MG ZS EV 2022: Australia denied long-range option for facelifted small electric SUV, starting at $46,990 driveaway

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MG Motor Australia has announced that the facelifted ZS EV small electric SUV will arrive in July 2022 but the long-range variant will not be available here.

The cost of entry for the 2022 ZS EV has jumped by $2000, with the entry-level Excite priced at $46,990 driveaway while the top-spec Essence is listed at $49,990 driveaway, though range has been improved significantly

Following an increase in usable battery capacity from 42.5kWh to 49kWh and improvements in battery-management electronics, the ZS EV’s claimed WLTP range has been boosted from 263km to 320km.

But Australians will not be able to purchase the ZS EV Long Range that features a WLTP range of 440km courtesy of a larger battery with 68.3kWh of usable capacity.

A spokesperson from MG Motor Australia told Chasing Cars they believed the smaller battery option offered the best deal for buyers.

“The decision has been made to focus on the 51kWh lithium-ion (49kWh usable), phosphate-equipped new ZS EV for the Australian and New Zealand markets because it offers the right combination of range, battery stability and life, recharging time, and value for our customers,” they said.

What do you get in the Excite and Essence grades?

Both ZS EV variants will come equipped with a refreshed exterior design that features new LED headlights and tail-lights, along with a new 17-inch alloy-wheel design.

The ZS EV Excite features a 360-degree camera and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Stepping up to the ZS EV Essence nets a panoramic sunroof, a six-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging and leather upholstery, along with heated front seats with six-way power adjustment on the driver’s side.

Safety is also enhanced with the addition of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

MG has mentioned no change to the ZS EV’s electric motor, which is mounted between the front wheels and develops 105kW of power and 353Nm of torque.

MG ZS EV range and charging

While the facelift has introduced a visual refresh for this affordable EV, MG has also paid close attention to what lies under the skin.

The standard battery size has expanded from a usable capacity of 42.5kWh to 49kWh, boosting the WLTP range claim from 263km to 320km, with engineers also improving the battery management electronics.

MG said it will release exact details on the charging speed of the 49kWh battery closer to launch but the outgoing model was capable of receiving 50kW – though the new 68.3kWh battery can charge at up to 76kW, and has the ability to charge from 0-80 percent in 41 minutes.

Further details on the list of inclusions for the 2022 MG ZS EV range will be revealed closer to the launch in July 2022.

In a growing segment of affordable electric vehicles, the ZS EV will compete against rivals such as the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3 sedan and BYD Atto 3 small SUV.

Following a successful year in 2021 where the ZS EV become Australia’s second-best-selling electric vehicle, MG has added a second variant to the range.

MG ZS EV 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are driveaway.

• Excite: $46,990
• Essence: $49,990