MG Starlight 560 7-Seater Plug-In Hybrid SUV Spotted At Charging Station [Video]
To make sure that the momentum of success in the Indian electric vehicle segment is continued by JSW MG Motor India, the company is now gearing up for the launch of its new electric SUV in the country. Recently, once again, a test mule of the upcoming MG Starlight 560 electric SUV was spotted publicly. This time around, it was spotted in a mall parking lot at a charging station. This suggests that the company is in the final stages of real-world testing and is likely to launch it in the coming few months.
The video showing the MG Starlight 560 electric SUV charging at a public fast charger has been shared on Instagram by Car India News on their page. In the short video, we can note that a fully camouflaged Starlight 560 is parked at a charging station located inside a mall parking lot in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This particular vehicle was parked next to a Tata Nexon.ev, and we can note that it is much longer and wider than the Tata EV.
This particular test mule is also much taller than the Nexon. We are aware that the MG Starlight 560 EV will be offered as a 7-seater and will be taking on the super-successful Mahindra XEV 9S 7-seater EV SUV. From the spy video, we can note that it will come equipped with a set of LED headlights with two parallel LED DRLs on the headlight unit. The test mule was also equipped with a 5-spoke alloy wheel set, which was also covered with camouflage.
Although this particular test mule was fully covered with camouflage, we know how the upcoming MG Starlight 560 will look because it is already on sale internationally. This SUV will be based on the Wuling Starlight 560, and the only major change that will be made will be the badge of this SUV. Instead of Wuling, it will get an MG logo.
In terms of design, the MG Starlight 560 will boast bold and upright SUV styling. At the front, it will come equipped with a large blacked-out grille, sleek LED headlamps, and parallel LED DRLs placed above and below the headlights. The front bumper also gets a pronounced skid plate, which will add to its rugged appearance.
Moving to the side profile, the SUV will feature squared wheel arches, thick body cladding, and roof rails. It will also get a set of 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and its overall stance will be very upright, and it will boast very muscular proportions.
At the rear, the Starlight 560 slightly resembles an MPV because of the upright tailgate design. It will also come equipped with LED taillamps, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a clean rear profile. The overall design will be a lot more premium and sophisticated than a majority of traditional family SUVs that are currently on sale in India.
In terms of the dimensions, the upcoming MG Starlight 560 will measure 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,755 mm in height. As for its wheelbase, it will be 2,810 mm. For comparison, it will be larger than the Mahindra XEV 9S. As per the reports, the company is expected to offer the Starlight 560 with a 7-seater configuration in India.
On the inside, the MG Starlight 560, like the Windsor EV, will boast a minimalistic yet premium cabin layout. The main highlight will be the dual-screen setup, which will offer a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.8-inch fully digital driver's display.
The SUV will also boast a modern two-spoke steering wheel and a clean and uncluttered centre console. Most of the vehicle functions, including climate controls and media controls, will be integrated into the touchscreen.
In terms of equipment, the Starlight 560 will come loaded with features such as connected car technology, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, multiple USB charging ports, OTA updates, a panoramic sunroof, and premium leatherette upholstery. The SUV is also expected to get a six-speaker audio system.
Internationally, the MG Starlight 560 is offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is based on a 1.5-litre petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 20.5 kWh battery pack. This setup produces around 194 bhp to 197 bhp and 230 Nm of torque.
The biggest advantage of this powertrain is its impressive range. The SUV can travel up to 100 km purely on electric power as per the CLTC cycle. Along with its 52-litre fuel tank, the total driving range increases to around 1,100 km, which is very impressive.
Apart from the PHEV model, the company is expected to offer a fully electric version of the Starlight 560 as well. This version will come equipped with a 56.7 kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor.
The motor will produce around 134 bhp to 136 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. In real-world conditions, it is expected to offer a range of around 450–500 km. Most likely, the MG Starlight 560 will be launched in India before the end of this year, around the festive season.