BMW I3 vs MG ZS EV
What's the difference?

BMW I3

—

2020 price

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MG ZS EV

$19,990 - $33,990

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2023 MG ZS EV

By James Cleary

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

270 km

Electric range

505 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

17.7 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

72.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

440km range on a full charge
Spacious with good storage
Easy to drive

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Pricey compared to rivals
No reach adjustment for steering wheel
High driver's seat

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2023 MG ZS EV Summary

If, like just about everybody, you’re a bit concerned that an electric car might not be able to travel as far as you need to go, then the new MG ZS EV Long Range could be the small, fully-electric SUV for you.

We’ve tested the ZS EV Long Range here and can tell you how far you’ll get on a full charge and how much extra you’ll have to pay in price over the standard range version, along with what it’s like to drive, its features, practicality, ownership costs and of course its safety systems.

Be sure to watch the video above, where I’ll take you for a ride and show you my Big Foot tattoo. Yes, seriously.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2023 MG ZS EV

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

The MG ZS EV Long Range is a practical small SUV that's easy to drive and the 440km it can travel on a full charge makes it the better choice over the standard range ZS EV. The extra 120km offered by the Long Range version reduces anxiety and is truly useful in covering more ground between charging.

The asking price may seem expensive but electric vehicle batteries are extremely costly to produce and will remain so for years to come.

Remember, too, that the MG4 electric car has an even great range for the same money - the only catch is, it's a hatch and not an SUV.

BMW I3 vs MG ZS EV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs MG ZS EV
What's the difference?