Next-Gen MG ZS Electric SUV Officially Revealed
MG has released images of the ZS EV successor ahead of its global debut. The electric SUV is set to make its premiere in the UK next year, and will replace the MG ZS EV. It is currently called the MG ES5 in China. Key rivals to it include the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, and Hyundai Kona Electric. MG is yet to announce the final name for the UK spec. It is said that the EV will not be called the ‘ZS EV’ at launch. It will, however, have a strong design connection to MG’s existing EV lineup, particularly the MG4 hatchback.
Design and Features
The MG ES5 features a design that’s less aggressive than its predecessor. The images show slimmer headlights, black plastic cladding along the sides, a large chrome MG octagon badge, full-width light bar with Y-shaped tail-lights and roof rails.
The minimalistic interior design puts a strong focus on the large central touchscreen. The UK version may have a different cabin design that stands closer to European preferences. It could bear similarities to the ones we saw in recent MG models such as the second-generation ZS and HS.
Size and Platform
The ZS successor will be longer, wider, and lower than the current model. Measuring 4,476mm in length, it even surpasses the Hyundai Kona Electric by about 120mm, and the wheelbase is 70mm longer at 2,730mm, offering more interior space. It is built on MG’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the same that underpins the MG4. It supports a variety of battery and motor configurations.
Powertrain and Range
Although detailed specifications have not been confirmed, it’s expected that the MG ES5 will share similar powertrain options with the MG4. The base variant could feature a 51kWh battery, providing a range of just over 321 km, while the longer-range version might include a 77kWh battery capable of delivering more than 480 km on a single charge.
It will have a rear-wheel-drive layout and the electric motor will likely produce 168 bhp to 242 bhp. An AWD version could also be a possibility in the future, as this platform can support dual motor setups as well. The MG4 already has a performance-centric AWD variant called the MG4 XPower.
Pricing and Market Position
MG UK aims to launch the ES5 with a starting price below £30,000, significantly undercutting the competitors. The Skoda Elroq starts at £31,500, the Kia EV3 at nearly £33,000, and the Hyundai Kona Electric just below £35,000. Such a competitive pricing strategy could give MG a strong upper hand in garnering sales.
MG’s Mid-Size Electric SUV Plans
In addition to the ES5, MG is also working on a larger mid-size electric SUV to compete with EVs like the Enyaq and Renault Scenic. This will also be based on the MSP platform and will effectively replace the MG Marvel R, which is currently sold in mainland Europe but not the UK. While details and the name of this mid-size electric SUV remain undisclosed, it will cater to buyers looking for a larger vehicle than the ZS EV replacement.
India Launch Plans And Next-Gen Astor
The ZS EV is quite popular in the Indian market. The carmaker has also announced that it will aggressively launch new energy vehicles ( of which EVs are a part as well) in the forthcoming years. It thus makes sense to expect the new generation ZS EV (ES5) to make its way to the Indian shores.
Even more interestingly, MG could launch the ICE and hybrid versions of this vehicle as well. The current MG Astor is the ICE version of the ZS EV. Though a slow seller, MG could bring out its facelift. It will also launch a hybrid version of the Astor, as part of its planned NEV range for the Indian market. Both these vehicles will draw heavily from the ES5.
Source: AutoExpress