MG starts in Germany in 2021

With a gasoline roadster, the brand disappeared from Germany in the 2000s, but it returns with an electric SUV: MG Motors, left from the remnants of the MG-Rover bankruptcy in 2005, is being slowly but surely expanded by its Chinese parent company SAIC.

The MG ZS EV delivers 105 kW and offers a maximum torque of 353 Nm. The battery, with a capacity of 44.5 kWh, is expected to provide a range of up to 263 kilometers according to WLTP. At a DC charging station, the ZS EV should be charged up to 80 percent in 40 minutes.

The ZS EV is scheduled to launch in Germany in the first quarter of 2021. This was confirmed by an MG spokesperson upon inquiry from the portal "kfz-betrieb". Shortly after, the larger SUV eHS as a Plug-in-Hybrid will also be introduced alongside the ZS EV. Additionally, four to five more models could follow in the next few years, which would allow MG to offer a complete range in Germany once again. The spokesperson left open which distribution channels MG will utilize in Germany. However, according to "kfz-betrieb", it is certain that the model will also be sold online. After entering the German market, MG plans to expand to Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Sweden over the coming year. In 2020, MG already launched in France, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Iceland, and Austria.

The BAFA list of eligible vehicles gives an idea of the prices, where SAIC Motor Corporation Limited is already listed with the MG ZS EV. The model is expected to be offered in two trims, Comfort and Luxury. The first is listed by BAFA at 27,577.59 euros net, the Luxury at 29,301.72 euros. With the current 16 percent VAT, this corresponds to 31,990 euros and 33,990 euros gross before the environmental bonus is deducted.

What does this mean?

After the MG Rover bankruptcy, SAIC kept the MG brand simmering at the lowest level at least in the UK. The latest new developments corresponded more to Chinese mid-range standards, which is why SAIC had to sell the cars in the UK mainly through price. It was only with the ZS that they managed to somewhat catch up with EU standards, including five stars in the NCAP crash test. In Austria, MG has meanwhile achieved three-digit sales figures, but still ranks among "exotics" like Ssangyong or DS. It will be interesting to see how SAIC will further develop the brand. Company founder William Morris would likely turn in his grave at the development of his sports brand - but at least: MG has survived and could then celebrate its 100th birthday in 2023.