MG ZS EV

Step inside the MG ZS EV, and you immediately notice how the focus shifts to comfort and practicality. The interior skips the over-the-top flash. It sticks to a straightforward and useful design instead, and that approach pays off for daily driving.

Things stay neat inside, centred around a big 10.1-inch touchscreen. It handles Android Auto and Apple CarPlay without a hitch. Best of all, you can work it easily on the move. Then there's the full digital gauge cluster, which brings some fresh style but keeps the setup from getting too fiddly.

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
• Fully digital instrument cluster
• Panoramic sunroof
• PM 2.5 air filter and connected car tech

Material quality is decent, especially in the top variant, with soft-touch elements in key areas. The seats are well-cushioned, which makes a noticeable difference during longer drives.

That said, there are a few misses. You do not get ventilated seats, and features like an auto-dimming IRVM are absent. These are small things, but in this price range, you do expect them.

“The cabin feels comfortable and easy to live with, even if it is not the most feature-loaded in the segment.” That is the best way to describe it. It prioritises usability over gimmicks.

Rear Seat Reality

The back seat of the MG ZS EV is one of its best features, especially for families. There is enough legroom and headroom for average-sized adults, and the flat floor helps improve comfort for the middle passenger.

The seat cushioning is supportive, and the slightly upright seating position gives you a good view out, which makes longer journeys more comfortable. Rear AC vents and charging options add to the practicality.

Boot space stands at 448-litre, which is more than enough for weekend luggage or airport runs. It is usable and well-shaped, not just a number on paper.

Compared to rivals like the Tata Nexon EV or even the Hyundai Kona Electric, the ZS EV feels more spacious in the rear, especially in terms of overall comfort.

For daily use and occasional long drives, the rear seat setup works well. It may not feel luxurious, but it definitely feels practical.

The MG ZS EV is not built to thrill you with aggressive acceleration. Instead, it focuses on delivering smooth, predictable, and easy performance that suits everyday driving conditions.

The electric motor provides instant torque, which helps the car get off the block faster. You do not have to plan overtakes too much. Just press the accelerator, and the response is immediate.

There are three driving modes available:

• Eco mode for efficiency
• Normal mode for balanced driving
• Sport mode for sharper response

In Eco mode, the throttle response is softer, which helps maximise range. Normal mode feels the most natural for everyday use. Sport mode adds a sharper response. But it stays composed and easy to manage.

The power delivery remains smooth and predictable, making it easy to drive even for first-time EV users.

“The performance is not exciting, but it is exactly what you need for daily driving,” says Shams Raza Naqvi. That is the philosophy here. It focuses on ease rather than excitement.

0–100 kmph Performance

The MG ZS EV hits 0 to 100 kmph in about 8.5 seconds. That's solid for what it's up against in the segment. Still, the real story isn't just that stat. It's how the power comes on.

The acceleration builds nicely and steadily. Smooth, without any jerks. There is no lag, and no gear shifts to interrupt the flow. You simply press the pedal and the car builds speed in a very controlled manner.

In city conditions, this makes a big difference. Quick traffic gaps are easier to manage, and the car never feels stressed. On highways, it maintains a comfortable speed without feeling strained.

It is not a performance-focused SUV, and it does not try to be one. Instead, it feels controlled, predictable, and confident, which is exactly what most buyers will appreciate.

Watch: 2021 MG ZS EV First Look

The MG ZS EV focuses on making electric ownership simple rather than complicated. With a 50.3 kWh battery and a claimed range of 461 km, it removes a major concern most buyers have before switching to EVs.

In real-world conditions, expect around 320–380 km depending on traffic and driving style. For most users, that is more than enough for daily commutes and even occasional longer drives.

Charging is straightforward. Overnight home charging works well, while fast charging gives you a quick top-up when needed. Regenerative braking also helps recover energy during city driving.

“The biggest advantage is that you stop thinking about range all the time,” says Shams Raza Naqvi. That is what makes the ZS EV easy to live with.

Safety in the ZS EV focuses on providing essential protection for everyday driving. While it may not offer segment-leading advanced systems, it delivers a mechanically sound and reassuring experience.

• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill hold assist
• Rear parking sensors and camera

You get a steady, no-surprises ride from the MG ZS EV in normal situations. That said, the missing ADAS options stand out a bit, now that other cars in the mix are loading up on them.

“It feels safe enough for daily use, but not segment-leading,” says Shams Raza Naqvi. That is a fair summary. It covers the basics well but does not go beyond.

The MG ZS EV is priced between Rs 17.99–20.5 lakh, placing it in the mid-range EV SUV space. It is not the cheapest option, but it offers a well-rounded package.

The base variant delivers the same performance and range, which really boosts its overall value. Higher variants put the emphasis on added comfort and extra features.

Overall, the pricing positions the ZS EV as a well-rounded offering in the mid-range EV segment, balancing usability, range and features effectively.