MG Motor India to Launch First Plug-In Hybrid SUV in 2026

MG Motor India, a leader in the electric vehicle segment, is set to expand its portfolio with the launch of six new vehicles by 2026, including its first plug-in hybrid SUV. The announcement was made by Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director of JSW MG Motor India Pvt Ltd.

Currently, MG Motor is well-known for its successful electric vehicles, such as the Windsor EV, Comet EV, and ZS EV. The upcoming vehicles aim to strengthen the company's position in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment, which includes Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Strong Hybrid Vehicles.

Among the new models, the Majestor SUV has already been unveiled in Faridabad. The plug-in hybrid SUV, codenamed 520, will be positioned at a strategic price point, designed to compete with other models like the Mahindra XEV 9S and the XUV7XO.

The forthcoming plug-in hybrid vehicle is likely based on the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV, which is sold as Xingguang in China and Wuling Eksion in Indonesia. This SUV offers both five-seater and seven-seater options and combines SUV design elements with multi-purpose vehicle practicality. It measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,755 mm in height, boasting a wheelbase of 2,810 mm.

Powertrain options for the Wuling Starlight include a plug-in hybrid setup featuring a 20.5 kWh battery, which provides approximately 100 km of electric range, paired with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Additionally, the pure electric versions come with a 56.7 kWh battery, promising a driving range of up to 500 km on a full charge.

MG Motor aims to introduce these new electric and hybrid models at competitive prices, positioning the plug-in hybrid as a transitional option between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and fully electric cars. The initiative underscores MG Motor's commitment to enhancing its presence in the growing NEV market in India, where consumer interest in sustainable transport solutions continues to rise.