MG ZS EV 2022: bigger batteries, 440km range for facelifted SUV

MG has facelifted the fully-electric version of its popular ZS small SUV, with bigger batteries responsible for a lift in driving range.

One of the most affordable electric vehicles in Australia, the MG ZS EV small SUV, has been unveiled in facelifted form overnight and is set to land in Australia in the second half of 2022.

The changes focus on boosting the range of the EV and modernise the styling to bring it into line with the petrol-powered version known as the ZST.

When it arrives, the ZS EV will compete with a growing number of competitors in this space including the Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model Y and Polestar 2.

MG ZS EV 2022 rear 3/4 — The facelifted MG ZS EV has increased the maximum driving range thanks to some bigger batteries

More range for the ZS EV

In a break from MG’s current ZS EV strategy, two battery sizes will now be available when the facelift touches down.

MG has increased the size of the base battery from 44.5kWh to 51kWh and in doing so boosted the WLTP range claim from 263km to 320km, with claimed consumption of 15.9kWh/100km.

While it has not yet been confirmed for Australia, MG also offers the ZS EV with a Long Range variant in Europe, which offers up to 440km of range from its larger 72kWh battery, according to WLTP testing, representing consumption of 16.3kWh/100km.

MG ZS EV 2022 front 3/4 plug — The ZS EV is now offered in a Long Range grade that can travel up to 440km

The ZS EV will also charge faster than before. Previously limited to a maximum of 50kW using DC charger, the MG is now capable of DC charging speeds of up to 76kW, and can be topped up from 0-80 per cent in 41 minutes in the Long Range grade.

Buyers will also be able to fully charge their ZS EV Long Range using a 7kW AC charger in around 10 hours and 30 minutes when the battery is completely flat.

With bigger batteries fitted to the ZS EV in both variants, it’s likely that MG has adapted the suspension of the small SUV to compensate for the extra weight.

MG has mentioned no change to the electric motors, which was mounted between the front wheels and developed 105kW of power and 353Nm of torque.

MG ZS EV 2022 plug charging — The ZS EV Long Range can be recharged from 0-80 per cent in 41 minutes

What else has changed?

The outer appearance is noticeably different from the pre-facelifted model, wearing a more modern look with sharper LED headlights and taillights.

The front and rear bumper have been replaced for a more uniform appearance and the grille has been filled in with no real need for extra cooling, as we’ve seen on a range of over EVs.

MG has also fitted a new set of alloy wheels and upgraded the interior with a new 10.1-inch touchscreen with improved graphics and functionality.

MG ZS EV 2022 interior — MG has added a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash

The new system uses an app-based software called ‘iSmart’ that is capable of receiving over the air updates and has a new navigation system with live updates.

Additionally, buyers will enjoy the addition of a wireless phone charger and a revised digital instrument cluster.

Local pricing and specification have yet to be confirmed for the facelifted MG ZS EV but we expect to see more information emerge closer to the launch date in the second half of next year.