2022 MG ZS EV vs Tata Nexon EV: Which is Best Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV?

Since last year, there has been a sudden surge in the sales of electric SUVs. Almost all the car makers, primarily those who make premium cars, are venturing into this space with niche offerings. However, the mass-market segment is still dominated by Tata Nexon EV and to some extent, the MG ZS EV.

MG is always quick enough to update its offerings, and following the suite, the carmaker has brought in the globally-updated ZS EV to the Indian shores. It promises to be a more premium and mechanically more improvised offering than ever before. Is it better than the best-selling electric SUV of India, the Tata Nexon EV? Here are all the parameters of both the electric SUVs compared head-on. 

Price

Given the bigger size and better mechanical and electrical specifications, the MG ZS EV sits one segment above the Tata Nexon EV. The prices of Tata Nexon EV range between Rs 14.54-17.15 lakh, and much above it, start the MG ZS EV at Rs 21.99 lakh, which goes all the way up to Rs 25.88 lakh. It results in a price difference of almost Rs 9 lakh when the top-spec versions of both the SUVs are compared.

MG ZS EV

• Excite – Rs 21.99 lakh
• Exclusive – Rs 25.88 lakh

Tata Nexon EV

• XM – Rs 14.54 lakh
• XZ Plus – Rs 15.95 lakh
• XZ Plus Dark Edition – Rs 16.29 lakh
• XZ Plus LUX – Rs 16.95 lakh
• XZ Plus LUX Dark Edition – Rs 17.15 lakh

(All prices mentioned above are ex-showroom, pan India) 

Engine and Performance

On paper, the MG ZS EV has a clear advantage over the Tata Nexon EV, as the former has a more powerful electric motor and a bigger lithium-ion battery under its floor. The ZS EV gets a 174 bhp electric motor, which produces 280 Nm of torque, and a 50.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is capable of returning a range of 461 km (as claimed in the WLTP cycle). On the other hand, all the variants of the Nexon EV are powered by a 127 bhp electric motor, which churns out 245 Nm of torque, and a much smaller 30.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives a range of 312 km in a full charge. Both these SUVs have a single-gear transmission and front-wheel drive configuration.

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Exterior and Dimension

Positioned one segment above the Tata Nexon EV, the MG ZS EV is longer and taller than the former. Interestingly, the Nexon EV is wider than the ZS EV by a very small margin. It also sits slightly higher than the ZS EV, which helps it in taking on bad roads more easily. However, the longer wheelbase and much bigger boot compartment give the ZS EV an upper hand by being more spacious on the inside.

Design

With the new facelift, the MG ZS EV now looks closer to its petrol-powered counterpart, the Astor. However, compared to the Tata Nexon EV, which looks the same as the regular Nexon but with additional blue highlights, the ZS EV has a few differentiating design elements compared to the Astor, such as a closed grille at the front, revised front and rear bumper designs and a different design for the 17-inch machined alloy wheels.

Both the SUVs here get dual-functioning front daytime running LEDs, LED tail lamps, machined alloy wheels (17-inch in ZS EV and 16-inch in Nexon EV), roof rails and fog lamps. However, the LED projector bulbs of the ZS EV are flashier than the conventional halogen projectors in the Nexon EV.

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Interior and Features

On the inside, the MG ZS EV feels more premium over the Nexon EV with a bigger panoramic sunroof (single-pane unit in Nexon EV), leather upholstery, bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen (7-inch in Nexon EV), air purifier and a full-TFT 7-inch instrument console (part-TFT 7-inch unit in Nexon EV) and wireless charging. It is to be noted that the MG ZS EV hasn’t received the full suite of Level 2 ADAS and dashboard-mounted AI robot assistant from the Astor.

In terms of safety features too, the MG ZS EV gets additional bits like a 360-degree parking camera, front parking sensors, side and curtain airbags, blind-spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Both the SUVs get dual front airbags, connected car tech, reverse parking sensors, digital Bluetooth key, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill descent control and electronic stability control. 

Verdict

While both the electric SUVs here are best in their segments, the bigger cabin, more amount of space, a longer list of comfort, convenience and safety features, more powerful motor and a bigger battery with longer range make the MG ZS EV a better option to spend your money on.

However, that doesn’t mean that the Tata Nexon EV is an inferior option. There is a solid reason why it has emerged as the best-selling electric vehicle of India. It is well-priced, scores good on safety, is well-equipped too and has a decent amount of performance to offer for the price. It can do with more real-world range, though. But over the MG ZS EV, it is easier to drive in tighter city traffic conditions with its smaller footprint.

In conclusion, it all boils down to your budget requirements. If you can stretch your budget, the MG ZS EV is worth the extra premium it asks for itself.

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