MG Windsor EV
After JSW bought a stake in MG Motor India, they promised a wave of what they’re calling NEVs – New Energy Vehicles – covering hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and full electrics. The MG Windsor EV is the first of these to hit the market. While a lot of buzz is around the Windsor’s BaaS (Battery as a Service) scheme, which lets you “rent” the battery instead of owning it, there’s a lot more to this EV. The rental scheme may not suit everyone, so let’s dive into what the Windsor brings to the table.
Design: Stylish Crossover Appeal
The Windsor comes from the SAIC-GM-Wuling lineup, sold under different brand names in various markets. In Indonesia, I drove its cousin, the Wuling Cloud. It’s a “born-EV” – designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle – but in an unusual twist, it’s front-wheel-drive.
The design feels fresh, even a bit bold, with a crossover look that blends elements of a hatchback and an MPV. MG calls it a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle, and visually, it’s larger than models like the Skoda Kushaq, though its sleek, mono-volume silhouette hides its actual size. At the front, I found the horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) quite striking – they give the Windsor a two-tier look, with the headlights lower in the bumper and a full-width DRL strip right above. It’s a pleasing, modern front that does a great job of making the Windsor stand out.
The sides are clean, with black trim accents around the wheel arches and windows. The higher trims get flush door handles, a nice premium touch. The back end, with sleek LED taillights and a spoiler with a stop light, keeps things looking sharp. And I can’t forget the 18-inch alloys – they’re chunky five-spokes and give the Windsor a solid stance on the road.
Spacious and Comfy Interior
Inside, space is a definite highlight. I’m just shy of 6 feet, and with another adult of similar height sitting behind me, there was still plenty of legroom and headroom. A third person could squeeze into the middle, but the seat contouring isn’t ideal for comfort. The real star here is the reclining rear seat – it leans back to 135 degrees, and the front passenger seat even reclines enough to create a lounge experience. It’s like riding in a private cinema lounge and would be perfect for a long, chauffeur-driven trip.
The seats themselves have a tufted design that resembles a high-end sofa. I personally found the tufting a bit too pronounced, but others liked the cushioned feel. In the back, there’s no “knees-up” position, which I found much more comfortable than many EVs where the high battery floor can leave passengers with cramped leg positions. Up front, the seats are also nicely padded and come with cooling, and the driver’s seat has a 6-way power adjustment.
Storage is generous, with door pockets, cupholders, and a spacious central console that has a shuttered lid for a clean look. In the trunk, the boot space is impressive, too – around 604 liters for the lower trims and 579 liters for the top trim due to a subwoofer. There’s also space for a full-size spare tire if needed.
Also read: MG Comet EV: Rs. 519 Per Month Running Cost
Feature-Packed: Big Screens, High Tech
MG didn’t hold back on the tech. The centerpiece is a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen that’s easy to read and responsive. The graphics are nice, with clear icons and customizable themes. Below, a separate HVAC control panel keeps the layout organized. On the base version, the screen size drops to 10.1 inches.
While I appreciated the touchscreen’s placement, which doesn’t obstruct the view, I found some of the in-screen controls frustrating. Functions like side mirror adjustments and drive modes are hidden within the screen interface, Tesla-style. You can access them through a customizable button on the steering wheel, but it’s not the most intuitive setup. Also, when you connect your phone for Android Auto, it takes over the entire screen, so reaching vehicle controls requires extra touches.
On the plus side, the cabin’s huge panoramic glass roof adds a bright, open feel. The ambient lighting, the classy gold-speaker grilles, and the high-quality materials – including dark wood trim and gold accents – give the interior a premium touch. The nine-speaker Infinity audio system, including a subwoofer, delivers rich sound, a perfect companion for a relaxing drive.
Power and Drive Experience
The Windsor’s 136hp motor with 200Nm of torque makes it slightly less powerful than the Nexon EV Long Range. But it doesn’t lack character – acceleration is smooth and gradual, which matches the Windsor’s relaxed, easygoing vibe. MG claims a 0-100 km/h time of 9.4 seconds, though it feels a bit slower. I also found the drive selector interesting; it’s placed on the left stalk behind the steering wheel, similar to Mercedes’ style but on the opposite side.
There are three regen levels (no one-pedal mode), and they’re all fairly mild, with even the strongest setting being on the softer side. At higher speeds, road and wind noise creep into the cabin, which might bother those seeking a quieter experience. Ride quality is generally good, though on rougher city roads, I noticed a stiffer feel and more pronounced thuds on big bumps.
Range and Charging
In India, the Windsor comes with a 37.9 kWh battery, providing a claimed range of 331 km. In a test drive of about 254 km with a highway-to-city split of 75:25, I saw an efficiency of 6.69 km/kWh, which would translate to an actual range of around 254 km. Charging times are reasonable – 6.5 hours on a 7.4kW home charger and about 55 minutes to reach 80% on a 45kW fast charger.
The BaaS scheme is unique, but it’s worth noting that it’s not truly “pay-per-use.” Essentially, it’s a loan scheme where you can finance the battery separately with a monthly EMI. It’s an option to consider, but the per-kilometer cost can vary based on your credit rating.
Final Thoughts
Pricing for the Windsor starts at Rs 9.99 lakh with the battery rental scheme or Rs 13.50 lakh without it, which is competitive, especially against rivals like the Tata Nexon EV, Tata Punch EV and Mahindra XUV400. Overall, MG has put in the work with the Windsor. It’s stylish, spacious, comfortable, and packed with thoughtful features. If you’re after a roomy, easygoing EV with a unique touch of lounge-style comfort and strong tech, the Windsor is a solid choice in this segment. It’s MG’s best EV offering so far, and I can see it winning over a lot of people looking for a modern, refined electric drive experience.
