Australia’s most affordable electric car – the MG ZS EV from China – is due to gain the option of more driving range in the coming months – but likely at a higher cost.
A long driving-range version of the 2023 MG ZS EV electric SUV is due in Australian showrooms before the middle of this year, it has been confirmed.
The 72kWh Long Range version of Australia’s cheapest new electric vehicle – the MG ZS EV from China – is claimed to offer up to 440km of driving range in European WLTP testing, up from 320km in the standard-range 50.3kWh ZS EV on sale now.
An MG Australia spokesperson told Drive the car is due in Australian showrooms in the first half of this year (before July), pending any delays.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed, however if list prices in the UK are a guide, the ZS EV Long Range may cost about $3500 to $4000 more than the standard version, which is priced from $43,990 to $47,990 plus on-road costs in Australia.
In Europe, the Long Range model is powered by a 72kWh battery pack and a 115kW/280Nm electric motor – up from 50.3kWh, but down from 130kW/280Nm in the standard-range version on sale in Australia now.
It is unclear if the Long Range battery option would be offered in both Excite and Essence model grades in Australia, or just the top-of-the-range Essence.
The 2023 MG ZS EV Long Range is due in Australian showrooms by the end of June 2023.
In the meantime, the new variant is due to make its Australian public debut – alongside the MG 4 electric hatchback, also due by the end of June – at the Fully Charged electric-car show in Sydney in mid-March.
Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.
