MG has opened bookings for the Hector Hawk EV, its new 7-seat electric SUV, at ₹21,000. The EV debuts on 26 August 2026. Separately, MG is expected to launch the Starlight 560, a 5-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, late in 2026. The Starlight 560 PHEV is expected to run on battery alone in the city with petrol backup for highway trips.
MG Hector Hawk bookings open: ₹21k now, EV on 26 August
JSW MG Motor has started reservations for the Hector Hawk at ₹21,000. That is a refundable deposit, not the car's price, so don't read it as a price hint. The company confirmed the electric version launches on 26 August. This is MG's first model on the new ADAPT platform (a flexible base that can take EV, plug-in hybrid, strong hybrid, and range-extender setups). The teaser line "ADAPT takes its first electric form" makes it clear: the EV comes first.
7-seat EV first: 530 km range, 69.2 kWh
The electric Hector Hawk is expected to pack a 69.2 kWh battery (the battery size) with a front motor. MG claims up to 530 km of range on a full charge. In real Indian driving with AC on, expect closer to 370–400 km, which is still enough for city use and the odd highway run. India-spec battery, charging speed, and certified range will be confirmed near launch, so treat these as expected, not final.
Check out the official latest video from MG Hector Hawak
The MG Starlight 560 plug-in hybrid: expected late 2026
Our catalogue lists the MG Starlight 560 as a separate 5-seat plug-in hybrid SUV expected late 2026 at ₹20–24 lakh. The Starlight 560 PHEV is expected to offer electric-only city running with petrol backup for long trips, removing highway charging worry. MG has not yet disclosed PHEV specifications; details will be confirmed closer to its launch later in 2026.
PHEV economics: Running cost, road-tax waivers, resale
The plug-in hybrid's real appeal is city running costs. Charged at home, electric range costs roughly ₹1–1.5 per km, against ₹6–7 per km on petrol. So a daily 40 km commute done on battery can save real money over a year. On road tax, some states help: UP offers a 100 percent waiver on strong hybrids (worth ₹1.8 lakh and up), and Delhi's draft policy proposes 50 percent off for strong hybrids and PHEVs priced under ₹30 lakh. Check your own RTO, as this varies by state. One honest niggle: the PHEV battery will eat into boot space, so a PHEV usually carries less luggage than a plain petrol version.
Rivals and where a ₹20–24 lakh PHEV lands
The Hector Hawk plays in a busy company. The Tata Safari, a 7-seat diesel SUV, runs ₹13.4–26.76 lakh, and the Mahindra Scorpio Classic sits at ₹13.37–17.4 lakh. On the electric side, the Kia Syros EV costs ₹13.49–20 lakh. Take the Maruti e-Vitara at ₹13.49–17.46 lakh: it is a pure EV with about 450 km battery-only range. The Starlight 560 PHEV counters with electric city running plus a petrol backup for highway trips, so there are no highway charging stops, but expect it to cost a few lakh more. If MG holds the PHEV under ₹24 lakh, it undercuts a loaded Safari; push past ₹26 lakh, and the value case weakens.
Should you book now? Our take: wait for price clarity
Here's the honest read. If you want the electric Hector Hawk and you have a home or reliable charging, the 26 August launch is your date, and the ₹21,000 deposit holds a spot. But if the plug-in hybrid Starlight 560 is what you actually want, that comes months later, so booking now buys you nothing extra on that front. Our expert take on the Starlight 560 says it's worth waiting for, provided MG prices it sharply against the Creta and Grand Vitara hybrids. We'd hold any rival booking until MG confirms PHEV specs, variants, and on-road prices, then compare running costs properly.
References: MG India — official website
