The MG ZS EV is a fully electric B-segment SUV that marked MG Motor Malaysia’s return to the local market alongside the MG4 in March 2024.

Malaysia received a single ZS EV Lux variant, powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 130 KW (174 HP) and 280 NM, paired with a 51.1 KWH LFP battery providing 320 KM WLTP range.

Its last official selling price was RM125,999, with the January 2025 price sheet listing an on-the-road price of RM126,647 without insurance for private individual registration.

The ZS EV has since been discontinued in Malaysia, with the newer MGS5 EV effectively taking over its position in MG’s electric SUV range.

The ZS EV uses a relatively conventional dashboard layout compared with newer minimalist EVs.

A 7-INCH digital driver information display sits directly ahead of the driver, while a 10.25-INCH central touchscreen handles infotainment functions.

Carbon fibre-style decorative trim adds visual interest across the dashboard.

The centre console incorporates a rotary electronic gear selector, cup holders and additional storage areas.

A wireless smartphone charging pad is also fitted.

Physical controls remain for frequently used climate and vehicle functions, making the cabin relatively straightforward to operate.

A 7-INCH fully digital driver information display provides speed, battery level, remaining range and energy-consumption information.

Its relatively simple layout prioritises easily readable driving data rather than extensive graphics.

The Malaysian ZS EV Lux features leather upholstery.

The driver receives a six-way electrically adjustable seat, while the front passenger seat provides four-way manual adjustment.

The rear seatbacks fold in a 60:40 split to increase luggage capacity when required.

The ZS EV accommodates five occupants.

Its 2,581 MM wheelbase provides reasonable rear passenger space for a compact B-segment SUV.

The relatively upright roofline also offers useful headroom compared with more coupé-inspired electric crossovers.

A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel is standard.

Audio, infotainment and selected driver-assistance functions can be controlled directly from the steering wheel.

Both tilt and telescopic adjustment are provided.

Storage areas include a glove compartment, centre-console compartments and door pockets.

Additional smaller storage areas are positioned around the cabin for mobile devices and everyday items.

The 60:40 split rear seatbacks improve versatility when carrying longer loads.

Front cup holders are incorporated into the centre console.

Rear passengers receive additional beverage storage through the centre armrest and door compartments.

The ZS EV provides three USB ports for charging and connectivity.

A 12 V power socket and wireless smartphone charger are also standard.

The vehicle additionally supports Vehicle-to-Load functionality, allowing compatible external electrical equipment to draw energy from the traction battery.

The cabin combines leather upholstery with soft-touch and hard-wearing materials appropriate for its price segment.

Carbon fibre-style dashboard trim, metallic detailing and the panoramic glass roof help lift the presentation beyond that of a purely utilitarian compact SUV.

The design is more conventional than newer MG models but remains functional and easy to understand.

Boot capacity stands at a generous 448 L with the rear seats upright.

Folding the 60:40 split second row increases maximum capacity to approximately 1,187 L.

This gives the ZS EV one of its strongest practical advantages despite its compact exterior dimensions.

The ZS EV measures 4,323 MM long, 1,809 MM wide and 1,625 MM tall, with a 2,581 MM wheelbase.

Its relatively compact footprint makes it easy to manoeuvre in urban environments while retaining five doors and seating for five occupants.

The upright SUV body also provides considerably more practicality than its relatively short overall length suggests.

The facelifted ZS EV features a largely grille-less front fascia, immediately distinguishing it from the combustion-powered ZS sold in overseas markets.

The charging port is positioned on the front right-hand side behind a spring-loaded cover rather than beneath the MG badge.

A broad lower intake and slim corner openings help provide cooling and manage airflow.

The rear adopts a conventional compact-SUV shape with a relatively upright tailgate and roof-mounted spoiler.

A redesigned bumper uses a greater proportion of body colour than the earlier pre-facelift ZS EV.

A rear wiper is fitted as standard, while the relatively square tailgate opening improves luggage accessibility.

The ZS EV uses automatic projector LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

The arrow-shaped daytime running light graphics give the facelifted model a sharper appearance than the earlier version.

Intelligent High Beam Assist automatically switches between high and low beam according to surrounding traffic.

The rear features redesigned LED tail lamps with graphics that echo the arrow-shaped elements used at the front.

A high-mounted LED brake lamp and rear fog lamp are also standard.

Exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable and power-folding.

Integrated turn indicators improve visibility to surrounding traffic.

Blind Spot Detection warnings are also incorporated into the mirror area as part of the MG Pilot safety package.

The ZS EV uses ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear.

An Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold is standard.

Regenerative braking through MG’s KERS system supplements the friction brakes and allows energy to be returned to the battery during deceleration.

The ZS EV Lux rides on 17-INCH aerodynamic alloy wheels.

Their turbine-style design helps reduce aerodynamic turbulence while retaining a distinctive EV-oriented appearance.

Standard active-safety systems include ABS, Electronic Stability Programme and traction management.

Autonomous Emergency Braking can intervene when a potential collision is detected.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring and regenerative braking are also provided, while a 360-degree Surround View camera assists during low-speed manoeuvres.

The ZS EV is equipped with six airbags, comprising dual front airbags, front-side airbags and full-length curtain airbags.

ISOFIX child-seat mounting points and three-point seat belts are provided.

The traction battery is mounted low within the vehicle and protected by the surrounding chassis structure.

Three primary driving programmes are provided – Eco, Normal and Sport.

These alter accelerator response and drivetrain behaviour.

The KERS regenerative braking system provides three selectable recuperation levels, while One-Pedal Drive is also available for stronger regenerative deceleration.

The 10.25-INCH central touchscreen provides the main infotainment interface.

It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, together with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The interface is relatively straightforward compared with the more sophisticated connected systems introduced on newer MG models.

The MG Pilot assistance package is standard.

Functions include Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Warning and Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist.

Also included are Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist.

Together, these systems gave the ZS EV a relatively comprehensive ADAS package for its price when introduced.

The ZS EV Lux features a six-speaker audio system.

Music can be accessed through Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

No premium branded sound system was offered for the Malaysian model.

Being fully electric, the ZS EV replaces a combustion engine with a single front-mounted electric motor.

Maximum output stands at 130 KW (174 HP) and 280 NM.

MG originally quotes the motor at 176 PS, equivalent to approximately 174 mechanical horsepower.

The electric motor is paired with a single-speed automatic reduction transmission.

Power is delivered directly without conventional multi-speed gear changes.

The ZS EV uses front-wheel drive.

Its single electric motor sends all available output to the front axle.

The straightforward drivetrain prioritises efficiency and affordability rather than high-performance acceleration.

The ZS EV accelerates from 0-100 KM/H in 8.0 seconds.

Maximum speed is approximately 174 KM/H.

Its immediate 280 NM of torque provides responsive low-speed acceleration despite relatively modest outright power.

As a fully electric vehicle, the ZS EV consumes no petrol or diesel.

It uses a 51.1 KWH lithium iron phosphate battery, officially rounded to 51 KWH in MG Malaysia’s later specification sheet.

Maximum driving range is 320 KM WLTP.

AC charging is supported at up to 7 KW, requiring approximately eight hours for a full recharge.

Maximum DC charging stands at only 50 KW, with a 10-80% recharge taking approximately 54 minutes.

The ZS EV also supports V2L functionality for powering compatible external devices.

Convenience equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, power-folding mirrors, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Wireless smartphone charging, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold and a 360-degree camera are also provided.

A major cabin highlight is the large panoramic glass sunroof, helping make the relatively compact interior feel more spacious.

The ZS EV features single-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

The rear vents provide direct airflow to second-row passengers, an important comfort feature for Malaysia’s climate.

The Malaysian specification uses MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear arrangement.

Its relatively small 17-inch wheels and high-profile tyres favour everyday ride comfort over aggressive handling.

The low-mounted battery also contributes to a lower centre of gravity than the combustion-powered ZS.

The electric drivetrain removes conventional engine vibration and significantly reduces mechanical noise during urban driving.

At higher speeds, tyre and wind noise become more noticeable due to the ZS EV’s older platform and relatively conventional insulation package.

Nevertheless, refinement remains acceptable for an affordable compact EV.

The MG ZS EV played an important role in MG Motor Malaysia’s return to the local market, offering a relatively affordable electric SUV when it arrived in 2024.

Its 174 HP and 280 NM front-mounted motor provides adequate everyday performance, while the 51.1 KWH LFP battery and 320 KM WLTP range are sufficient for predominantly urban use.

Its strongest qualities remain practicality and equipment, including a 448 L boot, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, wireless charging, 360-degree camera and comprehensive MG Pilot ADAS suite.

However, its 50 KW DC charging, 320 KM range and older cabin architecture became increasingly difficult to compete with as newer EVs entered the Malaysian market.

The ZS EV has consequently been discontinued locally and effectively succeeded by the newer MGS5 EV, which offers a dedicated EV platform, substantially longer range and much faster charging.