JSW-MG's Mahindra XUV 7XO Rival Patented In India: Gets 3 Powertrains Globally
Affordable three-row SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in India. The Mahindra XUV 7XO and its pre-facelift version (XUV 700) have a strong foothold in the segment. Now, MG Motor India is readying a model that will compete directly with the 7XO when launched. It will be a re-badged version of the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV sold abroad. The project is now called 520. A patent for the vehicle has now been filed in India, indicating the manufacturer’s intention to launch it here. Interestingly, the Wuling 560 is available with three powertrain options in China.
Patent filings show multiple angles of the design. It appears to be almost the same as that of the model sold abroad. According to the documents, this patent was registered on 19/12/2025. Let’s now take a look at the powertrain options.
In China, the Wuling Starlight 560 comes with three powertrain options- internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid and EV. There, it is sold by the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) alliance. The ICE version gets a 1.5L Miller cycle turbo petrol engine, capable of generating 174hp and 290Nm. A six-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions are offered with this engine.
Most petrol engines run on Otto cycle. Miller cycle engine has an expansion stroke that’s longer than the effective compression stroke. (These are the same in Otto cycle) This improves the overall fuel efficiency. In other words, it is a modified Atkinson cycle that uses forced induction (a supercharger or turbocharger) to compensate for the power loss. It got its name as the cycle was originally patented by the American engineer Ralph Miller in 1957.
Atkinson cycle engines, common finds in hybrids these days, have some loss of power, especially at low speeds. Miller Cycle engines use a supercharger or turbocharger to compensate for the same. A ‘compression control valve’ is a signature component of such powertrains. Miller cycle engines are known for their higher efficiency, lower emissions and better resistance to knocking.
The second option is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup with a combined output of 194 hp and 230Nm. This powertrain has a 1.5L naturally aspirated, Atkinson cycle petrol engine at its centre. It is mated to an electric motor and a 20.5 kWh LFP battery pack. The setup has a CLTC pure electric range of 125 km and. The WLTC combined range is 1100km. The PHEV will be able to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 9.7 seconds and will have a top speed of 170 kph.
The third option is an all-electric powertrain based on a 134 hp, 200Nm electric motor. In international markets, two battery packs are on offer- 54.5 kWh and 56.7 kWh. It remains to be seen which of these would be offered on the Indian version. We expect the CLTC range figures to be in the ballpark of 450 km per charge. All three versions feature Front Wheel Drive (FWD) layouts. Underpinning the Starlight 560 is the F150 platform.
The Starlight 560 PHEV and EV will have clear visual differentiations. That said, the SUV will have good ground clearance and a good-looking design. The internal combustion version is less likely to be brought to India.
The Starlight 560 SUV will have a technology rich cabin. It will come with a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, wireless charger, 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, automatic climate control, sunroof and more. On the global spec, the infotainment unit runs the Ling OS operating system.