JSW-MG's Starlight 560 Will Be India's First SUV To Offer Two Electrified Powertrains: Details
When JSW joined hands with MG Motor in India, they announced that they would be launching one new product every 3 to 6 months. Since then, we have seen the launch of products like the Windsor EV, Windsor EV Pro, and more. Even this year, JSW-MG unveiled the Majestor. JSW-MG will reveal the prices for the Majestor soon, and apart from this, they also have plans to launch two electrified SUVs in the market.
The first SUV is the Starlight 560. It is actually being tested in India, and in the last couple of weeks, we have spotted the vehicle several times on our roads. It is actually based on the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV. The project is internally called 520. There is a high possibility that JSW-MG will rename this SUV for the Indian market.
What makes this SUV electrified is the powertrain. It is going to be JSW-MG’s first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV. This will be a 7-seater SUV and will rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV700. In India, we have only seen heavily camouflaged versions of the SUV on our roads, but thanks to the internet, we know how this SUV looks.
The exterior design of the Starlight 560 looks boxy, with rectangular LED headlamps, split DRLs, and a massive front grille finished in gloss black. There is also a gloss-black element that runs between the headlights, and the Wuling logo is placed at the centre. The Wuling logo is likely to be replaced with JSW-MG branding in India, along with other India-specific changes.
The Starlight 560 is 4,745 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,755–1,770 mm tall. It also comes with a 2,810 mm wheelbase. The SUV is internationally available in both 5-seater and 7-seater versions.
The Wuling 560 is not a premium car, but we expect MG to make changes that give it a fresher look so that it can compete with the likes of the XUV700 in the segment.
Coming to the engine, the SUV will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine along with a 20.6 kWh battery pack, which generates a combined power output of 197 PS and 230 Nm of torque. This means the SUV is going to be powerful and efficient at the same time.
Apart from the plug-in hybrid variant, JSW-MG is also planning to bring the electric version of the Starlight 560 to India. It is also known by the name Eksion in many markets. The exterior design of the SUV is going to be similar to the PHEV version but with EV-specific changes like a closed front grille, EV-specific wheels, revised light elements, and more.
The EV will also be a 7-seater and is likely to compete with the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9e. The SUV dimensions will remain the same, and when it comes to power, it will be offered with a 56.7 kWh battery pack that offers a range of around 500 km on a full charge. This battery pack will power an electric motor at the front that generates 136 bhp and 200 Nm of peak torque. Both these SUVs are expected to be launched in the Indian market around the festive season this year.