MG looks to be gearing up for a big reveal in India, with the brand set to showcase its new energy vehicle technology on July 16, 2026. Official confirmation is still awaited, but word is that this new energy vehicle tech will make its way onto a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV, which could either be offered as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or as a full EV.
What We Know So Far About MG’s New Energy Vehicle Tech
While MG hasn’t spilled all the details just yet, the new energy vehicle showcase is widely expected to be linked to the Wuling Starlight 560, whose design patent was filed in India back in March. Codenamed ‘520’, this SUV is set to be offered in both PHEV and EV guises, and here’s everything worth knowing about it ahead of the July 16 reveal.
- The Indonesia-spec PHEV runs a 105hp 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 20.5kWh battery pack
- The EV version gets a 69.2kWh battery pack and a claimed range of 530km
- Both versions have an upright design with all-LED lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels
Wuling Starlight 560-Based MG ‘520’: Range and Powertrain Details
In Indonesia, the Starlight 560 is sold as the Wuling Eksion, and it’s this market that gives the clearest picture of what the new energy vehicle tech could look like once it lands in India.
The Indonesia-spec PHEV, the Wuling Eksion, pairs its 105hp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 20.5kWh battery pack. Running through a front-wheel-drive setup, it delivers a combined output of 195hp and 230Nm, along with an all-electric range of 125km and a total range of over 1,000km.
The all-electric version swaps things up with a 69.2kWh battery pack and a 201hp electric motor mounted on the front axle. This EV variant carries a CLTC-claimed range of 530km. Whether MG brings across the exact same PHEV and EV powertrains for the India-spec ‘520’ SUV remains to be seen.
A Rugged, 4.7-Metre SUV
The Wuling Starlight 560 is an upright SUV measuring 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,755mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,810mm.
Up front, the PHEV gets a large all-black grille, while this is blanked off on the all-electric version, as you’d expect. Both variants share sleek headlamp housings with dual projector LED lights and twin LED DRL strips, and the front bumper gets a rugged edge thanks to a faux skid plate and black cladding along the lower section.
From the side, the international-spec SUV rolls on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, with thick wheel arch cladding and roof rails adding to the tough look. Around the back, things are kept simple, with wraparound LED tail-lights, an all-black bumper and a roof-mounted spoiler.
Minimalist Cabin With a Strong Features List
Step inside and the Wuling Starlight 560 offers a dual-tone cabin with a clean, minimalist dashboard layout. There’s a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, and a 2-spoke steering wheel with controls for the infotainment system and cruise control. The SUV can seat up to seven occupants, with leatherette upholstery across all rows.
Other notable features include powered and ventilated front seats, six speakers, a 50-watt wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and automatic climate control with rear vents. Safety kit runs to six airbags, a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-hold assist, an electronic parking brake and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The India-spec MG SUV is expected to carry a similar features list once launched.
Expected Rivals and Positioning
There’s no word yet on pricing for the upcoming Starlight 560-based MG SUV, but it’s expected to be positioned competitively, in line with MG’s other offerings. The PHEV version could end up rivalling the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, while the EV variant looks set to take on the Mahindra XEV 9S.
All eyes will be on MG come July 16 for a clearer picture of how this new energy vehicle technology will actually shape up for the Indian market.
