JSW MG Motor India is aggressively accelerating its New Energy Vehicle roadmap in India. One of the popular expected launches in this list is a 7-seater electric SUV, which has been spied testing on Indian roads. A spacious and feature-loaded, family-oriented SUV, the Starlight EV would aim to disrupt the growing three-row electric segment, drawing a direct battle line against domestic heavyweights like the Mahindra XEV 9S and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV.
The Global Roots: Wuling Starlight 560
While the test vehicle wears heavy camouflage, the underlying architecture is not a complete mystery. The MG Starlight is essentially a rebadged and localised example of the global Wuling Starlight 560. MG recently registered a design patent for this exact model in India, confirming its anticipated arrival under the JSW MG umbrella.
Dimensionally, the global SUV carries a solid road presence, measuring 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,770 mm in height. Built around a long 2,810 mm wheelbase (around 60mm longer than the Mahindra XUV700), the large footprint guarantees a spacious cabin optimised for three-row practicality and comfort.
MG Starlight EV: Design and Features
Despite the testing wraps, several key design elements of the Starlight EV are clearly visible. The front fascia adopts an upright, commanding stance characterised by a flat bonnet, distinctive lighting elements, and a closed-off aerodynamic grille specific to the battery-electric (BEV) version.
In profile, the SUV embraces a boxy, typical SUV silhouette highlighted by squared wheel arches, conventional door handles, roof rails, and a flat roofline deliberately designed to maximise third-row headroom. The earlier patent filings also confirm thick body cladding, blacked-out A, B, and C pillars, and sporty 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the Starlight EV globally features a massive 12.8-inch floating touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and unique 180-degree reclining seats. By mounting the electronic gear selector directly onto the steering column, the centre console is completely freed up for dual wireless charging pads and additional storage.
MG Starlight EV: Powertrain and Range Expectations
Internationally, the Starlight 560 platform accommodates both Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric (BEV) configurations. MG is expected to bring both formats to India, strategically allowing the brand to cater to a wider audience and completely bypass the heavy competition in the traditional ICE segment.
Looking at the pure EV specifications from the global market, the SUV offers two primary LFP battery pack options: a 60 kWh unit and a larger 69.2 kWh one. Paired with a front-mounted single electric motor generating 136 PS and 200 Nm of torque, this setup delivers a claimed CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle)range of 500 to 540 km. The real-world range would be somewhere close to 450 km. However, we speculate that MG could optimise manufacturing costs by utilising the localised battery technology currently powering the Windsor EV for the India-spec entry-level variants.
Launch Timeline And Pricing
The expected timeline for the launch of MG Starlight EV is sometime in 2027, and it’s expected price will start around the Rs 20 lakh mark, where it will take on the Mahindra XEV 9S, and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV head-on.
