Quick Highlights:
- JSW MG Starlight Hybrid SUV spied near Indore alongside MG Hector.
- Expected to offer PHEV and full EV options.
- Up to 100 km electric-only range (PHEV) and 500 km range (EV, CLTC).
- Likely India debut in late 2026, production at Halol plant.
JSW MG Starlight Hybrid SUV Spied Again Near Indore
JSW MG Motor’s upcoming Starlight Hybrid SUV has been spied testing once again in India. This time, the heavily camouflaged prototype was spotted on the Mumbai–Agra highway near Indore. The sighting, shared by automotive enthusiast Ansh Yadav, becomes even more interesting because the SUV was seen driving alongside the MG Hector, offering a useful reference point for its size and stance.
An earlier test mule was captured near MG’s Halol plant in Gujarat. With fresh sightings now emerging from Madhya Pradesh, it’s clear that the brand has intensified real-world testing across varied terrains and traffic conditions — something I believe signals serious preparation for a mainstream launch rather than a niche experiment.
Project 520: Flexible Platform Strategy
Internally codenamed Project 520, the upcoming SUV is expected to sit on a flexible F-platform capable of supporting:
- EV (Electric Vehicle)
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) configurations
This flexibility is increasingly critical as automakers balance electrification goals with evolving market realities. From my perspective, this multi-powertrain strategy is a smart hedge in India, where EV adoption is rising but hybrids still make strong practical sense.
Also read: MG Starlight PHEV SUV Spied in India — 2027 Launch Expected
Design and Road Presence
Despite heavy camouflage, several design cues are visible:
- Tall, boxy SUV proportions
- Split headlamp setup with slim upper LED DRLs
- Vertically stacked main headlamp units
- Flat bonnet and squared-off fascia
- Large alloy wheels
- Strong shoulder line
- Wide stance and upright posture
In terms of footprint, the Starlight appears comparable to — or slightly larger than — the Hector. It is expected to slot into the 4.5m–4.8m midsize SUV segment, a hotly contested space in India.
Platform and Dimensions: A Larger Footprint
The India-bound version, likely called Starlight 560, is expected to feature the following dimensions:
- Length: 4,745 mm
- Width: 1,850 mm
- Height: 1,755 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
These numbers strongly indicate a focus on space, comfort, and practicality, which remain decisive factors for Indian SUV buyers.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Variant: Practical Electrification
The plug-in hybrid version could be particularly relevant for Indian buyers. Expected specifications include:
- 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with electric motor
- Combined output: around 194 BHP and 230 Nm
- Battery pack: approximately 20.5 kWh
- Electric-only range: up to 100 km
- 0–100 km/h: ~9.7 seconds
- Top speed: ~170 km/h
A 100 km electric range could realistically cover daily urban commutes without consuming fuel. Personally, I see this as a pragmatic middle ground — offering electric efficiency for city use while retaining long-distance flexibility.
Full Electric Variant: 500 km Range Potential
International versions suggest a full EV variant with:
- Battery: ~56.7 kWh
- Claimed range: up to 500 km (CLTC cycle)
- Motor output: ~134 BHP and 200 Nm
If priced competitively, this version could appeal strongly in metro markets where charging infrastructure is expanding steadily.
Production and Expansion Plans at Halol
The SUV will be manufactured at MG’s Halol facility in Gujarat. To support upcoming launches, the company is reconfiguring the plant significantly.
Manufacturing head Biju Balendran confirmed major modifications, especially in the body shop. Key capacity plans include:
- 1.8 lakh units annually by 2026
- 3–3.5 lakh units annually after 2027 with an additional production line
From an industry standpoint, this signals broader ambitions beyond a single product. MG is reportedly planning around six new models between 2026 and 2027, with the Starlight 560 likely playing a central role in this expansion.
Market Positioning and Launch Timeline
With road testing underway across multiple states, the MG Starlight Hybrid SUV appears to be targeting a late 2026 debut in India.
JSW MG Motor has publicly outlined its ambition for 75–80% of future sales to come from New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The Starlight Hybrid fits directly into this strategy, expanding the portfolio beyond current EV offerings and strengthening its hybrid play.
In my view, hybrids could serve as an effective bridge in India’s gradual transition toward full electrification. They address both range anxiety and fuel efficiency concerns, two critical factors for Indian consumers.
The midsize SUV segment is heating up rapidly — and MG seems ready to introduce a differentiated contender rather than competing purely on price.
As testing intensifies and plant upgrades progress, the MG Starlight Hybrid SUV is shaping up to be one of the more strategically important launches in India’s evolving NEV space. If MG prices it right and localizes aggressively, this could become a key turning point in hybrid acceptance in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. When will the JSW MG Starlight Hybrid SUV launch in India?
- The SUV is expected to debut in late 2026, based on current testing timelines.
Q. Will the MG Starlight 560 be available as a hybrid in India?
- Yes, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is strongly expected, possibly prioritized over the full EV variant initially.
Q. What is the expected electric-only range of the PHEV version?
- The PHEV variant could offer up to 100 km of electric-only range, making it practical for daily urban commutes.
Q. What range can we expect from the electric variant?
- International versions indicate up to 500 km (CLTC cycle), though India-specific figures may vary.
Q. Where will the MG Starlight Hybrid SUV be manufactured?
- It will be built at MG’s Halol plant in Gujarat, which is currently undergoing capacity expansion.
Q. How does it compare in size to the MG Hector?
- Spy shots suggest it is similar in size or slightly larger than the MG Hector, positioning it in the upper midsize SUV category.
