The MG ZS EV is just a year old in the Indian market, still, it will receive its first update very soon. The automaker has announced that prices for the refreshed model will be revealed on February 8, 2021. Though official details remain scarce, expect MG to tweak the equipment and features list for the 2021 model year ZS EV, in a move similar to the update introduced for the Hector mid-size SUV earlier this year.
- MG to add features to the 2021 ZS EV
- No major changes expected to the running gear
- Prices likely to go up from the current Rs 20.88-23.58 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
2021 MG ZS EV: design and features
Not much is expected to change on the design front. MG will, however, bolster the equipment levels of the ZS EV that is currently available in two variants – Excite and Exclusive. Safety features like six airbags, ABS, brake assist, ESC, hill start assist, hill descent control, electric parking brake, tyre pressure monitor, Isofix child seat mounts, rear camera and parking sensors are standard for now, with the top-end trim additionally getting heated wing mirrors.
In terms of comfort featuers, the Excite gets halogen projector headlamps, LED DRLs, 17-inch alloys, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cruise control and auto headlamps. Kit like leatherette upholstery, powered driver seat, panoramic sunroof, a PM 2.5 air filter, auto wipers, power foldable wing mirrors and connected car tech is reserved for the range topping Exclusive trim.
Notably, the ZS EV misses out on certain features compared to its rivals, including telescopic steering, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, LED headlamps, ventilated and heated front seats, wireless phone charging, auto air conditioner and digital dials. Expect MG to use the model year update for bringing its all-electric SUV up to speed with the competition.
2021 MG ZS EV: range, battery and charging capabilities
The MG ZS EV packs in a permanent magnet synchronous motor that drives the front wheels and puts out 143hp of power and 353Nm of torque. A 44.5kWh battery enables a claimed range of 340km in standard test conditions (as per ARAI), though the real world range is lower.
The company claims that charging up to 80 percent takes 16-18 hours using a 15A home supply, 6-8 hours with the 7kW AC wall charger that’s provided with the car or about 50 minutes using a 50kW DC fast charger.
No changes are expected to the running gear with the upcoming refresh.
2021 MG ZS EV price estimate and rivals
When it was first introduced in January 2020 in our market, the ZS EV was retailed only in five cities, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, though the list has since been expanded to 21 cities.
The ZS EV is currently positioned at Rs 20.88-23.58 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Expect the sticker price to go up with the 2021 version. Nonetheless, the MG will continue to draw competition from the Hyundai Kona Electric, which is priced at Rs 23.76-23.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
MG ZS petrol: India launch details
Apart from the EV, the petrol-powered ZS will launch in India later this year and will sit below the Hector in the MG brand's India line-up.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
