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MG is rolling out an update for the new ZS hybrid SUV following criticism it can leave drivers with less than a third of the claimed power.
A software update has been announced for the new 2025 MG ZS intended to address criticism that its hybrid system is prone to running low on battery charge and leaving the car down on power.
Testing by Drive has found the 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system in MG's new ZS allows the charge in its battery to drop below 15 per cent – with little warning given to the driver – at which point performance is significantly reduced.
"While we experienced it most frequently on a hilly country road in the ZS, in the related MG 3 hybrid – which MG has confirmed carries the same power management software – we’ve had it happen in a 50km/h zone, after the car used up all its electric power to climb a hill, then when asked for a burst of power to overtake a car, felt like it had the handbrake on.
"It would prove particularly troublesome if the driver attempts to make a tight gap in traffic ahead of oncoming cars, but puts their foot down to find the car offering little power."
MG has today confirmed an update for the ZS hybrid system's software to "deliver improved hybrid performance", with changes to follow for the MG 3 "this year".
"The Hybrid+ powertrain will actively charge the battery when more load on the powertrain is detected, the engine will charge the battery to retain a moderate State of Charge (SoC)," MG said in a media release.
"When on an incline, the Hybrid+ powertrain has been recalibrated to engage the engine when the vehicle is driving with moderate or higher speed. The overall experience will be a balanced experience of power delivery and efficiency.
"[And] when vehicle speed is over 100km/h, the Hybrid+ powertrain will engage the engine to ensure sustained power depending on the battery SoC."
The update began rolling out in early December 2024 – both on new vehicles, and for existing customers through a visit to an MG dealer – but has only now been explained in greater detail.
"MG is committed to continuously enhancing the driving experience for our owners," MG Motor Australia head of product Akshat Ahuja said in a media statement.
"We focus on refining power delivery across various driving conditions to ensure every journey in the ZS Hybrid+ is efficient while providing power when needed.
"Our global team is also looking to refine the software in the MG 3 Hybrid+ models to deliver these same refinements this year," with the media release stating MG 3 owners will be advised "when this update is available and how it will be provided."
Video: Drive's review of the new MG ZS Hybrid+
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
