MG Windsor EV

Now, moving to the driving experience of the Windsor EV. It's very predictable and smooth, much like other electric vehicles. The throttle response is gentle, allowing the car to glide effortlessly on the road. Overtaking, whether in the city or on the highway, is also easy, as the car responds quickly when needed. However, while the driving experience is smooth and easy, it’s not particularly energetic or thrilling.

The driving experience isn’t particularly thrilling. The power figures are kept in check due to a smaller battery size, resulting in a performance that feels very usable. When you press the throttle, overtaking is straightforward—the car moves forward effortlessly. However, when you push the throttle fully, you won’t feel that exhilarating push back, which takes away from the energetic experience.

This is understandable given the battery pack's size, which claims a range of 330 km, but realistically, you can expect about 250 km in typical city driving. Considering the size of the vehicle, we anticipated a range closer to 280-300 km. For instance, the larger battery pack in the Nexon EV offers around 300 km in city conditions, making the Windsor's range a bit disappointing.

For daily commuters covering 60-80 km, this means regular charging will be necessary, and you’ll need to constantly monitor the distance to empty, as the range can decrease quickly. The Windsor comes with four drive modes: Eco Plus (capped at 82 km/h), Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, driving becomes a bit more engaging with quicker acceleration, but it's not a mode you’ll often need unless you're looking to impress friends. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself using Normal mode, which provides a good throttle response and makes driving effortless. Eco mode, while designed for efficiency, feels underwhelming even in city driving, making Normal mode the more enjoyable choice.

You also have three levels of regenerative braking: Light, Medium, and Heavy. However, adjusting these settings requires navigating through the touchscreen, which can be cumbersome—especially if you’re using Android Auto. A dedicated button or paddle shifters for regen control would have been much more convenient. I’ve mostly been driving in Normal regen because of this hassle.

Battery and Warranty Plans

Now, let’s discuss the battery subscription plan. The first option is hassle-free: you buy the car and the battery together, increasing the purchase cost but eliminating concerns about mileage or monthly payments. You can simply drive the car as long as you like, and if you’re the first owner, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty on the battery. However, if you sell the car or buy it second-hand, the warranty drops to just 8 years.

The second option involves purchasing the car separately from the battery, which would cost around 5-6 lakhs. The car’s cost is deducted from the battery price, and you finance the battery separately, with distinct EMIs for each. What sets this plan apart is that you pay based on per-kilometre usage rather than a standard monthly instalment. For example, if you choose Bajaj for financing, they may charge you ₹3.5 per kilometre, with a minimum monthly charge of ₹1500. This structure can make the interest rate lower, but there are other financiers who offer different terms. 

If you opt for a lower usage, say 10 kilometres per month, you’ll still pay ₹3.5 per kilometre for that distance, but with a higher interest rate and a security deposit for the battery. The total cost of the battery, estimated between ₹5-6 lakhs, would need to be recovered over 7-10 years, during which you’ll consistently pay the EMI. I recommend discussing these plans in detail at the dealership, considering your monthly usage and determining what might be the most financially beneficial option for you. These subscription plans could potentially be a great fit, depending on your driving habits.

When selling the car, you can easily transfer the battery subscription to the second owner without any penalties. However, if you stop paying the battery EMI, the financier can reclaim the car since the battery is integrated into it. In such a situation, if you face financial difficulties, the financier might take the vehicle—valued at ₹15 lakhs—and give you ₹10 lakhs after deducting the battery’s worth of ₹5 lakhs.

MG has also introduced the 360 Scheme, which allows you to sell the car back to them after three years for 60% of its showroom value, including the battery. This means that even if you opted for the battery subscription, you’ll still receive 60% of the combined value when selling back, assuming your vehicle meets certain criteria regarding mileage, service history, and any damages.

Ultimately, whether you choose the subscription or outright purchase depends on your specific needs and usage. I recommend visiting a dealership, getting all the plans laid out on paper, and determining which option is more beneficial for you.