After a month navigating the roads in the MG ZS EV, it becomes clear why this electric vehicle has captured the top spot as India’s largest-selling EV. While the driver might find some aspects less than thrilling, the ZS EV is poised to be a unanimous favourite for every other member of the family.
A Divergent Driving Experience
As the primary driver, I must admit the ZS EV doesn’t quite win me over. This isn’t due to its relaxed driving dynamics, which are perfectly acceptable for a daily electric commute. Instead, my dissatisfaction stems from the driver controls and the integrated infotainment system.
The core issue arises when connecting a smartphone. The entire 15.6-inch screen is then dedicated to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This setup is problematic because essential vehicle functions, such as adjusting ORVMs, activating cooled seats, and selecting drive modes, are also accessed through this screen or a complex array of steering wheel buttons.
Even after deciphering the system, the user interface lacks intuitiveness. The phone interface overrides direct access to all car functions, and there isn’t even a simple shortcut to return to the home screen. This design choice creates a barrier to quick adjustments, potentially detracting from the driving experience. There’s a hope that a future operating system update might streamline these controls.
Software Glitches and Swift Resolutions
Our long-term ZS EV also presented a few software-related challenges during its tenure. These included persistent warnings of low pressure in the front left tyre, despite the tyre’s actual pressure being normal. Another oddity was the music system’s tendency to randomly and abruptly increase volume. Most peculiar was the system’s behaviour even after the car was locked and powered down, as it would still reconnect to a paired phone and begin playing music.
MG’s service team, however, proved to be highly responsive. A technician was promptly dispatched to address these issues. A comprehensive software reset effectively resolved these technical gremlins, restoring the car to a bug-free state. Following this fix, the MG ZS EV became a delightful daily driver, much to the appreciation of my family.
A Cabin Designed for Comfort and Luxury
From the moment you open the door, the ZS EV impresses with its generous interior space. The seats are upholstered to resemble an expensive sofa, and the cabin is replete with premium touches. Dark wood panelling and brushed chrome trimmings contribute to a rich and sophisticated ambiance.
The tufted seats, in particular, were a major hit with my wife and children. They found them exceptionally comfortable, adding a luxurious feel to every journey. The rear cabin feels airy and spacious, even when the sunroof shade is closed, enhancing the sense of openness.
A popular feature among the younger passengers was the reclining rear seats. Their only minor complaint was the single rear air conditioning vent, which meant only one of them could receive a direct flow of cool air. This is a small point in an otherwise comfortable rear seating experience.
My wife discovered a unique way to maximize comfort: reclining the front passenger seat creates an expansive, continuous lounge-like seating arrangement. This has become her preferred way to travel, highlighting the vehicle’s versatility for passenger relaxation.
A Nod to Nostalgia and Practicality
The cabin’s design and comfort even inspired a creative use of space, blending personal interests with the car’s utility. As a lifelong fan of Air India, I had a significant piece of memorabilia – The Maharaja – that needed transporting. It proved too large for regular transport and tested my wife’s patience. The spacious MG ZS EV was drafted for this mission, acting as a temporary, comfortable carrier for the iconic mascot.
This anecdote underscores the ZS EV’s practicality, offering ample room for bulky items alongside its passenger comfort features. The tufted seats indeed offer a classy, sofa-like seating experience, proving to be quite comfortable.
Rear Seat Comfort and Boot Space
Rear headroom in the ZS EV is quite adequate, and the flat floor design significantly benefits the middle passenger, reducing legroom constraints. The rear bench is wide enough to comfortably accommodate three adults abreast, a feature that enhances its family-friendly credentials.
Complementing the spacious cabin is a substantial 579-litre boot. This generous cargo capacity makes it exceptionally convenient for airport runs and carrying luggage, further solidifying its appeal as a practical family vehicle.
Verdict: A Family Favourite
While the MG ZS EV might not resonate with the most enthusiastic drivers seeking a sportier or more engaging driving interface, its appeal to the broader family is undeniable. Its comfortable seating, premium cabin feel, spaciousness, and practical features make it a compelling choice for everyday family transportation. The combination of comfort, space, and responsive after-sales service makes it a strong contender, explaining its dominant position in India’s EV market.
Key Vehicle Details:
- Odometer Reading: 12,853 km
- Price (ex-showroom, India): Rs 16.50 lakh
- Economy: 5.83 km/kWh
- Maintenance Cost: Nil
- Reported Faults: Faulty TPMS, Infotainment system issues
- Previous Report Date: January 2026