MG Windsor: your questions answered on India’s best selling EV

The MG Windsor is currently the best-selling EV in India, comfortably outpacing the likes of the Tata Nexon EV and Punch evv which had long established a firm footing in the market. It offers a good package of space, features and efficiency while still being the right size to tackle our urban grind. The Windsor was also the first EV to debut the innovative BaaS scheme as a new buying model altogether for EVs, and it has since even been adopted by two-wheeler EV manufacturers. Here, we are answering some of the most frequently asked questions on the MG Windsor, including what makes it India’s most popular EV.

What is the MG Windsor price in India?

If you’re buying the Windsor along with the battery, then prices range between Rs 14 lakh and Rs 16.15 lakh for the standard variant, and Rs 17.25 lakh and Rs 18.31 lakh for the Pro variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). The MG Windsor is available in five trims: Excite, Exclusive, Essence, Exclusive Pro and the Essence Pro – with the latter two getting a larger 52.9kWh battery. On-road prices for the MG Windsor start from around Rs 16.20 lakh, depending on the city. The Windsor is more expensive than a Tata Nexon EV, but it is also a larger vehicle.

Is MG Windsor BaaS scheme a more affordable buying option?

MG offers a unique battery rental model wherein the cost of the battery is not included in the car’s price. Under the MG BaaS schemethe Windsor is priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 13.31 lakh (ex-showroom), and then a per km charge is applicable as per usage. It is priced from Rs 3.9/km for the standard variants and from Rs 4.5/km for the Pro variants. It essentially reduces the upfront cost of acquiring the vehicle, and then the battery rental is paid much like an EMI on a loan.

Do note that the rates vary for the different third-party financiers that MG has onboarded for this scheme. The vehicle also stays under the hypothecation the respective financier. Customers can choose their preferred package based on usage, with options for different periods, such as a 3-year or a 5-year plan. If you have fully paid for the car but you default your monthly battery rental or usage fees, then the financiers will repossess the vehicle and refund an amount that accounts for vehicle depreciation during that period, as well as any outstanding battery rental fees. So, the BaaS scheme is not necessarily a more affordable way of owning the Windsor, because depending on your usage, you are essentially paying an EMI on the battery.

*The BaaS rental price stated is only the starting price, and varies from financier to financier.

Is the MG Windsor an SUV?

No, the Windsor is not an SUV, but it can best be described as a cross between a large hatchback and an MPV. It measures 4,295mm in length, has a wheelbase of 2,700mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 186mm. But while its stance and shape are like an MPV, it’s only a 5-seater with two rows of seating. The rear ‘aero lounge seats’ are, however, very comfortable and can seat three people abreast in ease.

Three passengers can comfortably sit on the rear seat of the Windsor.

How much range does the MG Windsor offer?

Standard variants of MG Windsor are powered by a 38kWh battery pack, while the Pro variants get a 52.9kWh battery. The former returns an ARAI-claimed range of 332km while latter has a claimed range of 449km. In Autocar’s MG Windsor real world range test of the standard variant with the 38kWh, we managed a figure of 308km (combined, city and highway). That’s unusually close to the claimed range figure and it also returned good efficiency at 8.6km/kWh. We haven’t had an opportunity to test the larger 52.9kWh variants, but given the efficiency of the smaller battery, a real-world range of over 400km shouldn’t be off the cards.

What features does the MG Windsor EV offer?

Higher variants of the Windsor come pretty well equipped with features like 18-inch alloys, an illuminated exterior logo, leatherette upholstery, a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, auto climate control, powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats, a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting and an Infinity 9-speaker audio system.

The Pro variants additionally get a powered tail gate, Vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities, adaptive cruise control and an ADAS suite. Standard safety features on the Windsor include six airbags, ESP, all four disc brakes, hill start and descent control, auto headlamps, TPMS and more.

What colour options are available on the MG Windsor?

The MG Windsor is available in a total six colour options: Pearl White, Aurora Silver, Turquoise Green, Celadon Blue, Glaze Red and Starburst Black. Do note that the base Excite trim is only available with the Pearl White colour. All six colour options are only available on the top-spec Essence Pro, including the Glaze Red and Celadon Blue which are exclusive to the top trim.

Which should you buy between the standard and Pro Windsor variants?

The choice of variant really depends on your usage. If you are primarily going to use the car within the city, then even the standard variants will be more than enough with 300km-plus real-world range. However, if you’re looking for inter-city commutes with reasonable running on the highway, the Pro variants would be better suited to the purpose. Also, if the Windsor is going to be second vehicle, for which it may see limited running, then it makes sense to opt for the BaaS scheme where you can pay as per your usage.

Also See:

MG Windsor EV: Top 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip

Skoda Kylaq: 8 things to know before buying one