MG Windsor EV Faces Price Hike of Rs 50,000 in India—Impact on Buyers

MG Motor India, a subsidiary of the British automotive giant MG Motor, has made significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the launch of the MG Windsor EV. Launched in September 2024, this electric vehicle was introduced to offer a unique blend of advanced features, affordability, and sustainability, catering to the growing demand for electric mobility in India. Notably, the MG Windsor EV is the first electric model from MG to be offered with a traditional ownership pricing option as well as a subscription-based “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model. This innovative model sets it apart from other electric vehicles in the market.

The Windsor EV has already earned a prestigious title, as it bagged the Green Car of the Year award at the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards. The car is available in three trims – Excite, Essence, and Exclusive, offering a range of features and options for consumers. When the vehicle was first launched, the pricing ranged from Rs 13.50 lakh to Rs 15.50 lakh for the different variants. However, within just four months of its launch, the prices for the various variants were increased by Rs 50,000, indicating the conclusion of the introductory pricing period.

MG Windsor EV Pricing and Battery as a Service (BaaS) Model

When MG first launched the Windsor EV, the price points were designed to attract early adopters with a competitive edge. However, as expected, the carmaker has revised the prices due to growing demand, inflationary pressures, and operational costs. The new pricing structure across all the variants includes an upward revision of Rs 50,000.

Here’s a breakdown of the revised pricing for the Windsor EV across its different trims:

Variant Name	Old Price (Ex-showroom)	Revised Price (Ex-showroom)
Excite	Rs 13.50 lakh	Rs 14 lakh
Exclusive	Rs 14.50 lakh	Rs 15 lakh
Essence	Rs 15.50 lakh	Rs 16 lakh

The prices above are for the ex-showroom cost of the vehicle, which includes the cost of the vehicle itself but does not account for additional charges such as taxes, insurance, and on-road fees.

BaaS Subscription Price Revisions

The “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model was introduced to separate the cost of the vehicle from that of the battery, which can be beneficial for consumers by lowering the upfront cost of the car. The model also allows customers to pay a subscription fee for using the battery, depending on their usage and preferred plan. Initially, MG introduced a per kilometer subscription fee of Rs 3.5/km for all variants.

However, as of now, the subscription fee has increased slightly to Rs 3.9/km. This revision in the pricing reflects changes in market conditions, operational costs, and other variables. The exact rate of the subscription will still depend on the financing and plan choices made by the customer. The prices for the variants that come with the BaaS model remain unchanged, as detailed below:

Variant Name	Old Price per km	Revised Price per km	Ex-showroom Costs
Excite	Rs 3.5/km	Rs 3.9/km	Rs 9.99 lakh
Exclusive	Rs 3.5/km	Rs 3.9/km	Rs 10.99 lakh
Essence	Rs 3.5/km	Rs 3.9/km	Rs 11.99 lakh

The BaaS model has become increasingly popular with electric vehicle manufacturers, as it offers a cost-effective solution for consumers who do not want to invest in the full cost of the battery upfront. By opting for the BaaS model, consumers only pay for the battery’s usage, which is especially appealing for those who use the vehicle infrequently or want flexibility in terms of battery capacity.

Also Read: The New Look Honda City: Ready to Take India by Storm!

MG Windsor EV: Battery and Powertrain

The MG Windsor EV is equipped with a high-performance 38kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a durable and reliable battery option that is commonly used in electric vehicles. The LFP battery offers a range of 332 km on a single charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and long-distance drives alike. The vehicle supports DC fast charging of up to 45kW, which allows it to recharge completely in just 55 minutes, minimizing downtime during long trips.

Powering the MG Windsor EV is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates 134bhp of maximum power and 220Nm of peak torque. This powertrain configuration enables the Windsor EV to deliver smooth acceleration and a responsive driving experience, with a good balance between power and efficiency.

The MG Windsor EV’s battery and motor system has been designed to provide a practical range and robust performance, making it ideal for the Indian market, where long-range driving is a key consideration for potential EV owners.

MG Windsor EV Features

In addition to its strong powertrain and range capabilities, the MG Windsor EV is equipped with several advanced features that enhance both comfort and convenience. Below are some of the key features of the vehicle:

• Infotainment and Connectivity: The Windsor EV comes with a 15.6-inch ‘Grandview’ touchscreen infotainment system, providing access to a wide range of features including navigation, music, and vehicle settings. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling easy smartphone integration.
• Driver’s Display: The vehicle features an 8.8-inch digital driver display, offering drivers essential information such as speed, battery charge, and driving mode.
• Comfort and Convenience: For comfort, the Windsor EV is equipped with aero-lounge rear seats that recline to a 135-degree angle. It also comes with a leather-wrapped two-spoke steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, and 256-colour LED ambient lighting.
• Audio System: The EV features a premium 9-speaker Infinity audio system that delivers high-quality sound for an enhanced in-car experience.
• Connected Car Technology: MG’s connected car technology allows drivers to remotely monitor and control various aspects of the vehicle, such as charging status, climate control, and more, via a smartphone app.
• Safety Features: Safety is a top priority in the Windsor EV, which comes with a 360-degree surround-view camera, six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It also includes an electronic parking brake with auto hold for added convenience.

MG Windsor EV Rivals

The MG Windsor EV enters a highly competitive market and faces stiff competition from other electric vehicles available in India. Some of its key rivals include:

1. Mahindra XUV400: The XUV400 is Mahindra’s electric offering, built to compete with vehicles like the Windsor EV. It boasts a range of advanced features and a similar price point, making it a strong contender.
2. Tata Nexon EV: The Nexon EV has been one of the most popular electric vehicles in India, offering impressive range, performance, and features at a relatively affordable price.
3. Tata Curvv EV: Tata’s Curvv EV is another promising electric vehicle aimed at the crossover segment, competing with the Windsor EV in terms of design, features, and pricing.

Each of these competitors offers unique strengths, and customers looking to purchase an electric vehicle will have a variety of options to choose from. However, the MG Windsor EV stands out due to its premium features, design, and the flexibility offered by the Battery as a Service model.

Conclusion

MG Motor India’s entry into the electric vehicle market with the Windsor EV marks an important step towards achieving sustainable mobility in India. With its advanced features, impressive range, and innovative BaaS model, the Windsor EV is poised to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. While the recent price revisions and subscription fee increases may influence some customers, the Windsor EV’s overall offering remains compelling.

As the Indian automotive market continues to evolve, MG Motor’s commitment to providing high-quality electric vehicles at competitive prices will help shape the future of electric mobility in India. The Windsor EV, with its blend of technology, design, and performance, is well-positioned to lead the charge in this transition.

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