MG Windsor EV: The MG Windsor EV represents a significant evolution in the rapidly transforming Indian electric vehicle landscape.
Launched as part of MG Motor’s aggressive electrification strategy, the Windsor combines the nostalgic appeal of the storied British marque with forward-thinking electric mobility solutions tailored for the Indian market.
Named after Windsor Castle, an enduring symbol of British heritage, this compact electric crossover aims to bridge traditional automotive values with the progressive demands of environmentally conscious consumers.
What makes the Windsor particularly noteworthy is how it reflects MG’s dual identity—leveraging both British legacy and Chinese parent company SAIC’s advanced electric vehicle technology.
This synthesis creates a product that feels distinctly global yet adapted for Indian conditions and preferences.
The Windsor enters a market at a fascinating inflection point, where electric vehicles are transitioning from niche curiosities to mainstream considerations, particularly in urban environments where charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding.
Beyond its technical specifications, the Windsor represents MG’s evolving brand philosophy in India. Since its reintroduction to the market in 2019, MG has positioned itself as a technology-forward brand with a keen understanding of Indian consumer preferences.
The Windsor builds upon this foundation while addressing the growing segment of buyers seeking practical, everyday electric mobility solutions without significant compromises compared to conventional vehicles.
This balanced approach to electrification—prioritizing usability and value rather than headline-grabbing specifications—potentially signals a maturing approach to EV development in the Indian context.
MG Windsor EV: Design and Exterior
The MG Windsor EV makes an immediate visual impression through its distinctive combination of compact crossover proportions and forward-thinking design elements that subtly communicate its electric nature.
The front fascia features a blanked-off grille—a common electric vehicle design trait—reimagined as a textured surface with parametric patterns that create visual interest while optimizing aerodynamics.
This is flanked by slim LED headlamps connected by a light bar that serves as both a daytime running light and a charging status indicator when the vehicle is plugged in.
From the side profile, the Windsor presents clean, uncluttered lines with a gently sloping roofline that enhances aerodynamic efficiency without compromising interior headroom.
The 18-inch aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels feature a complex multi-spoke design that balances visual appeal with efficiency.
Flush door handles deploy automatically when the key is detected nearby, contributing to both the sleek appearance and reduced drag coefficient of 0.29—an impressive figure that directly benefits range and efficiency.
At the rear, a full-width LED light bar mirrors the front arrangement, creating a distinctive light signature at night. The tailgate features minimal badging, with only the MG logo and Windsor nameplate in chrome against the clean surface.
The rear bumper incorporates a subtle diffuser element that enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamic performance.
Available in six exterior colors including the signature British Racing Green along with Cosmic Silver, Pearl White, Glaze Red, Starry Black, and Dynamic Blue, the Windsor offers sufficient personalization options.
Select colors can be paired with a contrasting black roof for a more distinctive two-tone appearance.
With dimensions of 4,350mm in length, 1,810mm in width, and 1,650mm in height, coupled with a wheelbase of 2,690mm, the Windsor occupies the sweet spot between compact maneuverability and practical interior space.
The ground clearance of 180mm provides sufficient margin for navigating rough urban roads without compromising the aerodynamic benefits of a lower ride height.
Throughout the exterior design, subtle British-inspired details reinforce the heritage aspect of the MG brand, including Union Jack patterns integrated into the LED lighting signatures and taillight arrangement—tasteful nods to the marque’s origins rather than overt nostalgia.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Windsor EV, and you’re greeted by an interior that successfully balances technology-forward design with practical comfort. The dashboard features a minimalist horizontal layout dominated by a 14.1-inch floating touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions.
Physical controls are limited to essential functions, creating a clean, uncluttered aesthetic that contributes to the cabin’s spacious feel.
Material quality demonstrates MG’s attention to sustainable luxury, with recycled fabrics and eco-friendly leatherette upholstery available in two color schemes: Light Grey with blue accents or a more traditional Saddle Brown.
These materials not only reflect the vehicle’s environmental credentials but also offer good tactile quality and durability. Soft-touch materials cover frequently contacted surfaces, while harder plastics are relegated to less visible areas.
The seats deserve particular mention, offering excellent support through carefully sculpted shapes rather than excessive padding.
The driver’s seat features 8-way power adjustment including 4-way lumbar support, ensuring an optimal position regardless of body type. The front passenger seat includes 6-way power adjustment, creating equal comfort for both front occupants.
Both front seats feature heating and ventilation functions, valuable additions in India’s varied climate conditions.
Rear passenger accommodation benefits from the Windsor’s dedicated electric platform, which maximizes interior space through clever packaging of the battery pack and drivetrain components.
The flat floor creates a comfortable center position, making this genuinely usable as a five-passenger vehicle. The rear bench includes a 60:40 split-folding function, reclinable backrests, and a center armrest with integrated cupholders and USB-C charging ports.
The panoramic glass roof spans nearly the entire cabin length, featuring electrochromic dimming technology that can transition from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button—eliminating the need for a conventional sunshade while managing heat ingress more effectively.
This technology contributes to the airy, spacious feeling that belies the Windsor’s compact exterior dimensions.
Cargo capacity stands at 450 liters with all seats in place, expanding to 1,420 liters with the rear seats folded. The load floor features a dual-level design with dedicated storage for charging cables beneath, preventing them from consuming valuable cargo space during everyday use.
A small front trunk (“frunk”) provides an additional 25 liters of storage, useful for smaller items or wet clothing.
Throughout the cabin, thoughtful storage solutions abound, including a large center console with sliding cover, oversized door pockets, a cooled glovebox, and a dedicated smartphone shelf with wireless charging capability.
Ambient lighting with 64 color options creates a sophisticated atmosphere after dark, with themes that can be synchronized with driving modes or set according to personal preference.
Technology and Features
The Windsor EV showcases MG’s commitment to technology-driven features, centered around the 14.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The interface features customizable widgets and split-screen functionality, allowing users to monitor multiple applications simultaneously.
The companion smartphone app enables remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions, including climate preconditioning, charging status, and location tracking.
The 7-inch digital instrument cluster offers multiple display modes, providing essential driving information with clear, legible graphics.
The heads-up display projects critical information directly into the driver’s line of sight, minimizing distraction by displaying speed, navigation instructions, and driver assistance status on the windshield.
The premium Infinity audio system features 8 speakers including a subwoofer, delivering impressive sound quality with dedicated EQ settings for different music genres.
Active noise cancellation technology works in conjunction with extensive sound insulation to create a remarkably quiet cabin environment, particularly valuable in an electric vehicle where the absence of engine noise makes other sources more noticeable.
Additional technology features include:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents and air purification system
Wireless phone charger with cooling function
360-degree surround view camera system
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rain-sensing wipers
Voice assistant with natural language recognition
Over-the-air update capability for all vehicle systems
Digital key functionality through smartphone app
The driver assistance systems represent a comprehensive package, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.
While not offering fully autonomous capability, these systems provide meaningful safety enhancements and reduce driver fatigue during extended journeys.
Performance and Powertrain
The Windsor EV features a permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the front axle, producing 177 PS (130 kW) of power and 290 Nm of instantaneous torque.
This powertrain enables brisk performance, with the 0-100 km/h sprint dispatched in approximately 8.2 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 160 km/h.
While not positioned as a performance vehicle, the Windsor delivers engaging acceleration that makes urban driving enjoyable and highway overtaking maneuvers confident.
The 50.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack was chosen for its superior thermal stability, longer cycle life, and reduced dependence on rare earth materials compared to traditional NMC chemistry.
This battery technology is particularly well-suited to India’s climate conditions, maintaining better performance in high ambient temperatures.
The ARAI-certified range of 460 km represents impressive efficiency for a vehicle in this segment, with real-world range typically varying between 380-420 km depending on driving conditions, temperature, and usage of climate control and other power-consuming features.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Maximum Power | 177 PS (130 kW) |
Peak Torque | 290 Nm |
Battery Capacity | 50.3 kWh (LFP chemistry) |
ARAI Certified Range | 460 km |
Real-world Range | 380-420 km |
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 8.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 160 km/h (limited) |
Fast Charging (10-80%) | 30 minutes (100 kW DC) |
Standard Charging (10-100%) | 8.5 hours (7.4 kW AC) |
Charging flexibility is emphasized, with the Windsor supporting DC fast charging up to 100 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes under optimal conditions.
The onboard AC charger accepts up to 7.4 kW, allowing a full charge in 8.5 hours using a home wallbox. The vehicle also supports standard 15A domestic socket charging, though this extends the charging time to over 18 hours for a complete charge.
The battery pack features liquid cooling and heating systems that maintain optimal operating temperature regardless of ambient conditions, preserving both performance and longevity.
MG offers an 8-year/150,000 km warranty on the battery pack, addressing potential concerns about long-term reliability and replacement costs.
Ride and Handling
The Windsor is built on MG’s dedicated electric vehicle platform, featuring a skateboard-style architecture that places the battery pack within the floor structure.
This configuration creates an inherently low center of gravity that benefits handling dynamics despite the vehicle’s 1,675 kg curb weight. The weight distribution approaches the ideal 50:50 ratio, contributing to balanced handling characteristics.
The suspension setup combines MacPherson struts at the front with a multi-link arrangement at the rear, tuned to deliver a comfortable ride over India’s varied road surfaces while maintaining composed handling during more enthusiastic driving.
Frequency-selective dampers automatically adjust their characteristics based on inputs, providing supple absorption of small bumps while firming up to control body movements during cornering and rapid direction changes.
The electric power steering offers three selectable weight profiles as part of the drive mode selection, providing lighter effort for urban maneuvering or increased resistance and feedback for more engaging driving on open roads.
While not delivering sports car-like communication, the system provides sufficient precision for confident placement on narrower roads.
Braking performance comes from ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing consistent stopping power with good pedal feel.
The regenerative braking system offers three intensity levels, selectable via the gear selector or steering wheel paddles, allowing for one-pedal driving in its strongest setting once drivers acclimate to the behavior.
Road and wind noise suppression is impressive at cruising speeds, creating a refined cabin environment conducive to long-distance travel.
The acoustic insulation package demonstrates MG’s attention to the specific requirements of electric vehicles, where the absence of engine noise can make other sound sources more noticeable.
Efficiency and Range
Range anxiety remains a primary concern for potential EV adopters, and the Windsor addresses this with its substantial battery capacity and efficiency-focused design.
The aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.29, helps maximize range by reducing air resistance at highway speeds, while the sophisticated thermal management system ensures consistent performance across varied weather conditions.
The vehicle features an intelligent energy recovery system that adapts regenerative braking intensity based on traffic conditions, topography, and driving style.
This system works in conjunction with the predictive range calculator, which considers these factors along with climate control usage to provide more accurate range estimates that build driver confidence.
The drive mode selector offers three distinct profiles:
Eco: Maximizes efficiency by limiting power output and optimizing energy recuperation
Normal: Balances performance and range for typical driving scenarios
Sport: Provides full power and torque for maximum responsiveness
In controlled testing, the Windsor demonstrated energy consumption of approximately 13.0 kWh/100 km in mixed driving conditions, translating to a practical range of around 400 km.
Urban driving typically yields better efficiency due to more frequent regenerative braking opportunities, while sustained high-speed highway travel reduces range to around 350 km.
Key Highlights of MG Windsor EV
Impressive Range: 460 km ARAI-certified range with 50.3 kWh LFP battery
Fast Charging Capability: Supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging
Advanced Technology: 14.1-inch touchscreen and comprehensive driver assistance
British Design Elements: Tasteful integration of heritage details in modern design
Spacious Interior: Clever packaging maximizing passenger and cargo space
Electrochromic Panoramic Roof: Innovative glass technology with variable transparency
Superior Warranty: 8-year/150,000 km battery warranty for peace of mind
Connected Features: Extensive remote control and monitoring capabilities
Variants and Pricing
The Windsor EV is available in three primary trim levels:
Excite: The entry-level variant offers essential features including the digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and basic safety systems.
Exclusive: This mid-tier option adds the larger infotainment screen, 360-degree camera, panoramic roof, and additional driver assistance features.
Essence: The flagship variant includes all available technology, premium audio, heads-up display, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Pricing ranges from approximately ₹22.30 lakh for the base Excite variant to ₹28.80 lakh for the top-spec Essence (ex-showroom, India after subsidies), positioning the Windsor competitively within the broader electric SUV landscape while offering distinctive styling and features not available from competitors at similar price points.
Ownership Experience
MG has developed a comprehensive ownership program for EV customers, addressing potential concerns and simplifying the transition to electric mobility.
The MG Charge network continues to expand, with over 1,200 public charging points across more than 80 cities. Windsor EV owners receive preferential rates and dedicated support through the companion smartphone app.
The standard warranty package covers the vehicle for 5 years/unlimited kilometers, with the battery protected for 8 years/150,000 kilometers.
This generous coverage exceeds most competitors and addresses a primary concern for potential EV adopters.
Maintenance requirements are significantly reduced compared to internal combustion vehicles, with service intervals recommended at 12 months/20,000 kilometers.
The estimated annual maintenance cost averages just ₹3,000-5,000 for regular services, representing substantial savings over conventional vehicles.
MG’s EV support includes 24/7 roadside assistance with mobile charging capability for emergency situations. The company also offers battery health monitoring and predictive maintenance alerts through the connected car platform, potentially addressing issues before they impact the ownership experience.
Competition Analysis
The Windsor EV enters a growing electric SUV segment with several established and emerging competitors:
Tata Nexon EV: Offers a lower entry price but with less range and features
Hyundai Kona Electric: Provides refined performance but at a higher price point
MG ZS EV: MG’s own larger electric SUV with different positioning and feature set
Mahindra XUV400: Delivers engaging performance at a competitive price but with less sophisticated technology
The Windsor’s unique selling proposition lies in its balanced approach to range, features, and pricing, combined with MG’s growing reputation in the electric vehicle space.
The blend of British design heritage with modern electric technology creates a distinctive product that offers both emotional and rational appeal.
MG Windsor EV:
The MG Windsor EV represents a thoughtful evolution in India’s electric vehicle landscape, successfully balancing practical considerations with distinctive character.
By leveraging both British design heritage and cutting-edge Chinese EV technology, MG has created a vehicle that offers more than just transportation—it provides a glimpse of how traditional automotive values can successfully transition into the electric era.
What makes the Windsor particularly significant is its focus on addressing real-world concerns rather than merely chasing headline specifications.
The combination of practical range, comprehensive feature set, and thoughtful ownership support creates a compelling overall package that could convince many traditional car buyers to make the switch to electric mobility.
The attention to thermal management, battery technology selection, and charging flexibility demonstrates an understanding of India’s specific requirements rather than simply importing solutions designed for other markets.
As India’s automotive landscape continues its gradual but inevitable transition toward electrification, the Windsor exemplifies the type of thoughtful, market-specific products that will likely accelerate mainstream adoption.
By creating an electric vehicle that appeals on multiple levels—practical, emotional, and financial—MG has made a compelling case for electric mobility that extends beyond early adopters to reach mainstream consumers who simply want a good vehicle that happens to be electric.