KATHMANDU: JSW MG Motor India is preparing to introduce a new plug-in hybrid SUV in the Indian market by October 2026, according to a report by Autocar India. The upcoming model, internally codenamed 520, will be positioned as a 7-seater family SUV and is expected to rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO.
This will be MG’s first mass-market SUV in India to offer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology.
The new SUV is expected to be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 sold in international markets. In terms of size, it measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,755 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,810 mm, which is around 60 mm longer than the Mahindra XUV 7XO, suggesting improved cabin space.
Globally, the Starlight 560 is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine producing 104 BHP and 130 Nm of torque. The internal combustion engine is paired with a front-mounted electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery pack.
The combined output stands at 194 BHP and 230 Nm. MG claims the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h. In pure electric mode, it can deliver a driving range of up to 100 kilometers.
MG is also planning to introduce a fully electric version of the SUV at a later stage. In international markets, the Starlight EV comes with a 56.7 kWh battery pack offering a claimed range of 500 kilometers under the CLTC test cycle.
The EV variant uses a front-mounted electric motor producing 134 BHP and 200 Nm of torque. Further details, including pricing and India-specific features, are expected closer to launch.
