Malaysia-bound MG ZS EV got facelifted overseas, here’s how it looks like

We’re no strangers to the MG ZS EV, the fully electric B-segment SUV was promised for Malaysia since 2020 but the launch has still yet to happen. Sources familiar to the matter said that MG is expected to make an announcement on its newly appointed Malaysian distributor soon. However, for now, here's a closer look at the facelifted 2022 MG ZS EV. 

While it was hard to tell the difference between the electric vehicle (EV) and the standard internal combustion engine (ICE) variant in the pre-facelift, this is not the case in the new SUV.

This is because the EV now doesn’t feature a front grille anymore, instead, the new ZS gets a single-piece mask with stamp-effect in its place. MG claims the new design improves the aerodynamics of the car.

Also read: MG: We’re coming to Malaysia this year, MG HS and MG ZS to launch in 2022

Designers have also extended the bonnet length to give the SUV a rather shark-like presence much like the brand’s sedans. The new LED headlight has also been redesigned to feature sharper lines and an inverted L-shaped daytime running light.

Now that the SUV doesn’t have a grille, the charging port has also been moved to the right side of the MG logo, previously, the charging port was behind the logo.

The angular features continue in the rear, the tail lamps have also been swapped out in favour of L-shaped lights to match the headlights. Meanwhile, the silver rear diffuser has been replaced with a split panel that matches the new split air intake on the front.

Head inside and the biggest change you will notice is the new 10.1-inch touchscreen display that houses MG’s new iSmart infotainment system as standard.

Also read: 2022 MG ZS EV facelift to be launched in Thailand in March – bound for Malaysia soon?

Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections are not wireless, the only thing that is wireless is the new Qi charging pad.

Changes on the ZS facelift are not limited to just the looks and infotainment, MG has also upgraded the battery packs of all variants. The Standard version now gets a 51.1 kWh battery that is good for a range of up to 320 km based on the WLTP cycle.

Its predecessor could only manage a 263 km range, which considering all odds, is not too shabby in the first place.

The Long Range model, meanwhile, gets a battery bump up to 72.6 kWh, boosting the distance range to an impressive 440 km.

Also read: Thais bought 2x more MG ZS EV than Malaysia’s entire EV sales in 2021

In addition to a larger battery pack, MG has also upgraded the motor on the EV. The motor on the Standard range produces 176 PS and 280 Nm. The century sprint is done in 8.6 seconds which is actually 0.1 seconds slower than the pre-facelift.

Curiously, the Long Range variant produces 156 PS, 20 PS lower than the Standard Range, while torque numbers remain the same at 280 Nm. The lower power output is likely done in the interest of improving the driving range. 

However, the century sprint is accomplished in 8.4 seconds, just a smidge faster than the pre-facelift’s 8.5 second time.

Note that these are the specifications that are sold in Europe, the Thailand MG ZS EV facelift might have different specifications compared to the European models. 

Also read: Budget 2022: Expiry date of 0% import and excise tax for BEVs - 2023 for CBUs, 2025 for CKDs