On the sidelines of the Majestor’s recent unveiling, MG revealed its plans to bring six new models to India, one of which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. Codenamed ‘520’, the upcoming SUV is expected to be based on the Wuling Starlight 560, and a test mule of it has been spied for the first time on our shores. An EV iteration of it is also on the cards.
- India launch expected by October 2026
- Likely to rival the XUV 7XO and Safari
Upcoming MG ‘520’ PHEV spied: Details seen
LED headlights, grille and alloy wheel design can be spotted
The spy shots reveal sleek dual-pod projector LED headlights with LED DRL strips above and under them, as well as a honeycomb mesh grille, both of which are very similar to the Wuling Starlight PHEV. In the Starlight EV, the grille is replaced with a blanked-off portion. A front camera module and a radar-based ADAS sensor can also be seen.
An air dam on the lower portion of the bumper and dual-tone alloy wheels are also visible. While the rear is heavily camouflaged, the contours hint at a wraparound tail-light setup, again similar to that of the Starlight PHEV. One can also make out a roof-mounted spoiler, rear wiper and roof rails.
Upcoming MG ‘520’ PHEV: Interior and features
International-spec model gets a minimalistic dashboard with dual screens
The Wuling Starlight is available as a three-row SUV overseas with a minimalistic dashboard layout comprising a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display and a two-spoke steering wheel. The AC controls are integrated into the infotainment screen, with buttons seen only on the steering wheel, the thin strip on the centre console and the door armrests. Other features include a six-speaker audio system and automatic climate control.
Upcoming MG ‘520’ PHEV: Expected powertrains
MG expected to offer both PHEV and EV iterations in India
While details of the India-spec model are yet to be revealed, the Wuling Starlight is available in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) avatars. In international markets, the PHEV packs a 106hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 20.5kWh battery pack and a front-wheel-drive setup, with a total system output of 197hp and 230Nm. As per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the PHEV has a claimed all-electric range of 100km and a total claimed range of 1,100km. MG says the 0-100kph time is 9.7 seconds and the top speed is 170kph.
The EV version has a 56.7kWh battery pack mated to a front-axle-mounted electric motor that produces 136hp and 200Nm. As per CLTC, it has a claimed range of 500km. The India-spec models are likely to have similar powertrain specifications.
As other MG offerings in India have been offered with highly competitive price tags, one can expect the same for the upcoming 560 PHEV and EV. The PHEV version, expected to go on sale in India by October 2026, is likely to rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, while the EV iteration could lock horns with the Mahindra XEV 9S.
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Suraj Viswanathan
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