MG Air EV Detailed In 15 Pictures

This micro EV was recently confirmed for the Indian market

The range of entry-level EV offerings in India is set to expand significantly over the next few years. Included in the list of known upcoming models is the MG Air EV, which is currently on sale in Indonesia under the Wuling brand. Both Wuling and MG fall under the umbrella of the SAIC Group, hence the shared models between them and other sister brands. Let’s take a closer look at the Indonesia-spec Wuling Air EV ahead of its premier as an MG model in India:

EXTERIOR

The Air EV looks a lot like the previous attempts of other carmakers for a city runabout EV. However, this one looks more refined and not as much of a compromise in the name of green mobility. Most of its appearance and presence comes from its front end design.

The front fascia is simple yet effective in conveying its modernity. An LED strip spans its narrow width, just below the windshield. It also has a large illuminated Wuling logo that adorns the flap for the EV’s charging point. The vertically-stacked dual-barrel headlamps are positioned further down, just above the contrast black bumper which is mostly cladding.

In profile, you can see just how small the Air EV really is. It only has the two doors, which take up most of its sub-3 metre length. However, the wheels are quite far apart for a wheelbase measuring just over 2 metres to maximise the cabin space in these proportions. The Air EV also makes use of large glass surfaces to make the interior seem roomier. It even comes with blacked out pillars for a floating roof design.

The Air EV runs on 12-inch steel wheels with stylised covers, likely to aid in the car’s overall aerodynamic efficiency for better range. They seem comically small on the boxy EV, especially when even the Maruti Celerio comes with 15-inch alloy wheels in its top spec, but their design is still appealing.

There is a tall rear quarter glass panel for the convenience of the rear passengers. Its door handles are tucked into the door design, much like the rear door handles on a Maruti Swift. There’s even a small roof-spoiler, which adds to the looks and likely to the car’s ability to minimise drag.

The key design elements of the rear profile of the Air EV are quite similar to that of the front fascia. It’s got a large uninterruped surface, black cladding for the bumper and premium looking lighting elements. There’s no rear wiper and washer but this top variant does come with a rear defogger.

There is an LED light bar across the width of the rear just below the rear windscreen. Meanwhile, the taillights look a lot like the headlights and are positioned further down, just above the bumper cladding. They too have a vertically-stacked, two-piece light signature. 

The rearview camera is housed below the black design element across the width of the rear profile, just under the LED light bar.

Battery and Range

The Air EV gets the choice of two battery options - 17.3kWh and 26.7kWh. The smaller pack has a claimed range of 200km while the larger battery promises 300km per charge.

Both have a 115V electrical architecture and seem unlikely to support DC fast charging. It's bigger battery can be charged in four hours using a 6.6kW AC charger, while the other will take eight and a half hours via a 2kW AC charger.

INTERIOR

Standard Range

The Air EV gets the choice of two broad trims based on the two battery sizes, and the interior for both varies. The smaller battery pack variant is called the Standard Range, and gets fewer comforts and an all-grey cabin with fabric upholstery. The front seats have integrated headrests, same as the two rear seats.  There’s even a manual handbrake lever.

It still has a 7-inch digital driver’s display but no touchscreen infotainment unit above the central AC vents. However, we spied some speakers in the doors so we suspect it still has media playback and perhaps phone connectivity via Bluetooth.

Long Range

Moving up to the Long Range trim, with the larger battery pack, you also get leather upholstery and elements of the cabin finished in black for a more premium look. Here the central console between the front seats looks better too with an electronic parking brake behind the drive selector dial.

But the biggest update for this trim’s cabin is the dashboard. Here you find a far more premium dual-integrated display setup for the large touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster, both using 10.25-inch screens.

Expected Launch

While MG has already stated that its entry-level EV will be launched in 2023, we expect it to debut on our shores at the Auto Expo in 2023. It is likely to have a starting price of just under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It would take on the likes of the Tata Tiago EV and the entry-level Citroen EV.