So far in India we do not have any affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle. However, things will be changing soon. We are saying this because, in the coming months starting this August. We will be seeing the launch of a number of new plug-in hybrid SUVs. Now without any more wastage of your precious time, here are the details of the upcoming plug-in hybrid SUVs in India.
MG Motor India is expected to introduce its first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV and it will most likely be called the Hector Hawk. This SUV is expected to make its debut this month. The company has already started releasing new teaser videos and it is calling it a “New Energy Vehicle” (NEV). Additionally a number of test mules have also been spotted on Indian roads.
The upcoming SUV will be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 and will be offered in both plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions. It will be built on MG’s new ADAPT platform, which supports multiple powertrain options. In terms of design, the Hector Hawk gets rectangular LED headlamps with distinctive LED DRLs, a clean front fascia and wraparound LED tail lamps.
On the inside, the SUV is expected to boast a minimalist cabin which will be similar to the international-spec Starlight 560. It will most likely feature an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a seven-seat layout. Other expected features include leatherette upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, automatic climate control, six-speaker audio system and Level 2 ADAS.
The main highlight, however, will be its plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Hector Hawk is expected to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 20.5kWh battery pack. The combined output is expected to be around 197 bhp and 230 Nm of torque. MG claims it will offer an electric-only driving range of up to 125 km. Meanwhile the combined driving range could exceed 1,000 km.
BYD has also already confirmed that the Seal U will be making its debut in India before the end of 2026. This SUV will introduce the company’s popular DM-i plug-in hybrid technology to the Indian market for the first time. Internationally, the Seal U is sold in both EV and plug-in hybrid forms. For India, BYD is expected to only launch the DM-i version in the beginning.
Unlike conventional strong hybrids, BYD’s DM-i system uses a much larger battery pack. This will help the vehicle to operate as an electric car for the majority portion of everyday driving. Under normal conditions, the electric motors drive the wheels. Meanwhile the petrol engine mainly works as a generator to recharge the battery. The engine only directly powers the wheel when higher performance is required.
This system combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, dual electric motors and an 18.3 kWh Blade LFP battery pack. Internationally, the BYD Seal U SUV offers over 1,200 km of combined driving range and an EV-only range of up to 126 km. BYD has also stated that the India-spec model could deliver nearly 200km of electric driving under ideal conditions. However final specifications are yet to be confirmed.
The front-wheel-drive version will make 218 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Meanwhile the all-wheel-drive variant takes this figure up to 323 bhp and 550 Nm. This will help the SUV in achieving a sprint from a 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds.
Its feature list will include a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, Infinity premium audio system, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and a comprehensive ADAS suite. The Seal U is expected to be priced between Rs 45 lakh and Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Another very important plug-in hybrid SUV which will be launched in India this year will be the new JSW Motors Jetour T2 plug-in hybrid based SUV. This SUV is being launched by JSW Group’s new car company JSW Motors with its partner the Chinese automaker Chery International. It is expected to launch its first product in India before Diwali 2026. The Jetour T2 is expected to be assembled locally in Maharashtra.
Unlike many traditional premium SUVs, the Jetour T2 is built on a monocoque platform. However, it will offer a rugged design with upright proportions, square LED headlamps, chunky wheel arches and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
The biggest attraction will once again be the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The India-bound model is expected to feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine which will be paired with two electric motors and a 26.7kWh LFP battery pack. The combined system output is expected to be around 375 bhp and 610 Nm of torque.
The large battery pack is expected to deliver an electric-only range of up to 139 km. Internationally, it is offered as both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Although JSW has not confirmed which version India will receive.
On the inside, the SUV is expected to offer a premium cabin featuring a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It will also support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered and ventilated front seats, 50W wireless charging, 360-degree camera, Sony audio system and Level 2 ADAS.
The Jetour T2 is expected to be priced between Rs 38 lakh and Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). This will position it against popular SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian and the upcoming MG Majestor.