After a long wait, MG Motor India is set to take the covers off its new SUV next month. The company will launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV in India on July 16, 2026, built on the Wuling Starlight 560 that is sold in the global market. With this launch, the brand will make its formal entry into India's PHEV segment, where buyers currently have only a handful of choices.
The groundwork for this vehicle has been laid for a while now. SAIC-GM Wuling filed a patent in India back in March 2026, carrying clear hints of MG branding. On top of that, the SUV has already been spotted testing on Indian roads, confirming that it is being developed locally.
The name is still a mystery, but the intent is clear
The company has not revealed the model's name yet, though its teaser dropped a hint. The teaser said, ‘Internet Inside has changed driving in India. Now it is time for the next evolution of new energy vehicles.’ Initially only the PHEV version will be showcased, while the electric variant could arrive in the market later. This three-row SUV is being aimed squarely at India's fast-growing demand for hybrid vehicles.
A bold, upright design
Like the global model, this SUV will sport an upright and bold stance. It gets a tall bonnet, a large front grille, squared wheel arches and black cladding along the lower body. The company could equip it with LED headlamps and taillamps, roof rails, a rear spoiler and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The rear design is slightly vertical and MPV-like. The SUV measures around 4,745 mm in length with a 2,810 mm wheelbase, and buyers may get a choice of both five- and seven-seat layouts.
A tech-loaded cabin
Inside, the cabin keeps things minimalist, with the number of physical switches kept low. The dashboard houses a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The global model offers features like automatic climate control and a six-speaker audio system, which could make it to the Indian version as well.
The Indian model is expected to come with connected technology, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof and premium materials. On the safety front, it could pack multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, a 360-degree camera and strong structural safety features.
How much power and range to expect
The PHEV version pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 20.5 kWh battery pack. Together, this setup churns out a combined 197 bhp and 230 Nm of torque. In electric-only mode, it can cover up to 100 KM on the CLTC cycle. The electric version, meanwhile, gets a 56.7 kWh battery and a 136 bhp motor, claiming a range of up to 500 KM on a single charge. It promises smooth performance along with better mileage and lower emissions.
In the Indian market, this SUV will go head-to-head with three-row SUVs like the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. Its price is estimated to sit somewhere around ₹30-40 lakh.
