JSW MG will launch a seven-seat SUV in electric and plug-in hybrid forms next month, its first model on the new ADAPT platform.
The electric version is expected to be keenly priced against the Mahindra XEV 9S, while the PHEV will target diesel-automatic SUVs.
JSW MG has confirmed that the first model to emerge from its newly unveiled ADAPT platform will be a seven-seat SUV, arriving in both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid forms next month. The SUV shares much with the Wuling Eksion sold in Indonesia, given that Wuling and MG are sister brands under the wider SAIC group.
Industry sources suggest the carmaker is aiming for sharp pricing on the electric variant, positioning it to undercut the Mahindra XEV 9S 70kWh, which is currently priced at Rs 25.8 lakh, ex-showroom.
Battery Pack and Range on the Electric SUV
The electric version will come with a 69kWh battery pack and a claimed range of around 600 kilometres. For comparison, the XEV 9S offers three pack sizes, going up to 79kWh with a claimed range of 679 kilometres, while its 70kWh option, which manages 600 kilometres, is the variant JSW MG appears to be targeting directly.
Power comes from a single motor producing 201hp and 310Nm, a step behind the XEV 9S 70kWh's 245hp and 380Nm output. There is also a layout difference worth noting, since the JSW MG SUV uses a front-motor, front-wheel-drive setup, whereas the Mahindra rival is rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive.
Plug-In Hybrid Version to Rival Diesel-Automatic SUVs
Alongside the EV, JSW MG will roll out a plug-in hybrid variant carrying some styling differences from its electric sibling despite sharing the same basic shape. This version pairs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine producing 105hp and 130Nm with a 195hp, 230Nm electric motor and a 20.5kWh LFP battery.
Wuling claims an all-electric range of 125 kilometres and a combined range beyond 1,000 kilometres for this powertrain. The company is understood to be eyeing large diesel-automatic SUVs as its real competition here, with a target of pricing the PHEV within Rs 1.5 lakh of the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel-automatic.
Size, Styling and Cabin Features
Measuring 4.7 metres in length, 1.85 metres in width and 1.7 metres in height, the SUV is close in size to the XEV 9S and will similarly seat seven, making it a strong option for larger families. Styling leans towards a boxy, upright stance with a tall tail section.
Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist theme built around a 12.8-inch touchscreen. A digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate are among the features likely to feature on the India-spec model.
Multiple Powertrains, One Platform
While the ADAPT platform is engineered to support electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains, the company's early focus will remain on electric and plug-in hybrid models.
JSW MG Motor India's managing director, Anurag Mehrotra, noted that battery-electric vehicles would continue to command the largest share of sales, followed by plug-in hybrids and then strong hybrids, with range-extender technology still occupying a smaller slice of the new-energy vehicle market in India. He also emphasised that a single powertrain cannot answer India's electrification needs, arguing that the shared platform approach gives the brand capital efficiency alongside benefits like faster charging, longer range and improved driving dynamics across the line-up.
Also read: