MG Windsor EV: Charging Ahead with Space, Style, and Smart Value

The Indian automotive landscape is gradually, but inevitably, moving gears towards electric cars. And at the center of this revolution, the MG Windsor EV arrives, not only as yet another electric vehicle, but as a well-thought-out car with the goal of making EV ownership accessible and attractive. Whereas everyone's abuzz with its innovative Battery as a Service (BaaS) plan, the Windsor itself presents a sturdy offering on its own merit that's worthy of closer consideration.

Design that Blends In (and Stands Out)

Right away, the Windsor's design catches your eye. MG calls it a CUV, and it truly pulls off a fascinating mix of a hatchback's compactness and an MPV's spaciousness. This isn't an easy balance to strike without looking awkward, but the Windsor manages it with a genuinely pleasing look. It's surprisingly roomy, even bigger than some traditional SUVs in length, width, and height, yet its single-volume shape cleverly hides its size. The front, with its full-width daytime running lights and neatly integrated headlights, is particularly striking, giving the car a distinct, modern face. Nice touches like the flush door handles and the tasteful use of black and chrome trim bits really polish off its exterior.

Stepping Inside: Comfort and Cleverness

Hop inside, and the Windsor really shines with its interior space and comfort. There's plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a truly comfortable ride for four adults. While a fifth person can squeeze in the back, it's probably best for shorter trips. The real showstopper, though, is the reclining rear seat, which goes back a remarkable 135 degrees, and the front passenger seat's ability to recline significantly as well, creating a full "lounger" experience. This feature alone could be a huge draw for those considering a chauffeur-driven EV. The seats themselves, while featuring a unique tufted design that might not be for everyone, are generally supportive. Crucially, rear passengers won't find themselves with uncomfortable "knees-up" seating, a common issue in some EVs. Practicality is also a strong point, with a generous boot that can even fit a full-size spare, plus lots of smart storage spots throughout the cabin.

Tech-Packed and User-Friendly (Mostly)

When it comes to technology, the Windsor doesn't hold back. A massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen dominates the minimalist dashboard, acting as the control center for most of the car's functions. While its sheer size can seem a bit much at first, it's responsive and easy to read. However, putting essential controls like side mirror adjustments and drive modes inside the touchscreen can be a bit annoying when you're driving, requiring multiple taps to get where you need to go. Thankfully, there are some clever touches, like a customisable hot button on the steering wheel. The panoramic glass roof is another highlight, making the cabin feel incredibly airy and open, further enhanced by ambient lighting and an excellent nine-speaker Infinity sound system. The quality of materials and finishes, including convincing dark wood trim and classy muted gold accents, really adds to the premium feel.

Behind the Wheel: Smooth Sailing

When you actually get out on the road with the Windsor, you quickly discover it's built for relaxed, no-fuss driving. Unlike a lot of purpose-built electric cars that send power to the back wheels, the Windsor opts for a front-wheel-drive setup. Its 136-horsepower motor delivers power in a wonderfully smooth, consistent way, completely avoiding that sudden, jerky burst of acceleration some EVs hit you with. This translates into a really comfortable and predictable ride, making it a perfect companion for navigating city traffic or cruising down the highway. And while it's certainly not engineered to win drag races—MG quotes a 0-100 kph sprint in 9.4 seconds—its performance feels perfectly capable for everyday needs. The ride itself is generally quite good, soaking up most of the road's imperfections without a fuss, though you might feel bigger potholes a bit more distinctly when you're moving slowly in the city. As for the steering, it's nicely balanced: light and easy when you're manoeuvring in tight spots, but firming up reassuringly as your speed increases.

Powering Up: Range, Charging, and the BaaS Talk

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room for many EV buyers: range anxiety. The Windsor comes with a 37.9 kWh battery, which MG says will get you about 331 kilometers on a full charge (based on the MIDC cycle). In the real world, with a mix of city and highway driving, you can realistically expect to see closer to 250 kilometers. That’s a pretty decent figure for daily errands and even weekend trips. When it comes to charging, you're looking at standard times: getting from empty to full on a 7.4kW home charger takes around 6.5 hours. If you can find a 45kW fast charger, you'll be able to juice up from 0 to 80 percent in about 55 minutes. Of course, a huge part of the conversation around the Windsor is its Battery as a Service (BaaS) option, which changes the ownership game entirely.

But the real game-changer for the Windsor EV is its innovative BaaS scheme. Starting at an incredibly competitive Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the car without the battery (which is then rented separately), it aims to make EV ownership much more affordable. For those who prefer to own the whole car outright, the Windsor is still competitively priced, coming in lower than some rivals.

So, what's the bottom line on the MG Windsor EV? Honestly, it's a remarkably well-thought-out car. You get a spacious, comfortable interior packed with genuinely unique touches, a driving experience that's consistently pleasant, and a price that feels incredibly compelling, especially with that innovative BaaS option. Sure, the heavy reliance on the touchscreen for basic controls can be a minor annoyance, but those small quirks are easily overshadowed by everything the Windsor does right. It's clear MG poured a lot of effort into this one, and it truly feels like their strongest electric offering yet, poised to make a real impact on the Indian EV market.