MG Motor to Unveil First Plug-In Hybrid SUV in India on July 16
MG Motor India is gearing up to expand its electrified portfolio with the launch of its very first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV on July 16. As the demand for versatile, long-range hybrid vehicles grows, MG’s upcoming 3-row, 7-seater SUV aims to bridge the gap between pure EVs and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
Industry reports heavily indicate that the new MG PHEV will be a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560, a popular model from MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor.
Quick Specs: MG's Upcoming PHEV
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Expected Origin |
Rebadged Wuling Starlight 560 |
|
Powertrain |
1.5L Petrol + Electric Motor |
|
Battery Capacity |
20.5 kWh |
|
Pure EV Range |
~125 km |
|
Total Range |
1,000+ km |
|
Seating |
7-Seater (3-Row) |
|
Infotainment |
12.8-inch touchscreen |
Powertrain: The Best of Both Worlds
The core appeal of MG's new PHEV lies in its dual-power setup, designed to eliminate range anxiety while keeping daily running costs low.
The SUV features a 20.5 kWh battery pack paired with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. For daily city commutes, the battery provides a pure electric range of approximately 125 km. When taking the vehicle on long highway journeys, the petrol engine kicks in, pushing the combined range well past the 1,000 km mark on a single tank and a full charge.
Minimalist Interior and Advanced Tech
Positioned above the Hector in MG's current India lineup, the new PHEV is built to offer a premium, tech-forward cabin.
Key interior features include
-
12.8-inch central touchscreen infotainment system
-
8.8-inch fully digital driver’s display
-
Expansive panoramic sunroof
-
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety
-
Spacious 3-row seating configuration
Market Positioning and Rivals
By introducing a PHEV, MG is strategically targeting buyers who are hesitant to commit to a fully electric vehicle but want better fuel efficiency than a standard petrol or diesel SUV.
When it hits the market, the new MG hybrid will lock horns with premium 3-row ICE and hybrid SUVs, positioning itself as a direct alternative to the Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700.