MG ZS EV

The 2025 MG ZS EV draws its power from a permanent magnet synchronous motor coupled with a 50.3 kWh battery pack. This front-wheel-drive setup delivers a healthy 176 PS (130 kW) of maximum power and a peak torque of 280 Nm. It uses a single-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and instant power delivery – a hallmark of electric vehicles.

The claimed ARAI range of 461 km is a significant figure, though real-world range will naturally depend on your driving style and conditions. Expect a 0-100 km/h sprint time in the ballpark of 8.5 seconds.

Charging options include a standard 7.4 kW AC charger, which will take around 8-9 hours for a full charge (from empty to 100%). For quicker top-ups, it supports DC fast charging, allowing you to go from 0 to 80% charge in about an hour using a 50 kW charger.

You'll typically get to choose between a few driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) to tailor the performance and efficiency, along with adjustable levels of regenerative braking to help recoup energy and extend your range.

Ride and Handling

The MG ZS EV generally offers a comfortable and composed ride, particularly well-suited for navigating the often-imperfect roads of Indian cities. Its suspension setup, typically featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, does a decent job of absorbing bumps and undulations.

The electric powertrain provides that characteristic instant torque, resulting in smooth and linear acceleration, which is great for city driving. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in traffic, and the turning radius is practical for urban environments.

While it's not engineered for sporty handling, it feels stable enough on highway stretches. The inherent quietness of the electric motor contributes to a more relaxed cabin experience, reducing fatigue on longer drives. The placement of the battery pack low in the vehicle helps to keep the center of gravity down, contributing to a planted feel on the road.

Inside the 2025 MG ZS EV, the focus is clearly on providing a comfortable and functional space for five occupants. The boot offers a practical capacity of around 448 liters, which should be adequate for most everyday needs and weekend getaways.

A standout feature, especially in higher trims, is the panoramic sunroof, which really brightens up the cabin and adds to the feeling of spaciousness. The dashboard is dominated by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes connected car features, allowing for some remote control via a smartphone app. It supports the familiar Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (likely wired).

The steering wheel houses controls for your audio and cruise control. You'll typically find a mix of leatherette and fabric upholstery options in various color schemes, often chosen for their durability. Practical touches include automatic climate control, rear AC vents (a welcome addition for Indian summers), and a PM 2.5 air filter to keep the cabin air clean. Thoughtful storage spaces are scattered throughout, making it a genuinely user-friendly environment.

The 2025 MG ZS EV sticks to a globally recognized and fairly conservative design language. It measures 4,323 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, and stands 1,649 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,585 mm.

The front is characterized by MG's signature "Celestial Pattern" grille, which neatly integrates the charging port. Projector headlights and LED daytime running lights provide decent illumination. Along the sides, the design is clean and uncluttered, and it rides on 17-inch "Tomahawk" alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 R17 tires. The rear is straightforward, featuring LED tail lamps.

With a ground clearance of 177 mm, it's reasonably suited for most Indian roads, though you'll still need to be mindful on larger speed breakers. Expect a palette of standard colors like red, white, silver, black, and blue. An "EV" badge at the rear subtly signals its electric nature, blending in rather than shouting about it.

The 2025 MG ZS EV typically comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Depending on the variant, you might also find advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle boasts a robust high-strength steel body structure.

Importantly, the MG ZS EV has secured a commendable 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety assessment, which provides a good indication of its crashworthiness. Features like a 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors further enhance safety and make parking in tight spots easier.

The MG ZS EV finds itself in a competitive space, going head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, and the Maruti e Vitara. The Hyundai Creta Electric often boasts a more feature-rich interior and benefits from Hyundai's extensive brand recognition and service network.

The Tata Curvv EV stands out with its more modern coupe-SUV design and potentially longer range figures. The Maruti e Vitara, being a newer entrant, might focus on undercutting the competition on price and leveraging Maruti's widespread service reach.

The ZS EV's strengths lie in its established presence in the market, its comfortable ride quality, and often a more accessible price point compared to some rivals, although it might not always match the cutting-edge technology or striking design of the newer contenders.

The 2025 MG ZS EV remains a solid and sensible choice for those looking to make the switch to an electric SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, a decent real-world range for most daily needs, and a strong focus on safety, backed by its Euro NCAP rating. 

While its design and interior might not be the most futuristic on the market, it prioritizes practicality and ease of use. For buyers seeking a reliable and relatively accessible electric SUV from a brand with a growing presence in India, the MG ZS EV continues to be a worthy contender in the increasingly crowded electric vehicle landscape.