MG Windsor EV: A silent and smooth escape through New Delhi's chaotic streets

Navigating the dense, often chaotic traffic of New Delhi’s Connaught Place can be a challenge for any vehicle. It’s a test of drivability, comfort, and the overall capabilities of a car. So, when I had the opportunity to take the all-new MG Windsor EV for a spin in this bustling part of the city, I was eager to see how well this electric SUV could handle the intricacies of New Delhi’s traffic. Would it offer the smooth, stress-free drive that urban dwellers seek, or would it falter under the pressure of heavy congestion and tight spaces? Here’s what I found.

Elegant and modern

Before we dive into how the Windsor EV performs on the road, it’s worth mentioning the vehicle’s design, which manages to strike a balance between modern luxury and practicality. As I approached the car parked in Connaught Place’s central circle, its sleek, aerodynamic lines immediately stood out. The Windsor EV has a poised, upscale look with just the right amount of chrome accents and sharp LED headlights. It carries a certain elegance that makes it equally suitable for both city drives and more luxurious outings.

Stepping into the car, I was greeted by a spacious, well-appointed cabin that exudes comfort. The leather seats were not only aesthetically pleasing but incredibly soft to the touch, providing an immediate sense of relaxation — something I would come to appreciate during the drive ahead. But could this sophisticated electric SUV maintain the same level of comfort and composure once we hit the notoriously busy roads of New Delhi?

Smooth in the city chaos

Driving in Connaught Place, especially during peak hours, can be a stressful experience, with vehicles coming from all directions, pedestrians weaving in and out of traffic, and the occasional chaos of auto-rickshaws and motorbikes. Thankfully, the MG Windsor EV handled these challenges with grace.

Powered by a dual-motor setup, the Windsor EV produces about 250 horsepower, and while it’s not a sports car, the immediate torque that electric motors are known for gave it a nimbleness that proved invaluable in city traffic. Acceleration was brisk and smooth, making it easy to slip into gaps in traffic without hesitation. At lower speeds — as is often the case in New Delhi’s traffic — the car felt responsive, yet calm, without any jerky movements.

The regenerative braking system also deserves special mention. In stop-and-go traffic, the regenerative braking not only helped recharge the battery but also made it easier to navigate sudden stops. This added efficiency meant I could focus on the road, while the car subtly helped manage energy consumption.

One of the standout features in such a busy environment was the quietness of the Windsor EV. New Delhi can be noisy, with horns blaring and the constant hum of traffic, but inside the Windsor’s cabin, it felt like an oasis of calm. The sound insulation was excellent, allowing only the most muted sounds from outside to penetrate the interior. This, combined with the Windsor EV’s all-electric powertrain, meant that driving through even the heaviest of traffic felt less stressful than it otherwise might.

Handling the congestion

Connaught Place is filled with narrow lanes, tight turns, and chaotic roundabouts, which can pose challenges for larger vehicles. The Windsor EV, though an SUV, didn’t feel cumbersome or difficult to maneuver. Its steering was light, making it easy to navigate through tight spaces and crowded streets. The car also had an impressively small turning radius for its size, which came in handy when dealing with the many U-turns and sharp corners of the Connaught Place area.

In traffic jams, the Windsor’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist proved their worth. While the crawl pace of New Delhi’s traffic doesn’t allow for much speed, these features helped maintain a smooth flow without too much input on my part. This allowed me to focus more on the surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and the general unpredictability of Indian city driving. The car also features a 360-degree camera system, which is a godsend when trying to park or navigate through tight spaces between cars and street vendors.

Relaxation in the midst of traffic

One of the defining features of the MG Windsor EV is its commitment to comfort, and this was most evident in the seat design and cabin layout. In heavy traffic, where constant braking and accelerating can be tiring, the Windsor’s seats provided excellent support. The leather upholstery was soft yet durable, and the seats were both heated and ventilated — perfect for New Delhi’s varying weather conditions. The driver’s seat came with multiple adjustment options, making it easy to find the ideal driving position for maximum comfort.

Another area where the Windsor EV shone was in its suspension. Driving over Connaught Place’s occasional potholes and rough patches was remarkably smooth. The suspension absorbed most of the road’s imperfections, ensuring that neither the driver nor the passengers felt uncomfortable even during prolonged periods of slow driving. This level of comfort is particularly important in city environments like New Delhi, where stop-start driving is common, and road quality can vary significantly.

Practicality

The Windsor EV is packed with technology, and many of these features are designed to make city driving easier. The 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system was intuitive, with clear navigation and seamless connectivity to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This made it easy to pull up maps and get real-time traffic updates as I navigated the busy streets. Voice-activated controls also allowed me to adjust settings without taking my hands off the wheel.

Additionally, the car’s regenerative braking system and eco-driving mode ensured that I was maximizing energy efficiency, even in slow-moving traffic. Though Connaught Place is not the place to test the full range of the Windsor EV, the car’s ability to maintain a high level of charge while navigating through the city reassured me that this vehicle could easily handle longer trips without the need for frequent charging stops.

After driving the MG Windsor EV through the congested, chaotic streets of Connaught Place, it’s clear that this SUV is well-suited for city driving. It combines the comfort of a luxury vehicle with the practicality and efficiency of an electric one. The quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and smooth handling made navigating through heavy traffic a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The Windsor EV doesn’t just survive city driving — it excels at it.

For urban dwellers who face daily traffic challenges but don’t want to compromise on luxury or eco-friendliness, the MG Windsor EV offers the best of both worlds. With its combination of drivability, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, it’s a perfect companion for New Delhi’s bustling streets.