MUMBAI, June 21, 2025: MG's ZS EV was once the market leader in India's electric SUV market, but it is currently struggling to remain competitive.
Although MG recently responded with a significant price cut of ₹4.4 lakh, industry watchers say that discounts alone cannot conceal declining sales, lower specifications, or an ageing product. Analysts who spoke with EV Story cited the recent introductions of Tata's Harrier EV, Mahindra's BE 6, and Hyundai's Creta EV.
With the introduction of the Mahindra and Harrier EVs, ZS EV is now the go-to option for buyers seeking more than just an electric SUV—they want performance, ambition, and cutting-edge technology. Because of this, MG is forced to compete mainly on price, even though its rivals provide superior products.
Mayank Pareek, a well-known auto enthusiast, told EV Story that "MG's once-premium offering is starting to look outdated." However, the ZS EV top specification is a very attractive deal. According to him, consumers today seek out the newest electric SUVs with potent engines, lengthy range, muscular design, and an abundance of features inside. Mayank is thinking about upgrading his Tiago EV to either the Mahindra BE6 or the newest Harrier EV models.
The data illustrates the situation: MG sold just 360 ZS EVs last month, a significant drop from the 1,800+ units sold monthly on average in June 2024, a year earlier. This sharp decline forced MG to reevaluate its pricing approach.
A New Breed of EVs and a More Competitive Marketplace
MG's rivals have brought about a radical transformation in the market. Apart from its impressive badge, the Tata Harrier EV boasts outstanding specifications in every aspect. Its 65 kWh battery pack, real-world ranges of over 500 km, 235 bhp of power, and 504 Nm of torque make it far superior to the ZS EV's 50.3 kWh battery and 174 bhp output. On the other hand, Mahindra's BE 6 has a sleek exterior, luxurious interior, and a remarkable stated range of 557 kilometres.
Even when it comes to dimensions, MG struggles to compete. The ZS EV is smaller than the Tata Harrier (4,607 mm in length and 2,741 mm in wheelbase) and the Mahindra BE 6 (4,371 mm in length and 2,775 mm in wheelbase), measuring 4,323 mm in length and 2,585 mm in wheelbase. Furthermore, Hyundai's Creta EV performs better than MG in terms of SUV size and space.
Discounts: Defensive, Not Decisive
Although MG's price reduction of ₹4.4 lakh on the top-end ZS EV Essence (now priced at ₹20.5 lakh) has drawn attention, industry insiders view it as a necessary correction rather than a daring move.
In general, the MG ZS EV's top price is less than that of the Hyundai Creta EV and the Mahindra BE6. The fully loaded ZS EV is less expensive than the top-end models of the BE 6 and Creta EV.
According to a senior member of FADA, India's top dealer association, "the discount isn't just about the Harrier." "It reflects a broader EV market that has grown intolerant of models that fall behind in terms of size, performance, and technology."
MG’s Dilemma: Good Value, Low Desire. Time to introduce the MG ES5.
Despite the discount, the ZS EV Elegance top variant remains a popular option for consumers on a tight budget who want an electric SUV without having to settle for more costly top-spec rival models. However, aspiration has replaced affordability as the primary focus of the Indian EV market.
Other analysts told Ev Story that it is time for the new model to be released in India as well, since MG Motors has officially unveiled the "MG ES5", the next generation of its ZS EV SUV, in China.
This new model differs significantly from its predecessor in terms of both design and possible naming strategy. The ES5, which has a bold and sporty new design and is replacing the current ZS EV globally, would be a good starting point to get customers to switch to the Harrier or BE6 models and give the MG ZS EV a good dekko. The question is, though, how quickly MG can deliver it to India.
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