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From JSW MG Motor to Mercedes-Benz, multiple brands to launch new plug-in hybrid EVs in India in the coming months
While the Indian car market is gradually warming up to hybrid powertrains, plug-in hybrid technology still remains a niche, being limited to select a few luxury models. However, this year, the availability of plug-in hybrid systems will extend to mass-market and premium segments as well. Between now and December, four new PHEVs will be launched in India:
1. Mercedes S-Class
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the facelifted S-Class in India on 15 June, and it will offer the updated full-size luxury sedan in the S 450 e plug-in hybrid variant. In the long wheelbase version, expected to be standard in our market, the S 450 e combines a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for 429 hp of system power and 680 Nm of total torque.
A 21.96 kWh battery pack powers the electric motor, and it can be charged at up to 11 kW (AC)/60 kW (DC). According to WLTP, it delivers a zero-emission range of 109 kilometres.
Also Read: JSW MG Installs 1,000 EV Chargers, Confirms 3 New Cars For 2026 Including A PHEV
2. Jetour Traveller C-DM
JSW Motors, JSW Group’s new standalone automotive venture, plans to launch a rebadged version of Chery’s Jetour Traveller C-DM as its first model. The Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV, which will compete with the Toyota Fortuner and MG Majestor in India, uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two or three electric motors, depending on the configuration selected.
In China, Chery offers a choice of 27.2 kWh and 43.24 kWh LFP battery packs, and the latter delivers a range of up to 162 kilometres, as per WLTC. Which of the configurations is planned to be offered in the rebadged Indian model, which will be locally assembled from imported knocked-down kits, remains to be seen.
3. MG 520
JSW MG Motor will launch a rebadged version of the SAIC-GM-Wuling Chinese joint venture’s Wuling Starlight 560 in India by October. The company plans to sell this model in pure electric and plug-in hybrid variants, and while the 5- and 7-seat versions are available internationally, it may only offer the latter here. The plug-in hybrid variant pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and uses a 20.5 kWh LFP battery pack. It can travel up to 125 kilometres in EV mode, as per CLTC. In India, it will challenge the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.
Also Read: BYD Seal U Plug-In Hybrid SUV Debuts In India With 1,200 Km Range
4. BYD Seal U
The BYD Song Plus, so far rumoured to be launched as the BYD Sealion 6, has been officially confirmed to be called BYD Seal U in India. BYD sells this model in petrol and petrol-electric plug-in hybrid variants internationally and offers a range of powertrain options for the latter. In India, it plans to offer the plug-in hybrid variant with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a single electric motor, along with an 18.3 kWh LFP battery pack that can deliver a pure electric range of 126 kilometres. BYD will likely launch this model in the fourth quarter of the year.
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