logo
MG Windsor Pro first drive review: Best-selling EV becomes even better

MG Windsor Pro first drive review: Best-selling EV becomes even better

Hindustan Times14-05-2025

For the Windsor Pro, there are three new colour schemes. Check Offers
JSW MG Motor India took the market by storm when they first launched the Windsor EV in the Indian market. The brand secured 15,000 bookings in just one day and then it clocked 20,000 sales in just 6 months which made it the best-selling electric vehicle in India. However, there was a bit of hesitation from some potential customers, which the company has decided to address with the Windsor Pro.
We got to spend some time with the new Windsor Pro in Guwahati, where the roads were drenched because of the rain and the brand wanted us to drive the car for 180 km to Umiam Lake and back. Now, I already own the Windsor EV and have clocked almost 5,000 km on it, so I have a fair idea of how it performs. The main focus was on what all MG has improved, and does it feels different from the current model. MG Windsor Pro: What are the cosmetic changes?
The Glaze Red stands out significantly on the roads. However, we did notice with few units, there was a colour mismatch.
For cosmetic purposes, JSW MG Motor India has added three new colour schemes - Celadon Blue, Aurora Silver and Glaze Red. Apart from this, there is Pearl White, Starburst Black and Turquoise Green on offer. Then there are new 19-inch alloy wheels on offer that are borrowed from the Hector. At first, the response from the alloys was mixed but in person, they do look quite good. However, the original alloys that the standard Windsor EV gets were very unique.
There are no other cosmetic changes to the exterior of the Windsor Pro so there might be a few people who might not like the design. However, at the end of the day, design is a subjective thing and I also know several people who love the exterior design of the Windsor.
Then we come to the interior where the black upholstery for the seats has been replaced with an Ivory White colour scheme because of which the cabin has a dual-tone theme. The new colour theme does make the cabin feel a bit more airy but there is a possibility that this colour scheme will be difficult to maintain. Apart from this, there are no changes to the interior. MG Windsor Pro: How's the interior?
The interior now gets a dual-tone colour scheme. The black seats are now replaced with beige ones.
The MG Windsor Pro continues to come with a huge glass area that makes the cabin heat up during daytime and it also reduces the effectiveness of the air conditioner. Moreover, this also affects the performance of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and wireless charger as the sun's heat directly comes onto the centre console. Fortunately, there are ventilated front seats that do help.
The quilted seats look really good and they do offer good support to the occupants and the driver also gets electric adjustability. Unfortunately, there is no cooled glovebox, which is a feature that I miss. At the rear, the seats get 135 degrees of recline and there is ample amount of legroom and headroom. Three occupants on the rear seat should be able to sit quite comfortably. Once again, the space and the quality is one of the strong points of the Windsor Pro that makes it stand out. MG Windsor Pro: How is the ride quality?
One of the criticisms that the Windsor EV has is how stiff the rear suspension is, on speed breakers and speed bumps, it sends a jolt. This issue has been fixed for the most part because of the added weight from the battery pack. However, overall, the suspension is still a bit on the stiffer side, which has ensured that the EV feels stable at highway speeds. Show it a corner, and the body roll is minimal, and for the most part, the Windsor Pro will stick to its line. However, do not expect it to handle like a hatchback; after all, it is a tall vehicle with a heavy battery pack. MG Windsor Pro: How are the brakes and performance?
The brakes on the Windsor Pro do lack the initial bite which is there on the Windsor EV. MG continues to offer all-wheel disc brakes. There are no changes to the electric motor, it continues to sit on the front axle, which puts out 134 bhp of max power and a peak torque output of 200 Nm. There is a bit of motor noise that is audible in the cabin. It always has an ample amount of performance available in all driving modes. Even the Eco+ mode should be fine for driving in cities where there is bumper-to-bumper traffic. There are also three levels of regeneration that can help in gaining back some range as the EV brakes regeneration instead of traditional brakes. The regeneration kicks in quite smoothly. By default, the EV starts in Normal driving mode with Heavy regen braking. During acceleration and braking, you can feel the additional weight of the batteries. MG Windsor Pro: How does the ADAS perform?
JSW MG Motor India has added ADAS Level 2 to the Windsor Pro. It now comes with features such as Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bend Cruise Assistance, Lane Departure Warning and prevention, Intelligent Headlamp Control, Front Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. We tested the ADAS, and we found that it does have a tendency to just give up suddenly, which could be a bit dangerous. We also found that the EV would constantly swerve left or right and would not recognise the solid white line. So, eventually, we switched off the ADAS. What does work decently is the adaptive cruise control, as long as the roads are straight, the driver can also set the following distance. Unfortunately, we were not able to test the Traffic Assist function, which could be quite useful. MG Windsor Pro: What is the battery size, charging speed and range?
The Windsor Pro gets a larger 52.9 kWh battery pack, whereas the standard Windsor EV gets a 38 kWh battery pack. The claimed range has gone up from 332 km to 449 km. The charging speed has also gone up from 45 kW to 60 kW. A DC fast charger would be able to top-up the battery pack from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 50 minutes, whereas the Windsor Pro would take 45 minutes. On a 7.4 kWh AC charger, the battery pack would take 9.5 hours, whereas the 38 kWh battery pack takes 7 hours. MG has not revealed how much time will the Windsor Pro will take to charge on a 3.3 kW charger. MG Windsor Pro: Can existing users upgrade to a bigger battery pack?
We asked this question to the company, and they said that the mounting points of the 52.9 kWh battery pack are different from the 38 kWh battery pack. Because of this, the existing users cannot upgrade to the larger battery pack. Having said that, it would have been nice if the existing customers had the option to get the larger battery at an additional price. MG Windsor Pro: What are the new features?
Apart from ADAS, the Windsor Pro now comes with Vehicle 2 Load and Vehicle-to-Vehicle functionality. Through Vehicle 2 Load, the customers can power electrical appliances and through Vehicle to Vehicle, customers can charge other electric vehicles. Both these functionalities would require an accessory that the customer would need to purchase separately. And no, the current Windsor EV does not support both of these features because of hardware limitations, as per MG.
The Windsor Pro now also comes with an electric tailgate whose height, the occupants can set. There are no other changes to the feature list of the vehicle. It continues to come with a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, a digital driver's display, ambient lights and automatic climate control among others. A special mention goes to the 9-speaker sound system that is sourced from Infinity. MG Windsor Pro: Should you buy it?
At ₹ 18.10 lakh ex-showroom, the Windsor Pro continues to be a great value-for-money vehicle. If you are considering the Essence variant of the Windsor, we would highly suggest that you invest in the Pro variant because of its larger battery pack. The ride quality is better than the Windsor EV; it continues to come loaded with features, and the larger battery pack would help with increased range. The Windsor Pro will continue to write the success story of the original Windsor EV as the brand received 8,000 bookings for the Windsor Pro in just 24 hours of launch.
Having said that, we would have liked it if JSW MG Motor India had addressed a few of the current concerns, such as cabin heating because of the greenhouse effect, which could have been solved with UV-cut glass. There is still no parcel tray, spare tyre, window curtains and rear wiper, which the rivals do offer. Yes, the parcel tray and spare tyre are available as accessories, but then the tyre does eat into the luggage space and makes it difficult to access the underneath storage. A set of front parking sensors would also have been a great addition because few customers feel the need due to the way the front is designed. Again, these are available as accessories, but they are not integrated into the system.
First Published Date: 14 May 2025, 11:59 AM IST

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tech Wizard Saurabh Verma Is Ready To Launch Powerful AI Innovation GlideBotx
Tech Wizard Saurabh Verma Is Ready To Launch Powerful AI Innovation GlideBotx

Business Standard

time34 minutes ago

  • Business Standard

Tech Wizard Saurabh Verma Is Ready To Launch Powerful AI Innovation GlideBotx

VMPL New Delhi [India], June 10: In today's world, where content creation, personal branding, influencer marketing, and marketing teams are on the rise, there is a growing need to make data-driven decisions and generate creative content. These professionals must also optimize marketing strategies, predict audience behavior, write social media captions, craft newsletters, manage AI-driven calendars, and much more. As these roles continue to expand, they need a powerful tool that can handle all of this effortlessly. This is where GlideBotx comes into play. GlideBotx is no ordinary AI tool. Once launched with the power of AI, it is going to take care of many aspects related to personal branding, customer communication, and content automation to newer heights. It is not only going to save time for the users but it will also help build more accurate, impactful and lasting engagement with the users. GlideBotx is an innovative and a revolutionary AI tool in a sense that it helps build one of the most consistent and compelling brand voice across all platforms. The tool has some of the amazing features like AI-generated emails, blogs, and captions, Data-backed content calendars, Automated sales copy & CTA, Audience behavior prediction, Personal brand tone cloning etc. This game changing AI tool has been designed in such a way that it is tremendously going to help digital coaches, content creators and business owners. GlideBotx is ready to redefine the current digital marketing and coaching models. It will introduce its innovative and fantastic features like data-driven decision-making, automated content strategy and AI-generated insights. GlideBotx brings together powerful features including AI-generated emails, blogs, and social media captions, data-driven content calendars, automated sales copy, audience behavior predictions, and personal brand tone cloning. This innovative platform enables users to automate critical workflows while building a consistent, high-impact brand presence across channels. The launch is backed by The Modernist Media Network, known for its work in empowering creators and brands with cutting-edge media solutions. GlideBotx is positioned to support India's growing digital economy by equipping entrepreneurs with the technology needed to expand their global reach. GlideBotx is not just another media venture but it is sort of a cultural movement. The Modernist Media has become a launchpad for creators, brands and thought leaders who are aiming to make global impressions through strategic content, media features and high impact storytelling. Known for his innovative ideas in the field of modern technology, Saurabh Verma is the brain behind GlideBotx which is an advanced AI tool. Saurabh Verma is a globally awarded mentor whose aim is to empower Indian entrepreneurs with scalable business models and amplify India's voice globally through media related innovation. He is also a certified business automation coach and the co-founder of The Modernist Media Network. Interestingly, since 2023 he has been able to deliver over 800 online webinars, inspiring and educating a staggering 4.9 lakh people across geographies. His programs aren't just informative but they are also known to be catalytic. Backed by over 5,000 testimonials, Saurabh's teachings have helped over 15,000 business owners achieve 10X growth within just two years, a testament to his strategic approach to automation, scalability, and mindset reprogramming.

Aquapeya: Our Name Is Our Identity - A Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and Innovation
Aquapeya: Our Name Is Our Identity - A Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and Innovation

Business Standard

time34 minutes ago

  • Business Standard

Aquapeya: Our Name Is Our Identity - A Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and Innovation

VMPL New Delhi [India], June 10: In today's fast-evolving business world--where startups emerge and disappear overnight--Aquapeya stands tall as a symbol of resilience, integrity, and innovation. From its humble beginnings in 2018 to becoming a recognizable name in India's beverage landscape, the story of Aquapeya is not just about building a brand--it's about standing for something bigger. Aquapeya: Our Name Is Our Identity For the founders and their team, Aquapeya is more than just a name. It's their identity, their philosophy, and their promise to consumers. Inspired by the Latin word "Aqua" (meaning water), the name reflects values of purity, transparency, and essential truth. In a crowded industry filled with flashy packaging and marketing buzzwords, Aquapeya chooses to represent clarity, honesty, and trust. "We believe water is colorless, tasteless, and truthful. Our brand stands for those very qualities--unfiltered, pure, and without pretenses," says the founder. 2018: The Seed of an Idea The vision of Aquapeya took root in 2018. With a bold tagline--"All IN"--the team set out to redefine the beverage experience in India. But this wasn't just about launching a product. It was about building a brand grounded in sustainability, community engagement, and uncompromised quality. 2019: Establishing the Foundation The next year was all about setting up strong operational structures. Aquapeya focused on building reliable supply chains and distribution networks. Partnerships began to flourish, fueled by the belief that impactful growth is a collaborative journey. The brand gained traction in niche urban spaces and started to explore regional markets with cautious optimism. 2020-2021: Rising Through Crisis When the pandemic hit, Aquapeya adapted instead of retreating. With operations paused and consumer behavior rapidly shifting, the team pivoted toward digital outreach and community engagement. "We didn't just aim to sell--we wanted to serve," recalls a team member. This human-first approach helped the brand stay relevant and build deeper emotional connections with its audience. 2022: Expanding into Carbonated Drinks With growing brand awareness, 2022 marked Aquapeya's entry into the carbonated beverage segment. But this wasn't just a typical expansion--it was a reflection of creative growth. Unlike traditional fizzy drinks, Aquapeya offered cleaner, naturally flavored alternatives with minimalist branding. These products quickly resonated with younger, health-conscious consumers looking for something fresh and fun. 2023: Launch of Fruit-Based Beverages Aquapeya continued to evolve by introducing a line of fruit-based beverages in 2023. Focused on real ingredients and transparent labeling, the new segment struck a chord with Indian households. The tagline "Thirsty Trust" emerged, capturing the brand's dual commitment to satisfaction and sincerity. 2024: The Shark Tank Breakthrough In 2024, Aquapeya reached a defining moment--appearing on Shark Tank India. Their pitch was not just about investment; it was a powerful story of perseverance and purpose. The platform catapulted the brand into national consciousness, offering mentorship, funding, and widespread visibility. Audiences connected deeply with both the product and the vision. 2025: Legal Challenges and Reinvention Every success story faces a defining test. For Aquapeya, that moment came in March 2025 when a legal notice arrived from industry giant Bisleri, claiming copyright and color scheme infringement. But the team didn't back down. "Water has no color--so why should our labels?" became Aquapeya's powerful response and a rallying cry for creative freedom. By June 2025, the brand had fully reimagined its visual identity. The new look wasn't just cosmetic--it embodied a renewed commitment to originality, honesty, and bold independence. With fresh distribution strategies in place, Aquapeya regained consumer trust and market strength. Final Thoughts: A Brand Built on Spirit Aquapeya's story is more than a business case study--it's a testament to what purpose-driven entrepreneurship can achieve. Through every challenge and triumph, one core belief has remained: "Entrepreneurship is always about never giving up." As Aquapeya charts its path forward, its mission stays strong: to be a brand that not only quenches thirst but also nourishes trust, transparency, and authenticity in every drop. Join us on this journey--because just like water, Aquapeya believes in being pure, true, and unmistakably real.

Swiss packaging firm SIG commits to invest Euro 100 million more in India
Swiss packaging firm SIG commits to invest Euro 100 million more in India

India Gazette

timean hour ago

  • India Gazette

Swiss packaging firm SIG commits to invest Euro 100 million more in India

Bern [Switzerland], June 10 (ANI): SIG Group, the Swiss packaging solutions provider with over 170 years of heritage, announced plans to invest an additional Euro 100 million in India, building on its existing Euro 200 million commitment as the company capitalises on the country's growing consumer market and government support for foreign investment. Talking exclusively to ANI, Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG Group, made the announcement during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Switzerland, praising the Indian government's commitment to supporting foreign direct investment and outlining ambitious expansion plans for the world's most populous nation. 'I had a very positive meeting,' Sigrist said, referring to his discussions with Minister Goyal. 'I am impressed by the level of detail the minister is involved in and his commitment to support Foreign Direct Investment in India. We are very pleased with the administration and the support we get.' The CEO's comments underscore the growing confidence international companies have in India's business environment under the current administration's investment-friendly policies. SIG's success in India is built on partnerships with some of the country's most recognizable consumer brands. The company's packaging solutions are prominently featured on household names, including Frooti, Maaza, and various Amul products, demonstrating its deep integration into India's consumer goods ecosystem. 'We are partnering in India with big names. Those are really household brands,' Sigrist explained. 'You will find our packaging on brands like Frooti, Maaza... You will also find a lot of different products from have already committed to the next phase of our plant. We invested already EUR200 million and have committed now another EUR100 million to keep expanding in India.' The company's extensive client roster also includes major players such as Coca-Cola, Dabur, PepsiCo (Varun Beverages), Heritage dairy, MilkyMist, Haldirams, Hamdard, Godrej Jersey, and ITC, positioning SIG as a critical supplier to India's food and beverage industry. SIG has established a comprehensive manufacturing footprint across India with facilities strategically located in key industrial hubs. The company operates two offices in Gurgaon and Mumbai, supported by four production facilities manufacturing various packaging solutions. The company's manufacturing infrastructure includes two flexible packaging plants in Palghar, Maharashtra, a filling line manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, and its flagship aseptic carton packaging plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This network has created over 300 direct employment opportunities across the country over the past decade. SIG's Ahmedabad facility represents a significant milestone in the company's Indian operations. After signing an MOU with the Gujarat government in September 2023, the company completed construction of its first aseptic carton plant in India in just 20 months, with commercial production beginning in Q1 2025. The facility, built with an initial investment of approximately Euro 90 million (Rs 880 crores), reflects SIG's commitment to the Make-in-India initiative. The investment is planned in phases from 2023-2027, initially targeting production capacity of up to 4 billion packs per annum, with subsequent investments expected to increase capacity to 10 billion packs annually. SIG's technology is playing a crucial role in modernizing India's dairy industry, which is undergoing significant transformation. The company's aseptic packaging technology offers preservative-free, shelf-stable solutions that require no refrigeration, making them ideal for India's diverse geography and infrastructure challenges. This technology ensures food safety, extends shelf life, and significantly reduces food waste, particularly beneficial in high-temperature and remote regions. Recent innovations include MilkyMist's probiotic buttermilk launch, which brings advanced nutrition in a shelf-stable format to mass markets. The company is actively collaborating with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), leading dairy cooperatives, and private dairies to create an ecosystem positioning India as the global dairy capital while supporting farmers, consumers, and national food security goals. Founded in 1853 and headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, SIG has established itself as a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions for liquid food and beverages. The company serves customers in over 100 countries through its workforce of approximately 9,600 employees worldwide. In 2024, SIG produced 57 billion packs and generated Euro 3.3 billion in revenue. The company's commitment to sustainability is recognized through its AAA ESG rating by MSCI, Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis, and inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index. SIG's unique portfolio includes aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch solutions, enabling the company to provide end-to-end solutions for differentiated products, smarter factories, and connected packaging. The company's technology and innovation capabilities address evolving consumer needs while supporting its mission to create a regenerative food packaging system. With its additional Euro 100 million commitment, SIG's total investment in India will exceed Euro 300 million, reflecting the company's long-term confidence in the Indian market. This expansion aligns with India's growing consumer base of 1.4 billion people and the country's increasing focus on food safety, sustainability, and modern packaging solutions. The investment announcement comes as international companies increasingly view India as a critical growth market, supported by favorable government policies, a large consumer base, and improving infrastructure. SIG's success story demonstrates how foreign companies can build substantial operations in India while contributing to local employment, technology transfer, and industrial development. (ANI)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store