Introduction
MG has launched the Windsor EV in India. This is the British automaker’s third electric car for the Indian market. Based on the Wuling Cloud EV, which is sold in some major Southeast Asian markets, the Windsor measures in at 4.29 metres with a wheelbase of 2.7 metres. While it is smaller than its segment rivals in overall length, it has the largest wheelbase thanks to it being a born electric vehicle.
Design highlights
On the design front, the face gets the same cowl that the Comet has but the LED DRLs are obviously bigger. Lower down, and you can see the low-set full LED headlamps along with a black applique running between it.
Move over to the side, and you can see these massive 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, which give the car a premium stance. In profile, you can also see the short overhangs and a floating roofline, both of which are a part of the automaker’s AeroGlide design that it’s given for the Windsor. Oh and lest we forget, this is the second car in the segment to get pop-out door handles though it is unclear if this feature will be offered across the range.
Finally, moving over to the rear, you can see elements like the connected taillamps, chrome garnish below the glass house, and of course, the ‘Windsor’ and ‘EV’ badging. Surprisingly, it does not get the ‘Internet Inside’ badging.
Cabin and convenience
While the exterior is quirky and somewhat unconventional, especially when looking at the competition, the interior is much more business-like and has a combination of recognisable MG elements as well as some newer ones that we can expect to see on future MG models.
Up front, the biggest highlight is a massive 15.6-inch display for the infotainment system. It runs the same OS as other MG models but looks mighty due to the size of the screens. It’s loaded up with the usual stuff like wireless phone mirroring and climate control operations However, it is also the display for the 36-degree camera and has access to the new app store that MG has introduced with this car. This app store is in collaboration with Jio and gives access to games as well as Jio apps like JioTV and Jio games.
MG had announced earlier this year that it would be collaborating with Reliance to bring its services to the MG universe and that it would debut first with the Windsor before being offered with other MG models. This service also includes voice commands in multiple languages and home-to-car connectivity.
MG has been pushing this car as a business-class experience on the road and aims to achieve that by offering a comprehensive rear seat package. The USP of this seat is that you can get it to electrically recline up to 135 degrees giving you that ‘business class seating experience’
On the face of it at least, space for the rear occupants is not going to be an issue due to the flat floor and long wheelbase. Some of the other big highlights include bottle holders in both doors, USB charging ports, and a centre armrest with two cup holders.
Feature list
The Windsor, in this top-spec variant that you can see in our photos, gets features like wireless phone mirroring, wireless charger, 360-degree camera, climate control with rear AC vents, connected car technology, reclining rear seat, panoramic sunroof with voice control in multiple languages, Jio apps and connectivity, TPMS, six airbags, ABS with EBD and a full LED light package.
Surprisingly, MG has not included ADAS as a part of the deal, which is surprising, considering that almost everyone among its rivals has the assistance system. What’s more, MG themselves have Level 2 ADAS on the Hector, ZS EV, and the Astor as well as on the Cloud in international markets.
Powertrains
The MG Windsor EV is being offered with a 38kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 331km. The electric motor powering the front wheels produces 134bhp and 200Nm. You get four drive modes as part of the deal: Eco, Eco+, normal, and Sport.
Pricing
At the time of writing this story, MG only revealed the base version price, which is Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory). This price has been achieved through its BaaS (Battery as a Service), where the buyer pays for the car but rents the battery from MG. The company charges you Rs. 3.5 per km, which on paper seems like a fabulous deal, as even if you drive close to 50,000km a year, that’s around Rs. 2 lakh over the price of the car.
