MG Motor India continues to make strides in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the MG Windsor EV. Officially introduced on Wednesday, this new model is hailed as the company’s first “intelligent CUV,” blending the capabilities of both a sedan and an SUV. With its name inspired by the iconic Windsor Castle in the UK, the Windsor EV is built on MG’s ‘Pure EV’ platform. It is a rebadged version of the Wuling Cloud EV, which is already available in markets like Indonesia.
This launch also marks a significant moment for JSW MG Motor India, a joint venture between India’s JSW Group and China’s SAIC Motor. The Windsor EV joins MG’s growing EV lineup, alongside the MG ZS EV and the Comet EV, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to the Indian EV market.
MG Windsor EV Price and Availability
The introductory price for the MG Windsor EV in India starts at Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However, this pricing is expected to be limited to the early phase of the launch. The company has already begun pre-reservations, with exclusive test drives scheduled to begin on September 26, 2024. Full-scale bookings for the vehicle will open on October 3, 2024.
MG offers the Windsor EV in three variants — Excite, Exclusive, and Essence — and four distinct colourways: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green. Additionally, MG has introduced a Battery as a Service (BaaS) program with this vehicle. This innovative ownership model allows buyers to avoid the high upfront battery cost, paying for battery usage instead. The BaaS pricing starts at Rs. 3.5 per kilometre for battery usage, providing a flexible and cost-efficient ownership experience.
In a bid to attract early buyers, MG is offering several incentives, including lifetime battery warranty, one year of free public charging via the eHUB by MG app, and a 3-60 month assured buyback plan, which guarantees that the vehicle retains 60% of its value for up to three years or 45,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
MG Windsor EV Design:
The design of the MG Windsor EV embodies a fusion of sedan and SUV elements, with the company positioning it as a CUV. Its AeroGlide design is heavily inspired by MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), giving the car an aerodynamic profile. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,677 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. This provides ample space for passengers, especially in the rear, where legroom is expected to exceed that of the MG ZS EV.
Exterior features include 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), vertically stacked LED headlamps and taillights, and a rear integrated spoiler. A standout feature is the Infinity View glass roof, providing an expansive view from the cabin. The illuminated MG logo on the front houses the charging inlet, adding to the vehicle’s futuristic aesthetic.
MG Windsor EV Interior and Features:
The cabin of the MG Windsor EV is equally impressive, featuring Knight Black interiors and a host of advanced technologies. Aero Lounge seats with 135-degree multi-step reclining functionality provide a premium feel, while ambient lighting with 256 colour options enhances the driving experience. A 15.6-inch infotainment screen serves as the hub for controlling various functions, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Other notable interior features include a 9-way speaker system, rear AC vents, and a digital driver’s display. The car offers a five-seater configuration with rear seats that recline in a 60:40 split, ensuring comfort for all passengers. With a 604-litre boot capacity and an electrically operated tailgate, the Windsor EV also offers plenty of storage for road trips and daily commutes.
The Windsor EV’s cabin is loaded with over 80 connected features, thanks to MG’s i-SMART technology. This includes a digital Bluetooth key, which allows users to share access to the car via their smartphone, eliminating the need for a physical key. The vehicle also responds to voice commands powered by artificial intelligence (AI), further simplifying the driving experience.
Performance and Powertrain:
The MG Windsor EV is powered by a 38-kWh lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) battery, a durable and high-capacity cell technology also used in the MG ZS EV. This battery delivers a driving range of up to 331 kilometres on a single charge, making it well-suited for urban commutes and occasional longer drives.
Under the hood, a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor generates 134 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, with the motor mounted on the front axle. While MG has not yet disclosed the vehicle’s top speed, these power figures indicate a balanced performance for city driving and highway cruising alike.
Safety:
MG has outfitted the Windsor EV with advanced safety technologies to ensure a secure driving experience. The vehicle comes with six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control (ESC), an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality, and disc brakes on all four wheels. The car also features a Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes automated safety functions, and a 360-degree camera for improved visibility and parking assistance.
Additionally, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is included to help drivers maintain optimal tyre conditions, further enhancing safety.
