MG ZS EV Long Range on the cards for Oz
Chinese car-maker says longer-range version of upgraded small electric SUV is under consideration for AustraliaJust weeks before it releases its facelifted MG ZS EV, MG Motor Australia has revealed the Long Range variant sold overseas could also become available Down Under.
The upgraded 2022 MG ZS EV will be officially launched here on September 7, bringing a fresher design, more technology and a longer 320km driving range – up from 263km – from a larger 50.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack.
And for the first time, MG Australia will also offer its small electric SUV in two trim grades, the entry-level Excite (from $46,990 drive-away – up $3000) and the flagship Essence (from $49,990 drive-away).
But it also says the Long Range variant available in other markets including the UK is also being considered for local release for the first time, which would bring more choice for Aussie buyers in the form of a small electric SUV with up to 440km of driving range (WLTP).
That’s because the MG ZS EV Long Range employs a larger 72.6kWh battery, which MG says delivers a ‘City Range’ – in other words during low-speed, stop-start use – of up to 596km for a ‘City Range’.
While MG Australia is not actively pursuing the more expensive Long Range variant as a full-time addition to its sub-$50,000 ZS EV grades, it says it will monitor customer feedback and keep its options open.
“We are constantly listening to the needs and wants of our customers and this is something on our radar we’re currently considering for the Australian and New Zealand market,” a spokesperson for MG Australia told carsales.
If the pricier MG ZS EV Long Range variant was offered here, MG would have a small SUV with enough driving range to more closely match competitors including the Kia Niro EV S (460km), BYD Atto 3 Extended Range (420km) and even the bigger Tesla Model Y RWD (455km), all of which are more expensive.
That said, the Chinese brand’s value focus could see the ZS EV Long Range, which would cost more than $50,000, ruled out for Aussie buyers.
For now, MG Australia is focussed on the MG4 electric crossover and MG5 electric wagon, both of which are tipped to arrive here in the first half of 2023, followed by the MG Cyberster electric sports car.
Related: Price hike for facelifted MG ZS EV
Related: Upgraded MG ZS EV coming soon
Related: VFACTS February: MG breaks into the top 10
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