The electric vehicle revolution in India has reached a critical inflection point, and MG Motor’s Windsor Pro stands at its epicenter. With bookings now open for its long-range variants—Exclusive Pro (₹17.25 lakh) and Essence Pro (₹18.10 lakh)—Indian EV buyers face a complex dilemma: Does the Essence Pro’s premium justify its price, or does the Exclusive Pro deliver smarter value? . Having dissected specifications, ownership costs, and real-world usability, we present the most granular trim comparison yet.
Table 1: Core Specifications & Pricing Breakdown
| Parameter | Windsor Exclusive Pro | Windsor Essence Pro | Functional Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹17.25 Lakh | ₹18.10 Lakh | +₹85,000 (4.9% premium) |
| BaaS Price | ₹12.25 Lakh + ₹4.5/km rental | ₹13.10 Lakh + ₹4.5/km rental | +₹85,000 upfront |
| Battery | 52.9 kWh Prismatic | 52.9 kWh Prismatic | Identical hardware |
| Range (MIDC) | 449 km | 449 km | Same powertrain efficiency |
| Charging (0-100%) | 9.5 hrs (7.4kW AC) | 9.5 hrs (7.4kW AC) | Identical charging profile |
| Colors | Celadon Blue, Aurora Silver, Glaze Red | Adds Knight Black (exclusive) | Extra monotone option |
I. The Trim War: Where Exclusive Pro and Essence Pro Diverge
A. The ADAS Divide: Safety or Surplus?
The Essence Pro’s headline feature is its Level 2 Autonomous Driving Suite—absent in the Exclusive Pro—including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjusts speed based on traffic flow
- Lane Keeping Assist: Prevents unintentional lane drifts
- Autonomous Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians/vehicles
- Traffic Jam Assist: Manels stop-and-go congestion autonomously
Real-world impact: ADAS reduces fatigue on highways but adds limited value in urban chaos. MG’s system lacks granular sensitivity adjustments seen in Hyundai/Kia, occasionally overreacting to non-standard lane markings .
B. The Tech & Convenience Edge
Beyond ADAS, the Essence Pro justifies its premium with:
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Powers laptops, appliances via rear socket (max 2.2kW)
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V): Charges stranded EVs (tested at 3.3kW)
- Powered Tailgate: Hands-free boot access
- Dual-Tone Ivory-Black Interiors: Premium aesthetic vs Exclusive Pro’s monotone
Crucially, both trims share core luxuries: 15.6-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker Infinity audio, 135° reclining “Aero-Lounge” seats, and panoramic glass roof .
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Table 2: Feature Comparison — What You Gain (and Lose)
| Feature | Exclusive Pro | Essence Pro | User Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS L2 | ❌ | ✅ | Highway safety upgrade |
| V2L/V2V Charging | ❌ | ✅ | Emergency power during outages/camping |
| Powered Tailgate | ❌ | ✅ | Convenience for frequent boot access |
| Interior Theme | Monotone Ivory | Dual-Tone Ivory | Perceived premiumness |
| Knight Black Color | ❌ | ✅ | Stealthy aesthetic option |
| Audio System | 9-speaker Infinity | 9-speaker Infinity | Identical quality |
| Charging Equipment | 7.4kW AC charger | 7.4kW AC charger | Same charging speed |
| Real-World Range | 380-400 km | 380-400 km | Identical efficiency |
II. Cost Analysis: Beyond the Sticker Price
A. The BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) Game-Changer
MG’s BaaS program disrupts ownership economics:
- Exclusive Pro BaaS: ₹12.25 lakh + ₹4.5/km
- Essence Pro BaaS: ₹13.10 lakh + ₹4.5/km
Break-even calculation:
- Assuming 1,500 km/month usage:
- Annual rental: ₹81,000
- 5-year rental: ₹4.05 lakh
- Total BaaS cost (Exclusive Pro): ₹12.25L + ₹4.05L = ₹16.3 lakh
- Full purchase (Exclusive Pro): ₹17.25 lakh
→ BaaS saves ₹95,000 if ownership <5 years
B. Insurance, Resale & Hidden Costs
- Insurance: Essence Pro costs ₹12,000/year more due to ADAS sensor vulnerability
- Resale Value: Early data shows Essence Pro commands 7-8% higher resale post-3 years
- ADAS Calibration: Post-accident recalibration costs ₹18,000/session (MG service centers only)
Watch full review video:
Table 3: 5-Year Ownership Cost Projection
| Cost Factor | Exclusive Pro (Full) | Essence Pro (Full) | Exclusive Pro (BaaS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | ₹17.25 Lakh | ₹18.10 Lakh | ₹12.25 Lakh |
| Battery Rental (5yr) | – | – | ₹4.05 Lakh |
| Insurance (5yr) | ₹1.75 Lakh | ₹2.35 Lakh | ₹1.75 Lakh |
| Maintenance | ₹47,000 | ₹52,000 | ₹47,000 |
| Resale Value (Yr 5) | ₹9.71 Lakh | ₹10.42 Lakh | Not applicable (battery leased) |
| Total Net Cost | ₹9.76 Lakh | ₹10.55 Lakh | ₹9.82 Lakh |
Assumptions: 10,000 km/year, insurance inflation 8% yearly, maintenance excludes accidental repairs
III. The Real-World Verdict: Which Trim Fits Your Lifestyle?
A. Case for Exclusive Pro: The Urban Commuter’s Dream
Choose this if:
- Your driving is 70% city-based with occasional highways
- You prioritize cabin comfort over autonomous tech
- Budget sensitivity is high (₹85,000 savings can install a home 7.4kW charger!)
Testimonial insight: Owners report “ADAS is overkill in Bengaluru traffic — manual driving is safer amid unpredictable two-wheelers” .
B. Case for Essence Pro: The Highway Voyager’s Shield
Worth the premium if:
- You clock 500+ km monthly on expressways
- Camping/road trips demand mobile power (V2L)
- Future-proofing for 2026’s likely ADAS mandates
Owner validation: “V2L powered my projector during a Ladakh blackout — a lifesaver!” — Essence Pro owner
Table 4: Trim Recommendations by User Profile
| User Type | Ideal Trim | Why? | Cost-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Dwellers | Exclusive Pro | ADAS unused in traffic; save ₹85,000 | Opt BaaS + invest in home charger |
| Tech Enthusiasts | Essence Pro | V2L/V2V enables gadget-centric lifestyle | Skip dealer accessories; use V2L instead |
| Families | Exclusive Pro | Identical safety (6 airbags); no ADAS distraction for teens | Add portable rear entertainment |
| Frequent Tourers | Essence Pro | Adaptive cruise eases highway fatigue | Bundle MG’s portable 7.4kW charger |
| Fleet Operators | Exclusive Pro BaaS | Lowest TCO; battery maintenance on MG | Negotiate corporate insurance rates |
IV. Beyond the Trims: Critical Buying Considerations
A. The Waiting Period Trap
As of June 2025:
- Exclusive Pro: 2-3 months (higher demand)
- Essence Pro: 4-5 months (production constrained by ADAS chip supply)
→ Pro tip: Book before September 2025 to lock introductory prices; MG hints at 3-5% hike post-festive season .
B. Color Psychology: Resale Impact
- Glaze Red (both trims): Fastest-selling; commands 3% resale premium
- Knight Black (Essence Pro only): 25% lower maintenance (hides dust better than ivory)
- Celadon Blue: Highest insurance premiums (repair complexity)
C. The Charging Ecosystem Reality
Despite 449 km claims, real-world range drops to:
- 380 km (AC on, 100% highway)
- 420 km (city driving)
Must-have accessories:
- Portable 7.4kW Charger (₹54,000): Cuts AC charging to 6.5 hrs
- V2L Adapter Kit (Essence Pro only, ₹18,500): Powers 16A devices
V. Industry Context: Why This Decision Matters
The Windsor Pro isn’t just another EV—it’s a strategic disruptor:
- Booking Tsunami: 8,000 reservations in 24 hours—unprecedented for ₹17L+ EVs
- Tata/Mahindra Response: Nexon EV facelift delayed to add V2L; XUV400 slashes prices by ₹1.1 lakh
- Market Shift: Windsor Pro captures 38% of ₹15-20L EV segment within a month of launch
Critically, MG’s BaaS model democratizes ownership: By decoupling battery costs (30-40% of EV price), it lures ICE buyers skeptical of battery degradation risks.
The Final Call: Our Trim Recommendations
1. Buy Essence Pro If:
- You drive 200+ km weekly on highways
- Power outages are frequent in your area (V2L = backup generator)
- Status symbolism matters (Knight Black’s exclusivity)
2. Buy Exclusive Pro If:
- Budget is capped at ₹17.5 lakh
- Your usage is hyperlocal (school runs, office commutes)
- You upgrade cars every 4-5 years (BaaS optimizes liquidity)
3. Avoid Both If:
- You need 500+ km daily range (consider BYD Seal)
- Terrain includes rough trails (201mm GC struggles)
- Rear wiper is non-negotiable (absent in both!)
The Big Picture: Windsor Pro’s Legacy
The Exclusive Pro vs Essence Pro debate transcends trim levels—it symbolizes India’s EV maturity. Where early adopters chased range alone, today’s buyers dissect features, TCO, and lifestyle alignment. MG’s genius lies in offering both: a value-packed baseline (Exclusive Pro) and a tech-loaded halo (Essence Pro).
As EV analyst Mihir Kulkarni notes:
“The Windsor Pro’s BaaS option isn’t a gimmick—it’s a financial innovation that could accelerate India’s EV adoption by 2-3 years. For ₹12.25 lakh, you get a near-luxury EV previously costing ₹25 lakh. That’s revolutionary.”
Whichever trim you choose, remember: The Windsor Pro isn’t just a car—it’s a gateway to India’s electric future. Book wisely.
Sources:
- MG Motor India – Windsor EV Pro
- CarDekho – Windsor Pro vs Standard Comparison
- NDTV – MG Windsor Pro Features & Pricing
- Autocar India – Trim Breakdown
- CarDekho – Expert Reviews
- NDTV Profit – Booking Milestone
MG Windsor Pro Highlights:
See more: MG Windsor Pro First Drive Review