MG Motor India appears to be preparing a significant addition to its SUV lineup, with a new plug-in hybrid SUV spotted undergoing road trials in India. The heavily camouflaged test vehicle is believed to be based on the global Wuling Starlight 560 and was recently seen near Vadodara in Gujarat, close to the company’s manufacturing facility in Halol.
The upcoming model, internally codenamed 520, is expected to be offered locally in plug-in hybrid form and could launch by late 2026. The test mule wears red temporary registration plates from the Vadodara RTO, indicating that official trials are underway ahead of its anticipated introduction.
Design cues visible through the camouflage include a boxy silhouette with roof rails, a prominent grille, and large alloy wheels, suggesting a robust presence on the road. The SUV is expected to be significantly larger than many current rivals, spanning over 4.7 metres in length.
Reports indicate that the plug-in hybrid version will pair a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output in the region of 190-195bhp along with around 230Nm of torque. A 20.5kWh battery pack is likely to support the electrified powertrain, giving it a notable electric-only driving range before the petrol engine kicks in.
In addition to the hybrid variant, a fully electric version of the Starlight 560 is already available in overseas markets and is anticipated to follow in India sometime after the initial launch. This electrified SUV will form a key part of MG’s expanding new energy vehicle strategy in the country.
When it debuts, the Starlight 560-derived SUV is expected to compete in the segment dominated by large three-row SUVs such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, offering buyers an alternative with electrified powertrain options.
