Next-gen MG ZS EV expected to touch down by 2024 [Update]

Update: ‘Motor & Charging’ sub-section of ‘Specifications’ and ‘Price & Release date’ section updated.

MG has sold more than one million vehicles in overseas markets since its revival in 2007. The ZS model – offered as an EV variant – has played a significant role in reaching this sales milestone, as well as giving the brand a much-needed image makeover. We’re expecting big things from the next-gen MG ZS EV. With sweeping changes, the new model could be more popular than its predecessor, especially in Europe, where demand for electric SUVs is soaring.

In February 2022, CarNewsChina revealed MG’s plan for its ‘Cyber’ series EVs. The publication said that the inaugural launch, the MG CyberE (MG4), would be followed by the MG Cyberster, MG CyberS and the MG CyberX. Could the CyberS denote the new ZS EV, and the CyberX represent the next-gen MG Marvel R?

Design & Interior

The next-gen MG ZS EV should feature a sharp and striking design inspired by the MG4 EV, unlike the current model, which is basic and reminiscent of the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. The interior may also take on the genes of the electric hatchback, minimalist and elegant, offering better space and practicality.

The next-gen ZS EV may have swept-back headlights with DRLs that form six vertical fiber-optic stripes, tilted upright indicators, a smooth surface in place of an upper grille, a shorter hood, a taller lower grille, and new 17-inch dual-color aerodynamic wheels that allow a smooth airflow. Our rendering, shown below, incorporates these expected design elements.

18-inch wheels, MG iSMART infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, power adjustable driver’s seat, and a 360-degree camera system could be among the equipment highlights of the next-gen MG ZS EV. Its MG Pilot suite of ADAS may include new features like Door Opening Warning and Driver Attention Alert.

Specifications

MSP Platform

The next-gen MG ZS EV should ride on the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) of the MG4 EV. MSP is a new rear-wheel drive platform SAIC has developed exclusively for EVs, and it allows an AWD drivetrain layout as well, with an additional motor mounted on the front axle. It is flexible and suitable for wheelbases between 2,650 and 3,100 mm.

Battery & Range

MG may launch the 2024 ZS EV with a 64 kWh (nominal) battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of over 250 miles and a 77 kWh (nominal) battery pack that returns a higher WLTP range of around 300 miles. While the current model has a 2.6-meter wheelbase, the next-gen ZS should come in at 2.7-2.8 meters. The batteries should be thinner and may allow a flat floor. With these improvements, expect the next-gen ZS EV to be more spacious for rear-seat passengers and luggage.

Motor & Charging

The next-gen ZS EV may come with one or two single-motor powertrains producing up to 150 kW (201 bhp) and 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.) of torque. If MG is feeling playful, a dual-motor performance variant with a system power of 330 kW (443 hp) and a system torque of 600 Nm (443 lb.-ft.) may be available later on! We say this as the platform is capable of high specification, and the same is planned for the MG4 by 2024.

The performance variant could be called MG ZS EV XPower. The ‘XPower’ moniker carries a legacy of performance and sportiness within MG. The company reintroduced the XPower name in May 2021 with the performance version of the MG6. Now, it is trying to give it global recognition by placing the MG6 XPower in the hot-selling open-world racing game video game Forza Horizon 5.

The highest charging power could be 11 kW (AC)/135 kW (DC), a significant improvement over today’s car. Expect a typical 10-80% DC fast-charging session to take close to 30 minutes.

Price & Release date

MG will replace all its models in the UK, except for the recently launched MG4 EV, by the end of 2024, Guy Pigounakis, the Commercial Director at the company’s local subsidiary, said, as per an Autocar report dated November 28, 2022. The next-gen MG ZS EV could start arriving at UK dealerships in the second half of 2024. Positioned above the MG4 EV, the all-new compact SUV may retail at prices in the GBP 32,000-40,000 range.

TopElectricSUV says

The next-gen MG ZS EV should be bolder, more digitalized, safer, and perhaps a better value-for-money electric SUV. As a dedicated EV, it should offer significant performance, efficiency, and space improvements over today’s car. Considering it is priced at around GBP 30,000, it could be an attractive option for electric SUV buyers looking for a cheap and spacious runabout and could pose a serious threat to the Korean models.

2024 MG ZS EV FAQs

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the 2024 MG ZS EV