MG Windsor long term review, 11,000km report

It is not usual for me to pick an EV over a conventional internal combustion car from our long-term fleet. However, this time around, when the MG Windsor drove into our long-term garage, I was genuinely curious to see how this fully electric, part-MPV, part-hatchback would be to live with.

After spending a couple of weeks with the MG Windsor, I have realised that this is a car that constantly reminds you just how modern it is. Sometimes that works in its favour, and at other times, it tests your patience.

The first thing I engage with every single time I get into the Windsor is the massive 15.6-inch touchscreen. There is no escaping it. It certainly looks impressive, but the issue is that MG has routed almost every important function through this screen.

In daily use, this can be frustrating. Basic things like adjusting the rear-view mirrors require digging through menus. These are actions I instinctively want to perform without taking my eyes off the road, and the Windsor makes that harder than it needs to be. Over time, you do learn where everything is, but it never quite feels natural. Thankfully, MG has provided a shortcut button on the steering wheel that allows quicker access to the mirror adjustment function, which I now rely on while parking. It helps, but it also highlights how dependent this car is on workarounds for tasks that should have been simpler.

Another thing I find myself doing almost every day, or more accurately, every night, is adjusting the screen brightness. No matter what setting I leave it on, the display resets to being far too bright every time I start the car. During night drives, it is especially bothersome, and lowering the brightness has become part of my start up routine. It is a small annoyance, but one you have to deal with every day.

I do find the 360-degree camera extremely useful. The screen resolution is good, and with the parking sensors on alert, it makes manoeuvring the Windsor in tight spaces easy. The camera also activates below 20kph when the indicators are used, though I personally find this a bit distracting while on the move.

Another small but irritating detail is the placement of the windscreen washer button at the tip of the indicator stalk. Every other time I indicate, I end up accidentally hitting the washer, leaving the windscreen partially wet.

The audio system has its own quirk. Every time I connect Apple CarPlay, the music starts at a much higher volume than expected. It catches me out often and needs immediate correction. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay itself works flawlessly. Connectivity has been rock solid, response times are quick, and Google Maps navigation is seamless. The large screen really shines here, especially in busy city traffic, where directions are easy to glance at. One gripe is the wireless phone charger placed ahead of the front armrest. My phone tends to slip off easily, interrupting charging.

I really like the panoramic glass roof, which gives the cabin an airy feel. What annoys me is that opening or closing the sunshade requires going through the touchscreen menu or using a voice command. While voice control reduces screen interaction, I would have preferred a physical button.

One feature I genuinely appreciate is the auto open and lock function. Walking up to the car and having it unlock automatically feels seamless, and it locks itself when I walk away. It works consistently and quietly improves the ownership experience.

Seating comfort is a mixed bag. I am not a big fan of the sofa-style tufted leatherette seats. They look plush, but the cushioning feels firmer than expected, and it took time to get used to. They are not uncomfortable, but they are not instantly relaxing either. On longer city drives, slightly softer padding would have helped. The ride quality, too, is on the firmer side, which transfers thuds into the cabin over larger bumps.

I have not spent much time in the back seat myself, but friends and family have had mostly positive feedback. Space is generous, and the ability to recline the backrest up to 135 degrees adds comfort. This makes the Windsor feel well suited to being chauffeured. That said, softer cushioning and rear sun blinds would have improved comfort further.

Where the Windsor truly impresses is in space and storage. There are usable storage areas throughout the cabin, clearly designed with daily usability in mind. The two dashboard cup holders are used every day during my commute, and the floating centre console frees up additional space.

The biggest highlight is the boot. At 604 litres, it is massive and the largest in its segment. Airport runs or weekend luggage is never an issue. However, the absence of a standard spare wheel is hard to ignore. Having to buy it separately feels like a miss at this price point.

Performance is best described as relaxed. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, making city driving stress free. Efficiency has also been reassuring, with close to 230 kilometres achieved in city use. With multiple drive modes and regenerative braking options, there is scope for even better range. Mind you, our Windsor has the standard 37.9kWh battery. If you need more range, there’s also the Pro version that packs in a 50.6kWh battery.

Living with the MG Windsor has been an ongoing adjustment. It does not always do things the conventional way, but it remains a spacious, feature-rich and distinctly modern EV that impresses in many areas, even if it occasionally tests your patience.

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