MG Motors has officially launched its latest electric vehicle, the Windsor EV, in India with an aggressive starting price of ₹9.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). The Windsor EV slots into the brand’s growing electric vehicle portfolio, sitting between the compact Comet EV and the larger ZS EV. With a focus on making electric mobility more accessible, the Windsor EV is set to compete with industry stalwarts like the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV400 EV, and Tata Punch EV. The vehicle is available in three variants: Excite, Exclusive, and Essence, with bookings starting on October 3 and deliveries commencing from October 12.
Battery-as-a-service: Lowering ownership costs
One of the standout features of the Windsor EV is MG’s innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, aimed at reducing the initial purchase cost. This option allows customers to rent the battery rather than buy it outright, significantly lowering the vehicle’s upfront cost. With the BaaS model, users pay ₹3.5 per kilometre for battery usage, which MG claims is 40% cheaper than the running costs of traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. This makes the Windsor EV more affordable for a wider audience, as it brings down the overall cost of ownership while providing the benefits of electric mobility.
Sleek exterior design
The MG Windsor EV boasts a sleek and futuristic exterior design, retaining a minimalist yet modern look. It features connected LED lights on both the front and rear, with headlights integrated into the bumper for a clean, streamlined appearance. The front fascia is marked by the MG logo situated beneath a connected LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) strip, adding a distinct character to the vehicle’s front end.
The side profile showcases the Windsor’s 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, enhancing both its looks and performance. Flush door handles further add to the car’s futuristic design, while the charging port is discreetly positioned on the front left fender. The Windsor EV is available in four colour options: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green, giving buyers a variety of stylish choices.
Premium interiors and high-tech features
Inside, the Windsor EV offers a luxurious and high-tech cabin experience. The interior features an all-black theme, complemented by wooden trims and bronze accents for a sophisticated feel. Black leatherette seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leatherette add to the car’s premium appeal.
A major highlight of the interior is the 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest display MG has ever offered in India, which dominates the dashboard. Paired with an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, the setup provides essential driving information and infotainment features. The car also offers wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, and powered seats, along with a powered tailgate for added convenience. Additionally, the rear seats recline up to 135 degrees and come with a center armrest, enhancing passenger comfort. The India-specific model also includes a panoramic glass roof, further elevating the cabin’s luxurious feel.
Advanced safety features
Safety has been a priority for MG Motors with the Windsor EV. The vehicle comes equipped with a comprehensive range of safety features, including six airbags, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and electronic stability control (ESC). These features ensure that the Windsor EV provides a secure driving experience, catering to both city and highway driving scenarios.
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Powertrain and charging options
Under the hood, the Windsor EV is powered by a 38 kWh battery that delivers 136 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque. It offers a MIDC-claimed range of 331 km on a single charge, making it suitable for city commutes and short-distance trips.
The Windsor EV offers flexible charging options to cater to different user needs:
- A 3.3 kW AC charger can fully charge the vehicle in 13.8 hours.
- A 7.4 kW AC fast charger reduces this time to 6.5 hours.
- The fastest option is a 50 kW DC fast charger, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in just 55 minutes.
MG Motors is also offering free charging for up to a year at public charging stations through its eHUB app. Additionally, early buyers will benefit from a lifetime warranty on the battery pack, further enhancing the value proposition.
Facing Off against Tata Nexon EV and other competitors
The MG Windsor EV enters a highly competitive segment of the Indian electric vehicle market, where it will challenge some well-established players. Its direct competitors include the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV400 EV, and the recently launched Tata Punch EV. The Tata Nexon EV, priced between ₹14.74 lakh and ₹19.94 lakh, has been the segment leader for some time, but with its more aggressive pricing, the Windsor EV is expected to attract a wider range of consumers.
With its unique Battery-as-a-Service model, long list of premium features, and competitive pricing, the MG Windsor EV is well-positioned to capture significant market share. The vehicle’s blend of affordability, luxury, and cutting-edge technology makes it a strong contender in the growing Indian EV market.
As India moves towards a more sustainable automotive future, the launch of the Windsor EV by MG Motors is a step in the right direction, offering consumers an affordable yet premium electric vehicle experience. The upcoming months will reveal how it fares against established rivals like the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV in this competitive landscape.
