ORC change adjusts pricing of MG ZS EV

MG MOTOR has this week announced a cessation of national drive-away pricing on its ZS EV small SUV range, the Chinese manufacturer instead plumping for a “plus on-road costs” price regime…starting from a lower price point.

MG had been marketing its ZS EV at national drive-away pricing for the range starter Excite model from $47,337 mid-spec Essence from $51,505 and the Long Range from $59,841 (as at October 2023).

That now moves to pricing from $40,990, $43,990 and $49,990 plus on-road costs respectively.

On the face of it, the new schedule translates into a significant price reduction across the ZS EV range of $6347 for the Excite, $7515 for the Essence and $9851 for the Long Range.

However, as buyers must now cough up for variable, state-by-state on-road costs on a ZS EV, the actual wallet benefit is lessened (based on an average $3500 - $4000 on-road costs) to around $2800 off the Excite, around $3500 off the Essence and around $5000 off the Long Range… a generous offer in a climate of upward spiralling car prices.

At the time of writing, some states still have EV buying incentives that further reduce the out-of-pocket costs of buying a vehicle such as the MG ZS EV. But cash incentives will not last much longer as states move to rein in costs associated with promoting EVs at the public purse.

To recap, the three ZS EV are built on an adapted internal combustion engine chassis and as such, utilise a front-wheel drive configuration and other compromises associated with the chassis’ origins.

The ZS EV Long Range’s 72kWh battery pack provides up to 440km (WLTP) of range, or 120km more than the 50.3kWh models rated at up to 320km. The BEV is rated to tow as much as 500kg though what that does to range is unknown. All three variants feature MG-Pilot safety suite with extensive driver assist features standard.

MG has made the new ZS EV easier to charge with 7kW and 11kW home recharge appliances provided. On-board charging capabilities means up to 80 per cent charging time in as little as 54 minutes, based on a 50kW combined charging system (CCS).

Additionally, MG focused on reduced NVH in the ZS EV with additional sound deadening material and low rolling resistance tyres.

With discernible frontal styling links to the Tesla Model 3, the ZS EV boasts efficient aerodynamics and an EV-looking closed façade complete with a front charging port, thin LED headlights and a front apron to channel air into the car’s cooling system and underneath.

Sporty aero additions are attached along the side, over the wheel arches and at the rear of the model.

Practicality is bolstered by a clever dual floor load space with two levels, net bags adjacent to the rear seats, additional storage compartments including bottle size pockets dotted throughout the cabin and single zone climate control with a dust/pollen filter.

Power comes from a single electric traction engine with three drive modes good for 130kW and 280Nm driving the front wheels, sufficient to propel the base model Excite  from 0-100km/h in the eight-second bracket.

One pedal driving is achievable through the regenerative braking (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) KERS.

MG Motor has sold 2537 ZS EV models here as at the end of October.

2024 MG ZS EV pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.