MG ZS getting update to fix performance issue

Less than two months after the updated MG ZS Hybrid+ launched in Australia, the Chinese brand has announced it’s rolling out a software update to address an issue with its powertrain.

Reports suggest that when the SUV’s hybrid battery nears depletion, power delivery could be dramatically reduced –leaving the car without the necessary power to overtake safely or comfortably climb a steep hill.

Now, MG has provided full details on the update being brought to the ZS Hybrid+, which began rolling out as early as mid-December 2024 on both new and used vehicles – the latter of which catered for by an MG dealer.

MG Motor Australia head of product, Akshat Ahuja, says the brand is “committed to continuously enhancing the driving experience” for ZS owners.

“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,” he said.

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As part of the update, MG Australia says the ZS’ hybrid powertrain will provide improved performance across three distinct scenarios.

“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),” the brand wrote.

“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.

“When vehicle speed is over 100km/h, the Hybrid+ powertrain will engage the engine to ensure sustained power depending on the battery SoC.”

The updates are intended to provide ZS Hybrid+ owners “a more responsive driving experience”. MG also says it will “continue to evaluate its products to improve customer experience”, which opens the door to similar updates for the MG 3 Hybrid+, which uses the same powertrain.

CarExpert’s video review of the MG 3 Hybrid+ from June 2024 revealed a similar issue as described with the ZS Hybrid+.

After prolonged periods of demanding driving, the battery would deplete and leave the hatch with almost one third of the power it normally has.

Footage from the video with a charged battery shows roughly 120kW of power is being delivered, with CarExpert founder Paul Maric describing it as “colossally quick once it all comes online”.

When the battery is depleted, the MG 3’s instrument cluster shows just 45kW of power is being produced. As mentioned in the video, there’s no direct way to control the hybrid system’s power delivery and charging, much like in the ZS Hybrid+.

The update will remedy issues found in similar circumstances on the ZS Hybrid+, which means it’s likely the MG 3 Hybrid+ will receive a similar update in due course if deemed necessary.

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