JSW MG Motor India is gearing up to expand its electrified vehicle portfolio with the launch of the all-new MG Hector Hawk Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) SUV. Scheduled to make its India debut on July 16, the upcoming model is expected to become the country’s first mass-market plug-in hybrid SUV, marking a significant milestone in MG’s new energy vehicle strategy.
The Hector Hawk is widely expected to be based on the Wuling Starlight 560, a three-row SUV sold in international markets under the SAIC-GM-Wuling alliance. While MG has not officially revealed the complete specifications for the India-bound model, reports suggest that it will retain the global SUV’s electrified powertrain with local market-specific changes.
Expected Powertrain
The global-spec Wuling Starlight 560 PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery pack. Combined system output stands at approximately 197 hp and 230 Nm of torque.
The plug-in hybrid setup is claimed to offer:
- Up to 100 km of electric-only driving range (CLTC cycle)
- Combined driving range of around 1,100 km
- Front-wheel-drive configuration
- 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.7 seconds
Although Indian homologation figures are expected to differ, the SUV could offer one of the longest driving ranges in its segment while allowing buyers to complete daily commutes purely on electric power.
Design and Features
Spy images and global specifications indicate that the Hector Hawk will feature a more contemporary SUV design than the current Hector, with split LED lighting, a bold front fascia, connected LED tail lamps and a cleaner body profile.
Inside, the SUV is expected to offer a premium cabin loaded with technology, including:
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic sunroof
- Level 2 ADAS
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- 360-degree camera
- Connected car technology
- Six- and seven-seat configurations depending on variant
Positioned Above the Hector
Despite carrying the Hector name, the Hector Hawk is expected to be a significantly different product from the existing MG Hector sold in India. Built as a dedicated new-energy SUV, it will target buyers looking for electric driving capability without the range anxiety associated with a full battery-electric vehicle.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is likely to appeal to customers who have access to home charging but still undertake long-distance highway journeys, offering lower fuel consumption during city use while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine.
Expected Price
Industry estimates suggest the MG Hector Hawk Plug-in Hybrid could be priced between ₹28 lakh and ₹35 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and battery specifications. If positioned aggressively, MG could establish an entirely new segment for mainstream plug-in hybrid SUVs in India.
More details, including official specifications, features, pricing and bookings, are expected to be announced at the SUV’s launch on July 16.