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JSW MG Motor India is preparing to expand its SUV lineup with two all-new electrified models. The company is expected to introduce the MG Hector Hawk PHEV and MG Hector Hawk EV, both based on the globally sold Wuling Starlight 560. The new SUVs are set to make their India debut on July 16, with the market launch expected later.
The move marks MG's entry into the mass-market plug-in hybrid (PHEV) segment while also strengthening its electric vehicle portfolio.
Earlier this year, JSW MG Motor India filed a trademark for the 'Hector Hawk' name. More recently, design patents for the Wuling Starlight 560 surfaced in India, hinting at the SUV's arrival.
Sources have now confirmed that the Starlight 560 will be sold in India under the Hector Hawk nameplate. Both the plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions will carry the Hector branding, becoming the Hector Hawk PHEV and Hector Hawk EV respectively.
Internally, the project has been codenamed '520', and test mules have been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times over the past few months.
Using the Hector badge is a strategic move for MG.
The Hector was the brand's first SUV in India and remains one of its most recognisable products. By extending the Hector family, MG can leverage the strong brand recall built over the years while introducing new electrified technologies.
The original Hector became popular for offering a spacious cabin, premium features, and strong value for money. MG is expected to follow a similar strategy with the Hector Hawk, particularly for the plug-in hybrid model.
The upcoming Hector Hawk will feature a bold, upright SUV design with generous proportions.
Exterior highlights are expected to include:
Large honeycomb-pattern front grille
LED headlamps with integrated DRLs
Functional front air vents
Roof rails
Shark-fin antenna
Horizontal LED tail lamps
Integrated rear spoiler
The SUV measures:
Length: 4,745 mm
Width: 1,850 mm
Height: 1,755–1,770 mm
Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
These dimensions make it slightly larger than the outgoing Hector, and MG is expected to offer both five-seat and seven-seat configurations for the Indian market.
Inside, the Hector Hawk is expected to offer a technology-rich cabin similar to other global MG models.
Expected features include:
12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Ling OS operating system
8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
Automatic climate control
Six-speaker audio system
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Connected car technology
The overall interior layout is expected to focus on comfort, practicality, and digital connectivity.
The biggest attraction will be the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, a technology that is still rare in India's mainstream SUV segment.
The Hector Hawk PHEV is expected to feature:
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (Atkinson Cycle)
Electric motor
20.5 kWh battery pack
The combined system is expected to produce around:
197 hp
230 Nm of torque
Performance figures include:
0–100 km/h: 9.7 seconds
Top speed: 170 km/h
Although official fuel economy figures have not been announced, plug-in hybrid technology is expected to deliver significantly better efficiency than conventional petrol SUVs, especially for urban driving.
Alongside the PHEV, MG will also launch a fully electric version of the SUV.
The Hector Hawk EV is expected to retain the same overall dimensions and interior but feature EV-specific styling elements such as:
Closed-off front grille
Unique alloy wheel design
EV-specific badging
Power is expected to come from:
56.7 kWh battery pack
Single electric motor
Expected output:
136 hp
200 Nm of torque
The SUV is expected to offer a claimed driving range of around 500 km on a full charge, making it a practical option for both city use and long-distance travel.
While the Hector Hawk will officially debut on July 16, customer deliveries are expected to begin later after MG announces pricing and variant details.
The launch will also mark MG's first serious entry into the plug-in hybrid segment in India, where competition is currently limited.
The upcoming MG Hector Hawk PHEV and Hector Hawk EV could become two of MG's most important launches in recent years. By combining the trusted Hector brand with plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, the company is aiming to attract buyers looking for spacious family SUVs with modern technology and lower running costs.
If priced competitively, especially the PHEV variant, the Hector Hawk could open a new chapter for electrified SUVs in India's mass-market segment.
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