New pro version brings a larger battery and even more features to popular MG electric car.
The MG Windsor EV is currently India’s best-selling electric vehicle. Credit to MG then that it hasn’t waited for interest to wane before bringing out an upgrade. The Windsor EV Pro you see here gets a larger battery and joins the Windsor line-up as the new range-topper (in both price and actual range).
MG Windsor EV Pro design and engineering – 8/10
The MG Windsor has quickly become a familiar sight across many Indian cities and stands out for its MPV-esque mono-volume silhouette. A healthy 186mm of ground clearance, a relatively wide body and large 18-inch rims also establish it as a fairly substantial vehicle.
New alloy wheels are the biggest giveaway of this being the Pro variant.
This Pro version is only differentiable by its new diamond cut alloy wheels and ADAS badging on the tail gate. MG has also used the Pro’s launch to add three new paint shades to the Windsor palette. There’s a new Celadon Blue, Aurora Silver and Glaze Red as featured here.
MG Windsor EV Pro interior space and comfort 9/10
If there’s an area where born-electrics like the MG Windsor have a distinct advantage over combustion-engined models re-engineered as electrics, it is in space utilisation. The Windsor EV measures just under 4.3m in length but cabin space is significantly better than most like-sized petrol or diesel SUVs. Rear seat space is a highlight with ample legroom even for taller occupants as well as enough shoulder room for three adults to sit in comfort. A flat floor helps middle passenger comfort and then there’s the seat. Well padded and with the option to recline the backrest to a generous degree, the Windsor EV’s rear seat is good enough to interest buyers interested in a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
Rear seat comfort remains a highlight with ample space for three abreast.
Giving the Windsor EV Pro’s cabin a slightly different vibe is its dual-tone ivory on black colour theme. For reference, the standard Windsor EV gets an all-black theme. While the lighter upholstery does lend a slightly more premium look to the cabin, it will need more attention and effort to keep clean. Another point of note common to all Windsors is that the front seats aren’t as comfy as the ones at the back, feeling firmer in their cushioning.
White upholstery looks premium, but will need effort to keep clean.
In every other way too, the Windsor EV Pro is identical to the standard model. The dash is dominated by a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen, with only few physical buttons for the climate control and hazard lights tucked away lowered down. The large screen is supplemented by a smaller free-standing digital instrument’s display. It’s a very modern and airy setting that uses colours and textures (there’s dull wood finish as well as bronze details) to good effect but user friendliness is a mixed bag.
Practicality is well taken care of with plenty of storage including a large bay under the floating centre console but the need to refer to the touchscreen for most functions and settings is an irritant.
MG Windsor EV Pro features and safety 9/10
Large 15.6-inch touchscreen controls most functions, including headlights.
The Windsor EV Pro is only offered in fully-loaded Essence trim and packs in lots for the money. Aside from the touchscreen and digital dials, the list includes LED headlights, a powered driver’s seat, front seat ventilation, panoramic glass roof, configurable ambient lighting, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a loud Infinity sound system and connected tech. The Windsor Pro also gets additions over the standard Windsor such as a powered tail gate, and the added functionality of Vehicle-to-Load or V2L (you can use your vehicle to power appliances) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle or V2V (your vehicle can juice up another EV).
New ADAS functions have an inconsistent response.
In terms of safety kit, the Windsor EV Pro builds on the standard Windsor EV’s 6 airbags, ESC, 360-degree camera (it’s nice enough) and ISOFX child seat mounts with camera and radar-based advanced driver assistance systems or ADAS. The ADAS suite includes intelligent light assist, lane keep assist, emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Over our test route from Guwahati towards Shillong, we found the ADAS, at times, to react unnaturally to the driving environment. For instance, on a smooth and clear road the cruise control would drop speed as if it had detected a vehicle in the vicinity. Lane Keep Assist was also not consistent in its responses.
MG Windsor EV Pro range 8/10
The biggest update on the Windsor EV Pro is under the skin. The standard Windsor EV’s 38kWh battery makes way for a 52.9kWh battery on the Pro. Correspondingly, the ARAI-tested range figure jumps to 449km on a single charge from 332km on the standard car.
While we will do a full range test when we get the car for a longer duration in Mumbai, it must be mentioned that the standard Windsor’s 308km real world range achieved over our test loop was very close to the claimed 332km figure. Should the EV Pro deliver the same kind of efficiency, it’s safe to assume real-world range in the region of 400km plus.
MG Windsor EV Pro price and verdict 8/10
If you were drawn to the MG Windsor EV Pro’s tempting Rs 17.49 lakh launch price, you should know you’ve missed the bus. The price was valid only for the first 8,000 buyers. MG has bumped up Windsor EV Pro prices to Rs 18.1 lakh (ex-showroom) which works out to a Rs 2.1 lakh premium over the smaller battery Windsor. The added outlay also gets you a few more features but it’s the enhanced range that is the real hook. For anyone who intends to use their vehicle for inter city commutes, it’s the easy pick of the range.
New Pro variant is the pick of the range for inter city commutes.
MG should have worked on the user interface too and the ADAS calibration seems rushed but in other areas, the Windsor EV Pro is very likeable. The roomy cabin makes it a family friendly choice, performance is pleasant and you get lots of comfort features for the money. The Windsor EV was already an easy electric car to recommend. The Windsor EV Pro has become easier to recommend still.
Also See:
MG Windsor Pro video review
