huge improvement. The high and low beam are responsive too. In the rear, you also have a restyled bumper.

Now the interior: whilst there are still hard plastics to be found at the top of the door cards, the arm rests are padded. This is where MG keeps the cost of the vehicle down, and when you consider what you get for your money, it's reasonable. They have also abandoned the embroidered MG logo on the headrest. So what have you got in return? A brand new infotainment screen and MG Pilot. At 10.1 inches, it's a nice size, and it's far faster than the old one - no longer do you have that 20 second lag whilst the SatNav loads!

Trims: The Explore, Excite and Exclusive are no more! The long range offers you The SE - priced at £28,495.00, The Trophy - priced at £30,995.00 and The Trophy Connect - priced at £31,495.00. There are no options you can pick and choose from, so what you get is a solid SUV with great safety features and a 7 year warranty as standard - all at a great price. The Trophy and Trophy Connect add more luxury by way of a panoramic sky roof and heated door mirrors, and an electrically adjustable drivers seat.

 

Deliveries are expected to start in Spring 2022, and MG plan to release their 51kWh version which offers a range of around 198 miles around the same time.

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Northern Group of Motoring Writers NGMW

Northern Group Of Motoring Writers

Annabelle Quirk Vice Chairwoman
Ben D T Quirk Member