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MG’s new Adapt architecture will spawn a three-row electric SUV and a plug-in hybrid counterpart this FY and they will be based on Wuling Starlight
JSW MG Motor India has announced a new product offensive through the recently revealed Adapt architecture as it has confirmed that the first two models built around the platform will be three-row SUVs. An all-electric model will arrive first during the current financial year ahead of a plug-in hybrid derivative in the following months. Each has a distinct role with the EV taking on the Mahindra XEV 9S and the forthcoming Tata Safari EV while the PHEV will square off against diesel-powered SUVs such as the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO and others in the segment.
Both SUVs will share their basic architecture with the Wuling Starlight sold under SAIC’s global portfolio. Localisation, calibration and equipment will be specifically made for India while the Adapt platform itself has been developed to support battery electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range-extender powertrains. MG had also confirmed that the architecture incorporates a dedicated hybrid engine, dedicated battery system, four operating modes and a world-first electromagnetic hybrid transmission.
Volume potential remains high in the electric 7-seater SUV space as the XEV 9S has established itself among the country’s top-selling passenger EVs while Tata is preparing to consolidate its fleet through the Safari EV. MG wants to capitalise the opportunity following the success of the Windsor EV in the last couple of years as it looks to move higher up the price bracket.
Power is expected to come from a 69 kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor kicking out 201 hp and 310 Nm. An official driving range of around 600 km is expected. Measuring roughly 4.7 metres in length, the SUV will enter the same size bracket as the XEV 9S while retaining a seven-seat cabin which could appeal to family customers.
Although the India-spec interior has not been revealed, the SUV is expected to draw heavily from the Wuling Starlight judging by the spy images. A 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fully digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate are among the equipment likely to appear. High-end trims could also receive connected vehicle functions, advanced driver assistance systems, etc.
While the overall body structure will stay largely unchanged, exterior revisions are expected to distinguish it from the battery electric model. The powertrain combines a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine which is good enough for 105 hp and 130 Nm with an electric motor rated at 195 hp and 230 Nm. Energy is supplied by a 20.5 kWh LFP battery, supporting an electric-only driving range of around 125 km while the combined driving range is claimed to be more than 1,000 km.
The combination gives MG an opportunity to target a different section of the market. Many three-row SUV owners still rely on diesel power for long travel, yet fuel economy and lower running costs have become increasingly important. A plug-in hybrid capable of covering daily commutes on electric power before switching to petrol for extended journeys could lure in owners and it will be interesting to see how both the models are priced upon arrival.
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