The MG Windsor electric vehicle (EV) promises space, technology and modern appeal and its long-term reviews are commendable.
After a few weeks of daily use, here’s what it’s really like to live with this electric MPV-hatchback crossover.
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| The MG Windsor is a modern EV and this can be frustrating at times -- Photo: MG. |
A curious choice from the long-term fleet
I don’t usually pick an electric vehicle over a conventional petrol or diesel car from our long-term fleet.
But when the MG Windsor EV arrived, curiosity got the better of me. This fully electric car sits somewhere between a hatchback and an MPV, and MG clearly wants it to feel futuristic from the moment you step inside.
After spending a couple of weeks with the Windsor, one thing is clear: This car constantly reminds you that it is modern. Sometimes that works brilliantly. At other times, it can be frustrating.
A massive screen that controls almost everything
The first thing you notice every time you get into the MG Windsor is the huge 15.6-inch touchscreen.
It dominates the dashboard and looks impressive. The problem is that almost every important function runs through it.
Simple tasks like adjusting the rear-view mirrors require digging through menus.
These are things you want to do instinctively, without taking your eyes off the road. Over time, you do learn where everything is, but it never feels fully natural.
MG does offer a small workaround. There’s a shortcut button on the steering wheel that gives quicker access to mirror adjustment.
I now use it every time I park. It helps, but it also shows how dependent the Windsor is on digital solutions for basic tasks.
Small daily annoyances add up
One thing I do almost every night is adjust the screen brightness.
No matter what setting I choose, the display resets to being too bright every time I start the car. During night drives, this is especially annoying.
Lowering the brightness has become part of my daily routine.
Another irritation is the windscreen washer button, which sits at the tip of the indicator stalk.
More often than not, I accidentally press it while indicating, leaving the windscreen wet when I don’t want it to be.
Cameras, tech and connectivity done right
The 360-degree camera is one of Windsor’s strongest features. The resolution is good, and paired with parking sensors, it makes tight manoeuvres easy.
The camera also activates below 20 km per hour when you use the indicators, though I personally find this distracting while driving.
Apple CarPlay works flawlessly. Connectivity is stable, response times are quick, and Google Maps looks excellent on the large screen.
In busy city traffic, the big display really helps with navigation.
The audio system has one odd habit. Every time I connect Apple CarPlay, the volume jumps much higher than expected.
It catches me out regularly and needs quick correction.
The wireless phone charger, placed ahead of the armrest, is another miss. My phone tends to slide off easily, interrupting charging.
Airy cabin, but too much screen dependency
The panoramic glass roof is a highlight. It makes the cabin feel open and airy.
However, opening or closing the sunshade requires either a touchscreen menu or a voice command.
Voice control works fine, but a simple physical button would have been far more convenient.
One feature I genuinely enjoy is the auto lock and unlock function.
Walk up to the car and it unlocks automatically. Walk away and it locks itself. It works smoothly and quietly improves everyday ownership.
Seating comfort and ride quality
The Windsor’s sofa-style tufted seats look plush, but they are firmer than expected.
They’re not uncomfortable, but they don’t feel instantly relaxing either. On longer city drives, slightly softer cushioning would have been welcome.
The ride quality is also on the firmer side. Bigger bumps send noticeable thuds into the cabin, reminding you that comfort wasn’t top priority here.
Rear seat feedback from friends and family has been mostly positive. Space is generous, and the ability to recline the backrest up to 135 degrees adds comfort.
This makes the Windsor feel well suited for chauffeur-driven use. Softer cushioning and rear sun blinds would have made it even better.
Space and practicality are big wins
Where the MG Windsor truly shines is space and storage. There are usable storage areas everywhere.
The two dashboard-mounted cup holders are incredibly handy, and the floating centre console frees up even more room.
The boot is the star. With 604 litres of capacity, it’s the largest in its segment.
Easy performance and reassuring efficiency
Performance is relaxed rather than exciting. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, making city driving stress-free.
Efficiency has been reassuring too. I’ve managed close to 230 km of city range with the standard 37.9 kWh battery.
There are multiple drive modes and regenerative braking settings to help extract more range.
If range anxiety is a concern, MG also offers a Pro version with a 50.6 kWh battery.
E-Vroooom’s views
Final verdict | Modern, spacious EV, but not always easy
Living with the MG Windsor EV requires adjustment. It doesn’t do things the conventional way, and its heavy reliance on the touchscreen can test your patience.
But it also delivers massive space, strong practicality, modern tech and effortless electric driving.
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If you’re looking for a feature-rich, spacious electric car that feels genuinely modern, the MG Windsor makes a strong case in the review — as long as you’re willing to live with a few quirks along the way.
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