MG ZS EV

The electric-powered version of the MG ZS SUV has been launched in Thailand at an attractive price of 1.19 million baht. Imported CBU from China, the MG ZS EV comes with a warranty of four years or 120,000 km, while the battery鈥檚 separate warranty is for eight years or 180,000 km. The first 1,000 buyers will get unlimited mileage battery warranty (still eight years), free one year鈥檚 insurance and a free MG Home Charger worth 45,000 baht, with free installation worth 20,000 baht. The ZS EV is powered by a 150 PS electric motor, which will serve up 350 Nm of torque from rest. The 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located in the car鈥檚 floor, and range is quoted at 337 km per full charge. It is estimated that a fully charged ZS EV can do around 235 km in Bangkok conditions, which is 70% of the claimed NEDC range.

Also an important point in Thailand is that the electric SUV will wade through 400 mm of water with no issues. Three driving modes are available - Eco, Normal and Sport. Charging it up at home with the MG Home Charger takes 6.5 hours, or 30 minutes for 80% juice via quick charge. If you can鈥檛 find the charging flap, that鈥檚 because it鈥檚 neatly hidden under the front MG emblem, which sits within a Mazda-like grille. Open it and you鈥檒l find the DC quick charging port and a Type 2 AC one. Inside, the electric ZS comes with a Jaguar Land Rover-style rotary gear selector, which is the most obvious interior difference. This being an EV, the instrument panel is also unique. Curiously, the dials are regular analog items despite China鈥檚 fascination with everything digital. The physical handbrake has been replaced by an electronic parking brake with auto hold function. The ZS is a B-segment SUV around the size of a Honda HR-V. At 4,314 mm long and 1,809 mm wide, it鈥檚 20 mm shorter but 37 mm wider than the popular Honda. The MG鈥檚 2,585 mm wheelbase is 25 mm shorter. The ZS EV is rather well equipped. The latter comes with a smartphone app that allows the driver to lock/unlock the car, start it, turn on the air con, and check the car鈥檚 status, among other things. I-SMART has been one of the main unique selling points of the ICE-powered ZS, which has been selling well in Thailand.

The outstanding driving dynamics of the new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M also come to the fore through their M design signatures. The close ties between the two models - they have identical performance and equally strong dynamic potential - are reflected particularly clearly in the shared design of the front end with its large air intakes. However, the individual characters of the two high-performance sports models are still very distinct, as is clear the first time they come into view. The proportions of the BMW X5 M provide an instant showcase of its muscular power and exclusivity, not to mention its impressive versatility. The flowing lines of the BMW X6 M, meanwhile, accentuate the prominent dynamics and sporting athleticism of the BMW Sports Activity Coupe. The new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M have been designed for use on the road. Both of these elite sports machines combine the raised seating position of an all-wheel-drive BMW X model with the outstanding overall concept balance of a BMW M car.

In order to visually reinforce the further improved on-road attributes of the new M models, the whole body is painted the same colour. The shared front-end design of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M is likewise a clear departure from that of the respective standard models and follows the classic 鈥渇orm follows function鈥?maxim. The large air intakes and voluminous 鈥渒idneys鈥?of the radiator grille, with their customary M double-bar look, are a response to the high cooling air requirements of the powerful engine, transmission and high-performance front brakes. Despite the large amount of cooling and more stringent pedestrian protection requirements, the designers have managed to integrate foglamps into the front end of the cars. Both new M models borrow their headlights from the BMW X6, complete with washer system. Elsewhere, the special flaps low down in the outer air intakes - adapted from those on racing cars - reduce lift and emphasise the optimised aerodynamics of the two new models. The differences in the character of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M are particularly evident when the two models are viewed from the side.