My MG Windsor EV comes home: Quick list of likes & dislikes post 500 km

It's comfortable, loaded with features, and incredibly economical, especially for city driving with the occasional highway adventure.

BHPian classiccruiser recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

My Electric Dream Machine: The MG Windsor Essence - A Love Story (So Far)

Hey everyone! Buckle up for a tale of automotive infatuation! I've joined the EV revolution, and I'm head-over-heels. Meet Tris (yes, my daughter named her), my stunning Turquoise Green MG Windsor Essence. She's my fourth car, and let me tell you, she's making the previous three (Maruti Alto, Honda City, and Grand I10) look like relics of the past.
Yesterday was the big day – delivery day! The ceremony at Bhoruka Tech Park in Bangalore was quite the spectacle. JSW, MG Motors, and MG Jubilant Dealer executives were all there, buzzing about the Windsor's rockstar reception. 15,000 bookings on launch day and close to 25,000 now? That's some serious love! They talked about 101 deliveries that day, but I only saw 30-40 cars. No matter, the atmosphere was electric (pun intended!). We were treated to a light breakfast and a surprisingly entertaining tribal dance performance. The convoy send-off, with cheers, music, and flowers adorning the cars, was a truly memorable experience. MG and the dealer rolled out the red carpet – or should I say, the green carpet?

Now, about the star of the show – Tris! Pictures don't do her justice. She's even more breathtaking in person. My family is utterly smitten with her design, the sheer space, and the impressive features. The front end? It's quirky, cute, and in Turquoise Green, absolutely irresistible (don't @ me!). After clocking 500+ kms in two days, here's my honest, no-holds-barred review:

The Good:

• Space, the Final Frontier: This car is enormous! Front and rear passengers can stretch out like astronauts in zero gravity. Three adults in the back? Piece of cake!
• Glide Like You're on Cloud Nine: Even Bangalore's infamous pothole-ridden roads couldn't ruffle Tris' feathers. The ride is smooth and composed.
• Rock-Solid Stability: She's planted and confident, even at highway speeds (though I haven't pushed her past 110 km/h yet – she's still getting her driver's license, so to speak!).
• Reclining Seats + Sky Roof = Nirvana: This is the ultimate Bangalore traffic hack. Sky roof open, seat reclined, chauffeur (in my dreams!) navigating the chaos… pure bliss!
• Free DC Fast Charging – Yes, Really! I've used Statiq and Zeon chargers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and both were completely free! An all-India road trip with zero running costs? It's a tempting proposition! (Assuming MG's E-Hub has charging points every 200 kms).
• Free 7.4kW Home Charger: They just keep on giving!

The Not-So-Good:

• Rear Seat Thigh Support: Could be a bit more supportive, especially for my tall friends.
• No Rear Wiper: A baffling omission. Come on, MG!
• Brake Pedal from Another Dimension: These brakes are seriously touchy! I experienced some unexpected skidding on a slightly muddy patch, which was a bit heart-stopping. Is this normal for four-wheel disc brakes? Car gurus, please enlighten me!
• Torque-Induced Vertigo: The instant acceleration is exhilarating, but it takes some getting used to. It's a bit of a "hold on to your hats" experience.
• Road Noise Serenade: A bit too much tire hum above 40 km/h. Better sound insulation would be much appreciated. Maybe some noise-canceling tires are in order?
• The Case of the Missing Spare Tire: And the dealer seems to be playing a game of "Where's Waldo?" with it.
• AMC Update MIA: Still waiting for news on this. It's kind of important for that unlimited battery and motor warranty.

Buying Experience:

I'd give MG Jubilant in Bangalore a 4 out of 5 stars. Booking during the pre-launch was a breeze, and my sales rep, Yathish, was a true champion. He kept me in the loop throughout the entire process, from booking confirmation to delivery day. My daughter's desire for a sky roof and my wife's insistence on ventilated seats trumped my sensible choice of the mid-variant (story of my life!). I skipped the "Baas" option – it seemed like a loan disguised as something else. 50% cash down, and the rest financed through Federal Bank. Their no-penalty foreclosure policy was a major selling point. The paperwork was handled seamlessly at my home, which was a huge relief.

Insurance:

Trading in my 2015 Grand I10 for ₹4 lakhs through MG Reassure was convenient. However, the initial insurance quote of ₹75,000 was highway robbery! After stripping out all the unnecessary add-ons, I got it down to ₹57,000. Snagging my NCB certificate from ICICI Lombard saved me another ₹12,000. Final cost: ₹45,000 – not too shabby.

Accessories:

I kept it simple with just mud flaps and mats. But now I'm eyeing those roof rails and side strips – they look fantastic on the Turquoise Green Essence. I'm skipping the Morris Garages black strip on the front – not my cup of tea. Blinds and a screen protector for the display are definitely on my shopping list.

Ride Experience:

Being a lifelong sedan/hatchback driver, my first SUV experience was a revelation. The commanding view from the driver's seat is addictive! The quarter glasses are a nice touch for eliminating blind spots. Despite its size, Tris is surprisingly nimble in both traffic and on the highway. My 200 km pilgrimage to Thiruvannamalai temple was a breeze. Starting with a 90% charge, I topped up to 100% at a free Statiq station in Whitefield. Arriving in Thiruvannamalai with 40% charge and an estimated 110 km range remaining, I was impressed. (Note: the downhill route from Bangalore definitely helped). Charging at a non-E-Hub Tata Power station cost me ₹400. The return trip (uphill) consumed about 80% of the charge. Thankfully, a free Zeon charger near Krishnagiri came to the rescue. Charging speed varies depending on the state of charge – 30% to 80% is quick, but 80% to 100% takes a while.

Conclusion:

The MG Windsor Essence is a game-changer. It's comfortable, loaded with features, and incredibly economical, especially for city driving with the occasional highway adventure. EV ownership has turned me into a reformed planner (my wife is thrilled!). The electric revolution is here, and the Windsor is at the forefront. Stay tuned for more updates on my escapades with Tris!

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.