Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 17: JSW MG Motor India is gearing up for an aggressive product expansion in the country’s fast-growing New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment, with plans to introduce six new models in the near future.
The company has already carved a strong presence in India’s mainstream electric vehicle market, led by the MG Windsor EV, which has emerged as the country’s best-selling EV in its category. Strengthening its EV portfolio further are the MG Comet EV and the MG ZS EV.
NEV stands for New Energy Vehicles, a category that includes Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Strong Hybrid Vehicles. Confirming the development, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director of JSW MG Motor India Pvt Ltd, stated that the majority of the six upcoming models will fall under the NEV umbrella.
Among the anticipated launches is the Majestor SUV, recently showcased in Faridabad. However, the most significant announcement is MG Motor’s first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle for the Indian market, expected to debut later this year.
Plug-in Hybrid SUV to Rival XEV 9S, XUV7XO
The upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV, internally codenamed ‘520’, is set to be positioned at a unique price point and will sit on an all-new multi-energy platform. It is expected to compete with models such as the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Mahindra XUV7XO.
Reports suggest that the India-bound PHEV could be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV. In international markets, the model is sold as Xingguang in China and as the Wuling Eksion in Indonesia.
Globally, the SUV is offered in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, combining SUV styling with MPV-like practicality. It measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,755 mm in height, and features a 2,810 mm wheelbase. The India-spec version is likely to mirror similar proportions.
Powertrain Options
Internationally, the SUV is available in both pure electric and plug-in hybrid variants. The PHEV version features a 20.5 kWh battery pack paired with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, offering an electric-only range of around 100 km.
The pure electric variant, on the other hand, comes with a larger 56.7 kWh battery pack that promises a driving range of up to 500 km on a single charge.
MG Motor is expected to price its upcoming EVs and PHEVs competitively in India. Notably, the plug-in hybrid model is likely to enjoy minimal direct competition initially and could serve as a practical bridge between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and full-fledged electric cars.