JSW-MG Motor readying new Astor, ZS EV replacement

MG Motor India was among the early movers in the midsize e-SUV space with the ZS EV six years ago, followed by its ICE counterpart, the Astor, a year later. However, the Astor, based on the global MG ZS, never really clicked with Indian buyers, highlighting the risks of simply adapting a global product to local tastes. JSW-MG is now looking to phase out the Astor and ZS EV platform altogether and replace it with an all-new architecture that will spawn a family of midsize SUVs.

1. MG’s new midsize SUV to be underpinned by SIGMA architecture
2. Will be compatible with ICE, EV and hybrid powertrain options 
3. Launch expected in 2027 

MG Astor/ZS EV replacement: What do we know so far?

The upcoming midsize SUV offering from MG is expected to be based on the brand’s all-in-one modular SIGMA (SAIC Intelligent Global Modular Architecture) platform. This platform underpins models such as the 4.5-metre-long MG One SUV in markets abroad, and it can accommodate internal-combustion, pure-electric and, crucially, hybrid powertrains, giving JSW-MG the flexibility to offer ICE, EV and PHEV options off a single, India-focused toolkit.

In essence, MG will be able to target both combustion and electric models in the midsize SUV space, just like the Astor was meant to rival traditional ICE-powered SUVs, while the ZS EV set the ball rolling for midsize electric SUVs in 2020. The models are also expected to major on next-generation tech and features, as MG would want to come a lot stronger to take on segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta. It is unclear at this point what the top hat is going to look like, but it will likely be different from the One SUV available abroad. 

What else is on the cards from JSW-MG Motor?

With this, MG will have a stream of products lined up for the Indian market. The first will be the IM6, which is expected to launch by October this year, and will be retailed through MG’s Select Channel. We’ve also already reported on the Mahindra XUV 7XO rival, which is expected to arrive by the end of 2026. It will be based on the Wuling Starlight 560, which is sold in Indonesia, and will be India’s first mass-market plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Finally, the aforementioned Astor/ZS EV replacement is expected to arrive in 2027. 

JSW-MG Motor India is committing up to USD 440 million to expand capacity and roll out a fresh range of new energy vehicles. Until now, the company has been heavily reliant on the MG Windsor EV – India’s bestselling electric car in 2025 – while most of its legacy models have underperformed. That is set to change with an aggressive product offensive that will see multiple new platforms and powertrains introduced over the next few years.