The MG Windsor electric vehicle (EV) was launched in India on Wednesday. The British car company says the Windsor EV is its first “smart CUV,” or crossover utility vehicle. Its name is inspired by Windsor Castle in the UK. Built on the company’s “Pure EV” platform, it is a rebadged version of the Wuling Cloud EV, which is sold in Indonesia and other markets, and features a range of up to 331 km, Aero Lounge seating, an Infinity View glass roof, artificial intelligence (AI)-based voice commands, and over 80 connected features that leverage i-SMART technology.
It is the first vehicle launched since the inception of JSW MG Motor India as a joint venture between India's JSW Group and China-based SAIC Motor, and joins the MG ZS EV and Comet EV as electric vehicle options in the company's lineup.
MG Windsor EV Price in India
The MG Windsor EV price in India starts at Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the company says that this is just an introductory price. Pre-bookings have already started and the exclusive test drive of the vehicle will begin on September 26. Bookings for the MG Windsor EV will begin on October 3.
It is offered in three variants (Excite, Exclusive and Essence) and four colour combinations – Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige and Turquoise Green. With the debut of the Windsor EV, MG has also introduced a Battery as a Service (BaaS) ownership programme, which eliminates the upfront cost of the battery and allows the buyer to pay only for its usage. This programme starts at Rs. 3.5 per kilometre for the battery.
Early owners of the MG Windsor EV will benefit from a lifetime battery warranty. The company is also offering one year of free public charging via the eHUB by MG app. MG Windsor EV owners can also benefit from a 3-60 month Assured Buyback Scheme which is claimed to help the vehicle retain 60 per cent of its value for a period of up to 3 years or 45,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
MG Windsor electric vehicle design
MG Windsor EV cabin interior
According to the company, the MG Windsor EV is a CUV, despite featuring a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)-like AeroGlide design. It can be perceived as a crossover between a sedan and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), borrowing select elements from both platforms. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,295 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,677 mm tall. The EV has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, which could potentially result in more passenger space in the rear compared to the MG ZS EV.
Design-wise, the Windsor EV features 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), vertically stacked LED headlamps and taillamps, integrated spoiler, and flush-mounted door handles. The illuminated MG logo is located at the front, next to the charging inlet. Inspired by the Wuling Cloud EV, MG’s latest EV in India also comes with a glass roof that the company calls “Infinity View.”
Features of the MG Windsor EV
The Windsor EV has a Knight Black interior cabin that is equipped with several features such as 135-degree multi-level reclining seats (or Aero Lounge), ambient lighting with 256 color options, a digital driver display, and a 15.6-inch main infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility. Other interior features include a 9-way speaker system and rear air conditioning vents.
Offering a five-seat configuration, the Windsor EV's rear seats can recline in a 60:40 ratio, while it also has a 604-litre boot capacity and an electrically operated tailgate.
MG Windsor EV powertrain, battery and safety
MG claims the Windsor EV is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, mounted on the front axle, generating 134 PS and 200 Nm of torque. However, the company has not revealed its top speed. What makes this possible is a 38 kWh lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) cell battery, which is similar to the battery technology used in the MG ZS EV. It is claimed to provide a range of up to 331 kilometres on a single charge.
In terms of safety, the MG Windsor EV features a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a 360-degree camera. It also comes standard with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), an electronic parking brake with an automatic hold function and disc brakes and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).