At just INR 9.99 lakh, the Wuling Mini EV-inspired MG Windsor has become an unexpected success story in India’s electric vehicle market. Despite its compact size, this micro-EV has outsold larger, more established electric cars from traditional manufacturers. While some might dismiss it as just another small city car, the Windsor’s combination of practical features and accessible pricing has struck a chord with urban Indian buyers. For those wondering how this tiny EV managed to capture such a significant market share, our week-long test drive reveals what makes the Windsor stand out in India’s growing electric vehicle landscape.
MG Windsor EV Specs: A Compact Powerhouse at Rs. 9.99 lakh
The MG Windsor EV brings impressive value to the Indian market with its Rs. 9.99 lakh starting price, backing up its affordability with surprisingly capable specifications. This electric vehicle combines compact dimensions with practical features to create an appealing package for urban drivers.
17.3 kWh Battery: Real-World Range Analysis
The Windsor EV houses a modest 17.3 kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed range of 230 kilometers on a single charge. However, real-world range typically falls between 180-200 kilometers, particularly in city traffic with moderate air conditioning usage. This range proves adequate for most daily urban commutes, allowing for 2-3 days of typical city driving before requiring a recharge.
For those concerned about range anxiety, the Windsor’s efficiency remains relatively consistent across driving conditions. The vehicle employs regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration, though intense highway driving at speeds above 80 km/h will naturally decrease the overall range due to increased aerodynamic resistance.
42 PS Motor: City Performance vs Highway Capability
Powering the Windsor is a 42 PS electric motor delivering instant torque typical of electric vehicles. This modest power output translates to zippy acceleration from standstill to about 40 km/h, making it perfect for navigating congested city streets and traffic signals.
Where the Windsor truly shines is in urban environments. The motor provides sufficient punch for quick lane changes and merging with traffic. On highways, the performance remains adequate though not exceptional – the car maintains a comfortable cruising speed but shows limitations during overtaking maneuvers at higher speeds.
The car features multiple driving modes that adjust power delivery to prioritize either performance or efficiency. In Eco+ mode, top speed is restricted to 80 km/h with throttle response at its most conservative setting – ideal for maximizing range in city driving.
Charging Options: Home AC vs Public Infrastructure
The Windsor EV offers versatile charging solutions to suit different lifestyles. Using the standard 3.3 kW home charger, the battery charges from empty to 80% in approximately 5.5 hours, while a complete charge takes around 7 hours. This makes overnight home charging practical for most owners.
For those needing quicker charging options, the Windsor supports DC fast charging capabilities. When connected to public fast-charging stations, the battery can replenish significantly faster, allowing for extended travel with strategic charging stops.
The vehicle comes equipped with a portable charger as standard, and MG also offers an optional wall box charger for more convenient home setup. Additionally, customers who book before December 31st receive one year of free EV charging through MG’s eHub network – a significant value addition.
Dimensions: How the 2.9m Length Maximizes Interior Space
With compact exterior dimensions of 2,974 mm in length, 1,505 mm in width, and 1,640 mm in height, the Windsor makes efficient use of available space. The 2,010 mm wheelbase and thoughtful interior packaging allow for comfortable seating for four adults despite its small footprint.
The Windsor’s design positions the wheels at the corners of the vehicle, eliminating the traditional transmission tunnel to create surprisingly generous interior space. This architecture delivers excellent legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
Perhaps most impressive is the Windsor’s turning radius of just 4.2 meters, enabling U-turns in tight spaces and exceptional maneuverability for parallel parking in crowded urban settings. This combination of compact external dimensions with maximized internal space makes the Windsor particularly well-suited to India’s congested city environments where parking space comes at a premium.
Driving Experience: 7-Day Urban Commute Test
Taking to Delhi’s bustling streets in the MG Windsor EV reveals why this Wuling Mini EV-inspired compact has captured the Indian market. Our seven-day urban commute test exposed both strengths and limitations of this pocket-sized electric vehicle across varied driving conditions.
City Maneuverability: Navigating Delhi’s Traffic
Navigating through Connaught Place’s chaotic traffic proved remarkably straightforward in the Windsor. The electric power steering is notably light at low speeds, making it effortless to weave through congested streets. This lightness, coupled with immediate torque delivery, allows the car to slip easily into gaps in traffic without hesitation.
Furthermore, the Windsor’s nimble character truly shines in stop-and-go conditions. The regenerative braking system deserves special mention, as it not only helps recharge the battery but also simplifies navigating sudden stops in unpredictable traffic scenarios. Even during peak hours, the Windsor’s responsive yet calm behavior at lower speeds creates a surprisingly stress-free driving experience.
Parking Advantage: Fitting Spaces Other Cars Can’t
One standout feature for urban dwellers is the Windsor’s small turning radius, which proves invaluable when dealing with the many U-turns and sharp corners typical of Delhi’s crowded streets. The 360-degree camera system displayed on the large infotainment screen provides crystal-clear visibility, making parking in tight spaces remarkably simple.
Essentially, what initially might seem like a limitation—the compact size—transforms into a significant advantage in congested urban environments where parking spaces are scarce. The car’s dimensions allow it to fit into spots that would be impossible for larger vehicles, addressing a genuine pain point for city drivers.
Acceleration and Top Speed: Practical Performance
The Windsor comes equipped with four distinct driving modes: Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, acceleration becomes surprisingly brisk, with the car reaching 0-100km/h in approximately 9.8 seconds. The vehicle pulls strongly up to 120km/h, after which the torque curve gradually tapers off.
Normal mode provides sufficient power for everyday driving and highway overtakes without switching to Sport mode. For those prioritizing efficiency, Eco mode offers balanced performance while Eco+ restricts the top speed to 80km/h and significantly dulls acceleration—taking two seconds longer to reach 60km/h compared to other modes.
During our test drives, the Windsor comfortably reached highway speeds without strain. The power delivery remains quite linear, making for predictable and smooth acceleration—ideal for daily commuting rather than performance driving.
Ride Quality: Comfort Despite the Short Wheelbase
The Windsor’s suspension setup includes McPherson struts at the front and a twist beam at the rear. In isolation, this arrangement absorbs small to medium-sized potholes adequately. Nevertheless, the ride quality shows mixed results depending on speed and road conditions.
At highway speeds, the Windsor feels stable and predictable. Conversely, at lower city speeds, passengers might notice some side-to-side rocking motion, particularly in the rear seats. Over larger bumps and potholes, the stiff-kneed suspension produces noticeable thuds inside the cabin, likely exacerbated by the 18-inch wheels and high recommended tire pressure of 36 PSI.
Sound insulation represents another area where the Windsor falls short, with noticeable road, tire, and suspension noise penetrating the cabin. Yet, considering its price point and target market, these compromises seem reasonable for a vehicle that otherwise delivers a practical city driving experience.
Interior and Features: Premium Touches in a Budget EV
Stepping inside the MG Windsor reveals where this Wuling Mini EV-inspired model truly separates itself from other budget electric vehicles. The cabin immediately impresses with Royal Touch Gold interior highlights, soft-touch materials, and attention to detail that belies its affordable price point.
10.25-inch Dual Screens: Connectivity Options
Dominating the dashboard is a striking 15.6-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen infotainment system that MG calls the “GrandViewTouch Display”. This expansive screen pairs with an 8.8-inch digital driver display, creating a tech-forward cockpit experience. The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless smartphone integration without cable clutter.
Beyond basic connectivity, the system includes MG’s App Store powered by Jio, offering access to various applications across categories including OTT streaming and music. The interface features large, logical icons, although some users may notice occasional lag in system response. Audiophiles will appreciate the premium 9-speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer that delivers impressive sound quality.
Seating Comfort: Four Adults in a Micro-EV
For a vehicle measuring just 2.9 meters in length, the Windsor’s seating arrangement represents an engineering achievement. The standout feature is what MG calls “Aero-Lounge Seats” with an impressive 135° recline angle for rear passengers. This exceptional recline capability transforms the back seat into a genuinely relaxing space, especially when paired with the panoramic glass roof.
The front seats offer 6-way power adjustment for the driver and ventilation for both driver and passenger—a premium feature rarely found at this price point. Upholstery uses tufted leatherette with a quilted pattern that adds visual interest, although the cushioning tends toward the firmer side rather than plush. Importantly, the flat floor design maximizes legroom, allowing comfortable seating for four adults despite the compact external dimensions.
Storage Solutions: Maximizing Limited Space
Perhaps most impressive is the Windsor’s approach to storage. The vehicle offers an astounding 20 separate storage compartments, including clever bottle holders on the dashboard, door pockets, a floating center console, and storage beneath the center console large enough for handbags. The rear includes additional bottle holders in the doors and cupholders in the armrest.
The boot space deserves special mention, offering 604 liters of capacity—among the largest in its segment. This can be configured with an adjustable floor level, though top-spec models with the subwoofer see capacity slightly reduced to 579 liters. Ultimately, this thoughtful approach to storage transforms a potentially cramped micro-EV into a genuinely practical daily driver.
Climate Control and Convenience Features
Comfort extends beyond seating with fully automatic climate control managed through physical toggle buttons—a welcome feature when many competitors rely solely on touchscreen controls. The cabin further impresses with 256-color ambient lighting that allows customization to match preferences.
Additional convenience touches include a wireless phone charger, PM2.5 air filter, and electronic parking brake with auto hold. Safety features aren’t compromised either, with six airbags (dual front, side, and curtain) and a 360° surround view camera system that proves invaluable when parking this compact vehicle.
