MG Windsor EV Review: Should You Buy It?

With the launch of EV Windsor, Morris Garages (MG) is back with a bang for the third time, since its operations started in 2019.

Marketed as a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle, it boasts an unconventional design with a blend of SUV and MPV elements. One key highlight that stands out among its peers is the introduction of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), making it much more affordable and cost effective among buyers. With a pleasing aesthetic, Windsor is larger than the size of Skoda Kushaq encompassing a length of 4,295mm, while its width and height are 1,850mm & 1,677677mm.

Exterior Design

The front of the EV features a futuristic and sporty design, including a split lighting setup along with a pod-style LED headlights. With LED DRLs on the top, buoyed by flush door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels on the side, Windsor exemplifies itself as an aerodynamic model in the years to come. The charging flap is located below the A-pillar on the front left fender.

Available in four colours including Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green, it’s the additional design elements that beautifies Windsor’s visual outreach.

Windsor’s design may not convince the majority of buyers in general. However, it resembles a distinctive statement.

Exterior Design

Windsor has plenty of space in the front and the rear offering a seamless experience to the passengers. Offering an ample amount of headroom, Windsor gives out decent legroom for two adults. The legroom measures 5 foot and 8 inches in height. Giving a top-of-the line experience to the passengers, the reclining rear seat can go up to 135 degrees from the seat base. The front seatback can also recline to the extreme level, which can touch the rear seat base, making for a full lounger ride.

While the seats give the look and feel of a comfortable & expensive sofa, it has sparked an open debate among the critics.

Boot Space stands at 604 litres for the lower two trims (Excite and Exclusive), whereas it’s 579 litres for the top Essence trim. The Essence trim features a subwoofer which is mounted in the area below the floor limiting the boot space outreach.

As far as the cabin is concerned, it has ample storage space for the passengers which includes cup holders and door pockets.

Features

Equipped with a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen, it doesn't hamper passenger’s experience. On the move, the large central touchscreen can be turned off and it also doesn't hinder your line of sight. With a customisable hot button on the steering wheel along with a series of toggles we can fully adjust things like the Outside Rear View Mirror (ORVMs). However, using them isn’t intuitive in nature. Also, when the phone is connected to Android Auto, it takes up the whole screen. This makes it a time taking price process as the user is few touches away from the main menu.

On the other hand, the screen features controls including sliders that enables you to adjust the opening of sunscreen up to a specific degree. The cabin encompasses a huge panoramic glass roof that resonates a cosy and airy feel to the sitting passengers. Ambient lighting is also present across the dash and the speaker grilles.

The dashboard and doors embellish a dark wood trim along with a classy-looking muted gold finish. Windsor has a host of auto climate controls and a full suite of connected car features, which includes some home-to-car functions via JioFiber and onboard Jio apps. As far as the safety is concerned, it includes three-point seat belts for all occupants, six airbags and ESC, which are standard across all the variants.

Performance

Producing 136hp and 200Nm of torque, Windsor’s power delivery misses the instant kick, which is the persisting problem among many EVs. But, as far as the drive quality is concerned it offers a relaxed experience. Drive modes include Sport, Normal, Eco and Eco+.

Even at high speeds, the ride quality never fails to impress the passengers. Though negligible road and wind noise come through the cabin, it could be weaned off via some additional insulation. At city speeds, passengers may feel uncomfortable driving through large bumps and potholes.

Battery, charging & range

Windsor offers two battery options (37.9 kWh and 50.6 kWh) internationally. In India the company has rolled out the smaller one giving an average of 31km on the MIDC (Modified Indian Driving Cycle). The company claims that a 7.4kW charger can take up to 6.5 hours to get fully charged while through a 45kW fast charger, it can go from 0-80% in 55 minutes.

Interestingly, what positions Windsor among its competitors is its Battery As A Service (BaaS) scheme. The company claims that a user would just be required to pay ₹9.9 lakh for the base model and a rental of Rs 3.5/km. It’s actually a loan scheme offered by four selected finance partners. Users can in turn finance the whole car, including the battery or they can pay upfront for the cars and then fix an EMI for the battery. It should be noted that the effective rate per kilometre can vary based on the user’s credit rating.

Notably, in the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) mode, EV owners purchase EV without battery, this reduces the upfront cost of the EVs. In this model buyers have the access to a range of charging stations where they can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged battery.

Price & Verdict

Priced at ₹9.99 lakh with the BaaS scheme, Windsor can start at ₹13.50 lakh and can go up to 15.50 lakh. Offering sleek and appealing looks along with a comfortable seating, MG has done a tremendous job in positioning this product. Additionally, it also offers upbeat power delivery along with a top-of-the line throttle and steering calibration making it the best EV MG has produced till now.