MG ZST vs Porsche Cayenne
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Porsche Cayenne

$144,900 - $376,200

2026 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 Porsche Cayenne

By Emily Agar

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

Immense performance
Surprisingly capable off-road
Thoughtful cabin design

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

No new petrol or hybrid variant (yet)
Coupe bodystyle loses practicality
Off-road bodykit looks awkward

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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2026 Porsche Cayenne Summary

No good deed goes unpunished.

Porsche, a brand synonymous with petrol-guzzling sports cars, tried to do the right thing and make a nearly wholesale switch to electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The problem was, while this made governments happy, it didn’t sit well with customers.

Porsche’s all-electric Macan is enduring a torrid 2026, with sales down over 75 per cent now that all the petrol-engined options are gone.

But that hasn’t stopped the German brand trying again with an all-electric Cayenne. However, there are some key differences that mean this latest electric Porsche won’t suffer the same fate.

Namely, the petrol-powered and hybrid versions aren’t going anywhere and new versions are rumoured to be coming in the not-too-distant future.

For now though, we have this all-new electric Cayenne - so how does it stack up to its predecessors as the sports car brand’s big SUV? And will it be second time lucky for Porsche’s electric transition? Based on two rather unorthodox days of test driving, the verdict might surprise you…

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 Porsche Cayenne

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

Verdict

There is a lot riding on this new Cayenne Electric, it is the sales leader for the German brand and if it suffers the same sales decline as the Macan, that will be a big concern for Porsche.

The good news is it’s an impressive all-rounder, with an incredible breadth of capability. But so is the electric Macan.

Going electric hasn’t diminished its trademark Porsche elements, and instead has amplified them in many respects. The speed is nothing short of staggering in the Turbo, but across the range the on and off-road driving ability is impressive.

Plus it has the kind of spacious, well-considered and premium appointed cabin you should expect for a luxury SUV.

There are two key differences that could see it succeed where the Macan has faltered. Unlike the Macan, Porsche’s decision to give Cayenne buyers the option to stick with internal combustion if they prefer, is likely to ensure it remains a popular member of its line-up for years to come.

And while the Macan was perhaps too much, too soon, the Cayenne arrives at a time when Australians are embracing electric cars more than ever before. Although the luxury and performance end of the EV market is growing more slowly than the mainstream.

As for the pick of the range, as mind-blowing as the Turbo is, the truth is (like pretty much every Porsche model) the entry-level Cayenne is arguably the pick of the bunch. It has all the performance you’ll reasonably need and offers a good blend of capability and luxury for the lowest price.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

MG ZST vs Porsche Cayenne What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Porsche Cayenne
What's the difference?