MG will reveal a ‘new energy vehicle’ in India on July 16, which in the brand's speak for hybrids and EVs. While additional details are awaited, we expect it to be a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, whose design patent was filed in India in March. Codenamed '520', the SUV will be offered in both PHEV and BEV (battery electric) avatars. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
- Indonesia-spec PHEV gets a 105hp 1.5L petrol engine and a 20.5kWh battery pack
- Has an upright design with all-LED lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Gets a simple cabin layout with two screens and a decent feature suite
Wuling Starlight 560-based MG ‘520’: Expected powertrain
The international-spec PHEV SUV offers 197=5hp of power and a total range of over 1,000km
The Indonesia-spec Wuling Starlight PHEV, called the Wuling Eksion, is offered with a 105hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 20.5kWh battery pack. This front-wheel-drive setup has a combined output of 195hp and 230Nm. The manufacturer claims a 0-100kph time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 170kph with the PHEV SUV. It offers an all-electric range of 125km and a total range of over 1,000km.
The all-electric version is offered with a 69.2kWh battery pack powering a 201hp front-axle-mounted (FWD) electric motor. It has a CLTC-claimed range of 530km. It remains to be seen whether MG offers the same PHEV and EV powertrains in the India-spec ‘520’ SUV.
Wuling Starlight 560-based MG ‘520’: Exterior and interior design
The 4.7-metre-long SUV has a rugged-looking design
The Wuling Starlight 560 is an upright SUV that measures 4745mm in length, 1850mm in width and 1755mm in height. It has a 2810mm wheelbase.
The PHEV’s fascia features a huge all-black grille, which is blanked off in the all-electric version. Both versions, however, get sleek headlamp housings, featuring dual projector LED lights and two LED DRL strips. The front bumper has a rugged look because of the faux skid plate and black cladding on the lower portion.
In profile, the international-spec model gets 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a thick cladding over the wheel arches and roof rails. The rear design is simple, featuring wraparound LED taillights, an all-black bumper and a roof-mounted spoiler.
Gets a minimalist dashboard and a well-rounded feature suite
Inside, the Wuling Starlight 560 gets a dual-tone cabin theme and a minimalistic dashboard layout. It gets a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, and a 2-spoke steering wheel with buttons for the infotainment functions and cruise control. It can seat up to 7 passengers, and all the seats have leatherette upholstery.
Amenities include powered and ventilated front-row seats, 6 speakers, a 50-watt wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof and automatic climate control with rear vents. On the safety front, it gets 6 airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill hold assist, an electronic parking brake, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite. The India-spec model is expected to have a similar set of amenities.
While pricing details of the upcoming MG plug-in hybrid SUV are unknown, we expect it to have a highly competitive price tag like other MG cars. The PHEV version could serve as an alternative to the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, while the EV could rival the Mahindra XEV 9S.
Uday Singh
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
