In a market dominated by aggressive SUVs, the MG Windsor EV takes a different route, prioritising comfort, space and practicality while delivering a relaxed, tech-heavy electric driving experience for everyday urban commuting
The Indian automotive market is currently obsessed with aggressive styling, sharp creases, and high-riding SUVs. So, when the MG Windsor EV joined our long-term fleet, its arrival felt like a deliberate and refreshing departure from the norm. Promising a sanctuary of space and serenity rather than rugged off-road posturing, this electric crossover brings an entirely different energy to the daily commute. Over the past few months, the Windsor EV—in its fully-loaded Essence trim—has been put to the ultimate test, tackling everything from the chaotic bumper-to-bumper crawls of Mumbai to swift weekend expressway sprints. Here is what it is actually like to live with this electric crossover day in and day out.
The urban commute
Let’s get one thing straight: the Windsor EV is not trying to be a corner-carving hot hatch. The Essence trim is powered by a 38-kWh lithium-ion battery pack mated to a permanent magnet synchronous motor. This setup delivers a maximum power output of 134 bhp (100 kW) and 200 Nm of peak torque, driving the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. In the real world, these numbers translate to an incredibly smooth, linear, and relaxed driving experience. Navigating through dense city traffic is where this crossover truly shines. The power delivery is wonderfully measured, avoiding the jerky, neck-snapping acceleration often associated with modern EVs. The steering is exceptionally light at low speeds, making it ridiculously easy to park and thread through narrow lanes despite its broad footprint.
However, the ride quality has been a bit of a mixed bag. The Essence variant rides on striking 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which look fantastic but undeniably contribute to a firmer low-speed ride. While it handles high-speed undulations on the Eastern Express Highway with impressive stability, low-speed thuds over our notorious local potholes do filter into the cabin.
The tech conundrum
Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by the Windsor’s pièce de résistance—the massive 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. It looks like a high-end laptop bolted to the minimalist dashboard, and its resolution, touch response, and interface are crisp. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly, and the 9-speaker Infinity audio system is an acoustic treat. But here is where the daily niggles begin to surface. MG has taken the minimalist, button-free approach a step too far. Almost every core vehicle function—from adjusting the ORVMs and turning on the headlights to opening the panoramic glass roof's sunshade and tweaking the climate control—is buried deep within the touchscreen menus. While you eventually develop muscle memory for the steering wheel shortcut buttons, it is an unnecessary distraction in traffic. A few physical dials for the AC and mirrors would have elevated the user experience tremendously.
The ‘Aero Lounge’ experience
Where the Windsor unconditionally redeems itself is in sheer passenger comfort. MG categorises it as a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), and the packaging is undeniably brilliant. The cabin feels immensely airy, aided heavily by the expansive glass roof and the dual-tone interior theme. The front seats are ventilated and look like they belong in a high-end living room. But the rear bench is the undisputed star of the show. With a completely flat floor, heaps of legroom, and a backrest that reclines to a massive 135 degrees, the Windsor offers a chauffeur-driven experience that easily rivals luxury sedans costing three times as much. Practicality is another strong suit. Our Essence variant gets a generous 579 litres of boot space (slightly less than the 604 litres in lower trims due to the under-floor subwoofer)—more than enough to swallow multiple large suitcases for an airport run. The glaring omission, however, is the lack of a standard spare wheel; relying solely on a puncture repair kit induces mild anxiety on longer highway trips.
Range reality, charging, pricing
The 38-kWh battery claims an ARAI-certified range of 332 km. In our real-world testing—factoring in heavy traffic, the climate control running full blast, and the occasional spirited highway run—the Windsor consistently returned between 240 and 260 kilometres on a full charge. Fast-charging compatibility up to 45kW means an 0-80% top-up takes under 50 minutes. When it comes to the financial equation, the MG Windsor EV Essence carries an ex-showroom price of Rs 16.53 Lakh (including the battery). However, MG’s unique Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model completely disrupts the segment. Under this program, the upfront acquisition cost drops significantly (to roughly Rs 12 Lakh), and you pay a battery rental fee of Rs 3.5 per kilometre driven. For a pure city commuter, this setup—combined with the cost of home charging—means your running costs plummet dramatically, making it a highly compelling financial proposition.
Verdict
Living with the MG Windsor EV requires a slight shift in mindset. If you are seeking thrilling driving dynamics, aggressive styling, or tactile physical controls, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you evaluate it for what it deliberately sets out to be—a highly practical, ridiculously spacious, and tech-forward family commuter—it hits the spot. At its price point, the Windsor EV doesn't just offer an electric alternative to traditional mid-size SUVs; it offers a fundamentally more comfortable and cost-effective way to travel.
