Comparison: VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV

In India, the VinFast VF7 is the flagship car of VinFast, a Vietnamese EV maker that has recently begun its operations in India. While the VinFast VF7 is a capable electric SUV with numerous features and an impressive driving range for its price, can it be a worthy upgrade to India’s best-selling electric car, the MG Windsor EV? Unlike the VinFast VF7, the MG Windsor EV is not an SUV; however, it has won Indian hearts like no other electric car. In this comparison of the VinFast VF7 and MG Windsor EV, we examine the two vehicles and identify their key advantages and differences.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: Dimensions & Design

The VinFast VF7 is 255 mm longer, 43 mm wider, and has a 140 mm longer wheelbase than the MG Windsor EV. Whereas the Windsor EV is 81 mm taller than the VF7 and offers a larger boot. As far as overall spaciousness is concerned, neither VF7 nor Windsor EV will disappoint you in comfortably accommodating three adults in the rear seat.

Looks-wise, the VinFast VF7 and MG Windsor EV are poles apart from each other. With a crossover shape, the VF7 has many muscular elements that make it look sportier than the Windsor EV. At the front, it gets power bulges on the bonnet with VinFast’s traditional V-face that is a setup of slim DRLs, placed horizontally and drooping at the nose with ‘V’ logo in the centre. The main headlamps are lower down on a somewhat concave bumper, and there is a honeycomb-patterned air dam. On the sides, the VF7 gets Hyundai Tucson-like cuts and creases on the rear door, and it rides on large 19-inch alloy wheels, while the flush door handles improve its aerodynamics. At the rear, the VF7 features striking vertical LED tail lamps and illuminated horizontally-integrated light bars like the front end.

On the other hand, the MG Windsor EV looks like a large hatchback with a mono-volume design. MG calls it a CUV, given its shape is a crossover between an MUV and a hatchback. The Windsor’s front gets a stepped layout for the nose and the bonnet, as a full-width LED DRL strip divides the steps. Overall, due to the large and heavily raked windshields, large window glass area, and rounded wheel arches, the Windsor looks like an elliptical spaceship, which gives it a unique road presence.

The VinFast VF7 is larger than the MG Windsor EV; however, both can comfortably accommodate five adults.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: Battery & Range

The VinFast VF7 offers larger battery packs than those offered with the MG Windsor EV. Therefore, the Vietnamese electric SUV offers more power, a longer driving range, and a peppier performance. On the other hand, the Windsor EV has a special advantage, which is MG’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS). This is a subscription model, wherein buyers will only pay for the usage of the battery, which is a nominal Rs. 3.99 per km in Windsor’s case. Moreover, if you want the complete electric car with the battery, you can purchase it by paying the full ex-showroom price. Otherwise, with the BaaS subscription model, the price of the Windsor EV starts from Rs. 9.99 lakh + Rs. 3.99/km. All in all, the Windsor EV offers more flexibility with its powertrains.

Considering the driving range these two electric cars deliver, the MG Windsor EV should be used in the city areas only. Whereas the VF7 can be taken for longer distances outside the city with proper planning after checking its real-world driving range. A key point to remember is that, on highways, the batteries of EVs drain faster as brakes are applied fewer times and therefore there is limited regenerative charging.

The VinFast VF7 is more powerful and delivers a slightly longer driving range than the MG Windsor EV.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: Features & Comfort

The cabins of both these electric SUVs are premium; the VF7 does feel like a more expensive car, which it is. With a softly-padded dashboard, the VF7 packs a minimalist interior layout and adding to its minimalism is the lack of an instrument cluster. Instead of an instrument cluster, the VF7 features a head-up display that projects the instrumentation details on the windscreen. The same instrumentation data can also be accessed at the right corner of the large touchscreen that is oriented to face the driver. Like the Windsor EV, most of VF7’s controls are integrated into its touchscreen, though there are some toggle switches below. The glass roof adds to the sense of airiness in the cabin, as it does in the Windsor EV.

On the inside, the Windsor packs what has made it the best-selling electric car in India. You see, while advertising the MG Windsor EV, MG often used the phrase ‘business class experience,’ and it actually feels the same. Its seats not only have a sofa-like pattern, but they indeed offer the sofa-like experience, especially the rear seats that have a 135-degree multi-level recline adjustment. This, in addition to a large window glass area and a glass roof, enables the Windsor EV to offer a great chauffeur-driven experience for rear passengers. Moreover, there is a lot of storage space in the form of large door pockets, cupholders, and a large slot below the central console with a neat shuttered lid.

Both VinFast VF7 and MG Windsor EV offer a host of premium features. However, the Windsor EV offers the advantage of a larger touchscreen, while the VF7 offers the advantage of dual-zone climate control. Overall, both are nearly equally feature-rich.

On the inside, the VinFast VF7 and MG Windsor EV offer premium interiors; however, the VF7 does feel like a richer car. Meanwhile, the design of Windsor EV and its sofa-like seats offer a better chauffeur-driven experience.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: Safety Features

Neither the VinFast VF7 nor the MG Windsor EV has been tested by any NCAP. However, the VF7 is a heavy SUV, implying that it is strongly built and has a robust body. Meanwhile, in terms of safety features, both VF7 and Windsor EV are equally laden, and both offer a Level-2 ADAS safety suite in their top variants.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: Price comparison

While the VinFast VF7 offers an attractive package for its price, the MG Windsor EV comes across as a more value-for-money deal.  The Windsor EV is significantly more affordable than the VF7 and, except for a shorter driving range, which is anyway enough for day-to-day driving in the city, it offers everything an urban buyer wants from an electric car.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: Which one should you buy

The MG Windsor EV is the best-selling electric car in Indian for a reason. Firstly, because of its elliptical design, it maximises the space for passengers. Next, it offers an unparalleled chauffeur-driven experience in its price bracket. Moreover, even though its driving range is not suited to take it on long drives outside the city, it is perfectly suited for day-to-day driving within the city. Largely, the Windsor EV can easily meet your needs. However, if you want a longer driving range and are willing to often take your electric car outside the city, the VinFast VF7 should be the better choice. But it is important to plan a trip by an electric car, because on highways, the batteries of EVs drain faster as brakes are applied fewer times, and therefore, there is limited regenerative charging.

VinFast VF7 vs MG Windsor EV: FAQs