Quick Highlights:
- MG IM6 premium performance EV expected to launch in October 2026 via MG Select dealerships.
- Wuling Starlight 560-based plug-in hybrid SUV planned for India with 100 km electric-only range.
- New midsize SUV replacing MG Astor and MG ZS EV expected around 2027.
- Expansion includes EV, PHEV and ICE powertrains targeting multiple SUV segments.
MG Future Cars in India: IM6 Performance EV, Starlight 560 Hybrid SUV and Astor Replacement Planned
After the strong market response to the Windsor EV, JSW MG Motor India appears ready to accelerate its India strategy with a broader portfolio of premium EVs, hybrids and new ICE models.
The company has already launched its premium MG Select retail network and showcased flagship models like the MG Cyberster and MG M9. Going forward, several new models are expected to arrive in India between 2026 and 2027, targeting both premium EV buyers and mainstream SUV customers.
From what I see, MG’s strategy now looks more layered than before — premium imports through Select outlets, while mainstream models continue through regular dealerships.
MG IM6 Premium Electric SUV (Launch Expected: October 2026)
The next model under the MG Select premium retail channel will likely be the MG IM6, a performance-oriented electric SUV positioned below the MG M9.
The model was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, where it generated considerable interest. It will likely be brought to India as a CBU import, with expected prices around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Powertrain and Performance
The global-spec IM6 comes with a powerful 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging.
Key specifications include:
- Battery capacity: up to 100 kWh
- Range: up to 555 km (WLTP)
- RWD output: 408 hp and 500 Nm
- AWD output: 778 hp and 802 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: as quick as 3.4 seconds
- Fast charging: 30–80% in about 15 minutes
Design and Interior
Visually, the IM6 takes a coupe-SUV approach rather than the traditional upright design.
Design highlights include:
- Sleek aerodynamic body panels
- L-shaped LED headlamps
- Full-width rear light bar
Inside the cabin, MG is going all-in on technology:
- 26.3-inch panoramic display
- 10.5-inch vertical touchscreen
- LiDAR-based ADAS
- NVIDIA Orin X computing platform
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip
Globally, the IM6 competes with premium EVs such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6.
Personally, if MG manages to price it competitively near the ₹60 lakh mark, it could become one of the fastest and most tech-loaded EVs available in India.
MG Starlight 560 Plug-in Hybrid SUV (Expected by Late 2026)
Another upcoming model from MG could be the Wuling Starlight 560-based SUV, internally codenamed 520. Testing of this vehicle has reportedly already begun in India.
Interestingly, this SUV could become India’s first mass-market plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.
Dimensions
The SUV sits in the midsize segment and measures:
- Length: 4,745 mm
- Width: 1,850 mm
- Height: 1,755 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
It will likely be offered in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations.
Hybrid Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid setup includes:
- 1.5-litre petrol engine
- 20.5 kWh battery pack
- Electric motor
This setup allows around 100 km of pure electric driving range, which is impressive for a hybrid SUV.
An all-electric variant is also available globally with:
- 56.7 kWh battery
- Around 500 km range
Expected Rivals
The upcoming MG hybrid SUV could rival several midsize SUVs including:
- Tata Harrier
- Mahindra XEV 9e
- Mahindra XUV 7XO
In my opinion, the PHEV powertrain alone could give MG a strong differentiator, especially for buyers who want EV-like driving with the convenience of petrol backup.
New Midsize SUV to Replace Astor and ZS EV (Expected in 2027)
MG is also preparing a new midsize SUV that will eventually replace both the MG Astor and MG ZS EV in the Indian lineup.
Reports suggest this upcoming SUV could be based on the MG One, which is already sold in several global markets.
Platform and Powertrains
The model is expected to be built on SAIC’s SIGMA platform, allowing both:
- Internal combustion (ICE) variants
- Electric versions
This dual-powertrain approach would help MG cover both traditional SUV buyers and EV adopters.
Expected Rivals
The ICE version could compete with:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Tata Sierra
Meanwhile, the electric version could rival:
- Hyundai Creta Electric
- Mahindra BE 6
- Tata Curvv EV
If executed well, this could become MG’s most important mainstream SUV for India.
MG’s Expanding Strategy in India
Overall, MG seems to be adopting a two-tier product strategy:
- Premium EV imports via MG Select (Cyberster, M9, IM6)
- Mainstream SUVs through regular dealerships (hybrid and ICE models)
Given the success of the MG Windsor EV, expanding the lineup across multiple powertrains feels like a logical next step.
If MG can maintain competitive pricing and strong technology offerings, the brand could significantly strengthen its position in India’s rapidly evolving EV and SUV market.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. When will the MG IM6 launch in India?
- The MG IM6 is expected to launch in October 2026 via MG’s Select premium dealership network.
Q. What is the expected price of the MG IM6 in India?
- The premium electric SUV could be priced around ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q. What is the electric range of the MG IM6?
- The IM6 offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 555 km in its rear-wheel-drive version.
Q. What is the MG Starlight 560 SUV?
- The Wuling Starlight 560 is a midsize SUV with plug-in hybrid and electric powertrain options, expected to launch in India by late 2026.
Q. Will MG replace Astor and ZS EV in India?
- Yes. JSW MG Motor India is planning a new midsize SUV around 2027 to replace both the MG Astor and MG ZS EV.
Q. What vehicles will the new MG SUV compete with?
- The upcoming SUV could rival models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Mahindra BE 6, and Tata Curvv EV.
