The 2025 MG ZS EV is gearing up to be replaced by a new, ground-up electric model known as the MG ES5 in China.
Tipped as a global model, the new ES5 electric small SUV was revealed earlier this month, though only now has the starting price been revealed.
According to CarNewsChina's dealer sources, the ES5 will start at 100,000 yuan (A$21,500) in its home country.
That spells trouble for rivals, with the 4.47-metre long and 1.85-metre wide SUV not only possibly undercutting the Nebula platform-share MG4 but smaller models such as the BYD Atto 3.
It is unlikely the ZS EV’s replacement will come quite that cheap in Australia, but we’d wager a circa $40,000 entry price with future discounts likely.
Vitals run close to the related MG4 with power and torque at 125kW and 250Nm, respectively, with a single rear-mounted electric motor for a circa 8.0 second 0-100km/h sprint.
Unlike the MG4, the China-market MG ES5 runs lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry exclusively and different capacities, reportedly 49.1kWh for 425km of driving range (CLTC) and a larger 62.2kWh configuration delivering 525km or 515km CLTC range, depending on whether it’s equipped with 17- or 18-inch wheels.
It promises to be practical, with MG claiming 37 storage spaces in the cabin and a 381-litre boot size (VDA). A front mounted camera and rear-mounted radar sensor give it semi-autonomous driving assistance, such as adaptive cruise control.
MG Australia is poised to roll out the new ZS small SUV, which is based on the MG3 combustion car’s platform, later this year.
The ZS EV’s replacement is yet to be confirmed by local executives, but with a sharp starting price in China and compact SUV form factor, the ES5 seems like a logical addition to MG’s fast-swelling local range.
“The EV model will change, we haven’t finalised plans for that, but it won’t be a direct replacement, instead it will be a whole new model”, Chief Operating Officer, Giles Belcher told CarsGuide earlier this month.
Belcher promised the ZS EV’s replacement would be a significant upgrade, “This is a ground-up EV built on the same platform as the MG4” he said.
Comments