MG Motor India will launch its latest EV offering- the Windsor EV in India, later today. This also happens to be the manufacturer’s third EV for India after the ZS EV and Comet.
Essentially based on the Wuling Cloud sold in multiple international markets, the MG Windsor will have the shape and form of an MPV. However, the brand refrains from calling it one, and instead describes it as a ‘Crossover Utility Vehicle’- CUV. It has seemingly packed a plush, luxurious experience into the EV.
With hours left for the launch, let’s delve into all the details that we have of the MG Windsor yet. The manufacturer has been actively teasing us with teasers, the data from which we have used to compile this article.
Expected Design
The vehicle will have a crossover body style. As the OEM says ‘ it will have the comfort of a sedan with the expanse of an SUV.’ Even though there will be a lot of design similarities with the donor car, the India-spec will have unique design details to it. The overall shape and silhouette will remain close to those of the Cloud EV. Expect localisation in manufacturing, that will likely enable MG to give this EV a disruptive pricing.
The Windsor’s fascia will have connected LED DRLs and low-set headlamps, clean lines and minimalistic panels, and connected LED tail lights. MG calls it the ‘AeroGlide design’. A glimpse of this design can be seen in a recent teaser. The visuals try their best to make the viewers draw connections between the Windsor and aeroplanes. And, that’s for a reason…
Interior And Features
The luxury and comfort inside are two key highlights of the Windsor EV. It is claimed to offer jet-like in-cabin comfort. The cabin will have an all-Black colourway with classy Bronze inserts all around. From the previous teasers, it looks like MG has equipped it with a flat-bottom steering wheel and wood inserts on the dashboard. The rear seats will offer reclines of up to 135 degrees (called Aero Lounge) and have a central armrest.
MG Windsor will have the largest touchscreen in the segment spanning, 15.6 inches. It will run a new infotainment engine co-developed with Jio. There will be support for OTT streaming and games. Other features include a large glass roof, 8.8 inch fully digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, a 360° camera, an electric tailgate, a wireless charger and a flat bottom steering wheel with mounted controls. The design of the steering wheel could remind you of the Comet EV. There were previous rumours that the Windsor might come with ADAS, which seem to have been dismissed by more recent reports.
Expected Battery Pack And Range
MG Windsor will be underpinned by the E 260 EV platform. In global markets, it is available with two battery pack choices: 38 kWh and 50 kWh. The Chinese testing cycle gives a range of around 460 km, but the Indian-spec could have a slightly different figure as it is certified by ARAI. Some say that it will just be the 38 kWh battery pack that makes it to India. However, it is too early to comment on this, as the CUV could also borrow the 50 kWh battery pack from the outgoing ZS EV. Even though we are not sure of it yet, the production-spec could have a powertrain that produces an expected 136 PS and 200 Nm.
Extensive Testing Done
MG seems to have done extensive testing with the Windsor. The CUV underwent testing in the harsh climatic conditions and terrains of Himachal Pradesh. Videos of it undergoing high-altitude testing in Ladakh had surfaced recently. It is reassuring to watch how effortlessly the EV performed in these hostile scenarios.
Market Placement, Rivals And Expected Price
There will be two versions of the Windsor EV- regular range and extended range. In the Indian market, it will compete with the Tata Nexon EV and the recently launched Curvv EV. Though unconfirmed at the moment, prices could start from 13 lakh ex-showroom and could go up to 22 lakh for the top-spec- all ex-showroom. In MG’s domestic portfolio, it will sit above the Comet and below the ZS EV. Some dealerships are already accepting bookings for the Windsor.
