Better than a BYD Atto 3? (MG ZS EV Long Range 2023 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2023 MG ZS EV Long Range with a 115kW front motor and 69.9kWh usable battery.

Would you buy the upgraded MG ZS EV over an MG4 - or a BYD Atto 3? We think both those vehicles fare better in either hatch or small SUV format. The ZS EV is feeling old, mostly in the chassis department, and it isn’t as cheap as it once was.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro to the ZS EV
0:14 - ZS EV improvements
0:45 - Rivals
1:10 - In this video
1:32 - ICE platform
1:50 - Price
2:10 - Material quality
2:30 - Steering wheel
2:50 - Digital gauges
3:01 - New touchscreen
3:25 - Narrow pedal box
3:35 - Vinyl seats
3:48 - Poor ergonomics
4:05 - Practicality
4:27 - ZS EV vs Atto 3 interior
4:55 - Back seat space
5:15 - Rear seat comfort
5:39 - Exterior styling
6:06 - Excessive badges
6:19 - 359L boot space
6:35 - No spare wheel
6:48 - EV range test
7:30 - Charging test
7:55 - Servicing and warranty
8:21 - Comprehensive insurance
8:38 - Driving dynamics
9:05 - Old MG vs New MG
9:23 - MG4 vs MG ZS EV
9:40 - Rattle noise
10:00 - 69.9kWh NMC battery
10:29 - 115kW motor
11:07 - 0-100km/h test
11:25 - Overtaking power
11:40 - No AWD version
11:50 - Slow steering
12:05 - Poor ride quality
13:15 - Safety features
13:38 - Should you buy a ZS EV?Time codes:

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[chasingcars]

Quite hard to recommend the ZS EV. Quite easy to recommend the MG4. Do you agree?

[JoshuaMcTackett]

I own a BYD atto 3 alongside a base/ RWD Tesla Model 3. The BYD *almost* keeps up with the Tesla in quality, especially when you consider the price difference. I don't see this car keeping up with that at all.

The BYD Atto 3 funky interior is not for everyone, but it IS funky and plush. It's a comfortable place to be. Everything is soft touch, it has heated seats, plush ride quality, and a sunroof to boot. I think for most people the BYD is a better option. Cheaper and probably better overall. And purpose built EV platform. Turns out it's also got a better sprint than this MG.

I even strongly think the BYD is a better buy than the Kia EV6 which I've tried because my brother bought it. Extremely expensive for not any better experience, and even some things missing, like no sunroof and no LFP chemistry, for almost twice the money.

Atto 3 could be RWD or AWD and have better app integration, and better charging speeds for DC rapid charging on the road, but for the price, it’s an EXCELLENT town car. We take the Tesla away because it’s twice the charge speed and has access to Tesla chargers.

As someone else said, if you're shopping over 60k, just get Tesla.

[dbedford]

Mr Negative..

Please let’s all get real, the MG4 while a great drive is very bland inside and so low to get in and out of. The ZS EV is far better that the reviewer give credit for.
The 60, 000, (£30, 000) is great value for an EV.

We get 3.6 miles/kWhs out of ours and can only say although it’s the first EV we have owned, but not the first EV I have driven and found ride, and comfort to be very good.
The car for the price is a great drive.
Please don’t judge this car only on this review.

[waynehobbs]

No regrets we got the Atto3 extended. Beautiful ride and materials etc feel premium.

[bertgroeneveld]

In The Netherlands the MG ZS EV is still (the long range version) way cheaper then any of the car's mentioned. BYD Atto 3 is getting close now, but still over 5000 Euro's more expensive then the MG ZS EV Luxury Long Range (OK, they had a good deal this year)

[FirstLightAdv]

It's gone down to $37k this month (March 25). At that price is it worth it compared to nearly $60k a year ago?
Btw. I have MG4 at $31k

[Mububban]

Cars like this only make sense in the base spec as a cheap runabout. It simply can't justify that higher price.
But is it fascinating watching a whole new category of vehicles emerging and evolving so quickly. Who knows where we'll be by 2030???

[Clove_Parma]

Another great review. Any word when we can expect a review of the MG4 Essence or long range?

[AKA]

MG4 is the best choice if you're shopping in the budget space. If you're spending 60k on a car. Go Tesla.

[tpv]

This guy is FANTASTIC !!!!
Just GREAT !

[faradaycool]

Great review....With that huge sunroof and thin fabric cover, does heat radiate into the cabin driving under the sun, like the iX3?

[foxtrot]

They need to design a SUV thats not based on an ICE. MG4 is aweaome

[eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, 09/08/2023

[james]

Tom: “I’ll share my opinion at the end of the video”

Also Tom: _immediately starts dunking on an underwhelming refresh to an aging car_

😂

[Freedo]

Nice car , I just bought one like it

[kodessa]

I'm kind of bummed that most EV's don't have a frunk like an M3.

[p.rom]

Might have been a reasonable review if he'd have stopped comparing it to an MG4 all the time. The 4 is a very low car and is very awkward to climb in and out of whereas the ZS is an easy car to get in to.
I am on my second ZS and can't fault the car. The ride is superb, the power is more than lively enough, the interior is good if not better than a lot of cars on the market these days and the build quality is extremely strong.
If I'd wanted an MG4 I would have looked at an MG4 review and not get one constantly rubbed in my face all the time I was supposed to be looking at an MG ZS review.

[henkkuik]

i drive 2, 5 year MG zs, its a great car en now drive we a BYD 3 atto en this is a greater and better car also the range is better from 320 to 420 whit beter battery, s

[DaveDVideoMaker]

I’d like the MG brand to be introduced to the Romanian market.

[c.s]

Any Hydrogen cars to test Chasing Cars?