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Patented and spied testing in India, the Wuling Starlight 560-based SUV could arrive as MG’s first plug-in hybrid model here
JSW MG Motor India has sent a media invite for July 16, 2026 indicating a new move in the New Energy Vehicle space. The invite refers to “Internet Inside,” the connected car tag that helped establish MG’s early innings locally before pointing towards the “next evolution”. The model name has not been disclosed but recent developments point towards the Wuling Starlight 560-based SUV.
Patent filings and road test sightings have already linked the Starlight 560 to India. The global model is sold as the Xingguang 560 in China and as the Wuling Eksion in Indonesia. MG could use the same platform and other bits for India but the final market name may differ. Powertrain choice will decide the larger positioning as it is available in multiple variants.
The Starlight is sold overseas in plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions and the design patent filed in India a while ago was closer to the PHEV derivative. The conventional grille, blacked-out panel below the lamps and front-end detailing suggest that MG may be preparing the plug-in hybrid version for India first as the EV cannot be ruled out either.
The PHEV uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a 20.5 kWh battery pack. Combined output stands at 197 hp and 230 Nm while the claimed electric-only CLTC range is 100 km. The fully electric version uses a 56.7 kWh battery and a front-mounted motor kicking out 136 hp and 200 Nm. The EV carries a claimed CLTC range of 500 km between charges.
The SUV has a boxy and upright stance, a high bonnet line, squared-off wheel arches and a large blacked-out grille. The LED headlamps sit below slim LED DRL strips while the bumper gets a lower section with a skid plate. The side profile gets 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails and cladding along the lower body.
The rear design has a tall tailgate and an almost MPV-like layout. LED tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler are also seen on the global model. The SUV measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,755 mm in height while the wheelbase stands at 2,810 mm. Internationally, the model is available in five-seat and seven-seat configurations.
The cabin of the international-spec Starlight 560 follows a minimal layout. The dashboard houses a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.8-inch digital driver display. The two-spoke steering wheel carries physical controls while the centre console and door armrests get a small number of buttons. Automatic climate control and a six-speaker audio system are part of the equipment list too.
MG has already confirmed interest in plug-in hybrid technology for India and the July 16 event could reveal its first step in that direction. The Starlight 560-based SUV could give the brand a three-row electrified model above the current range. The PHEV version could rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari while the EV derivative could move closer to the Mahindra XEV 9S if it is selected for India.
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