JSW MG Motor India has teased its upcoming three-row electric SUV ahead of its global debut in India on August 26. The new model is expected to be called the MG Hector Hawk Plus and will be the company’s first production model based on its new ADAPT architecture.
The SUV will be launched in India in two electrified versions. However, the electric version will arrive first as the Hector Hawk Plus, while the plug-in hybrid version is expected to follow later this year and will reportedly be called the Hector Tomahawk PHEV. The two models will share the same basic architecture and body, but will use very different powertrains.
The Hector Hawk Plus EV will share its battery technology with the Wuling Eksion, sold in Indonesia. The Eksion is closely related to the Wuling Starlight 560, which forms the basis for the upcoming MG SUV.
The Indian-spec electric SUV is expected to get a 69.2kWh LFP battery pack powering a front-mounted electric motor. The motor is expected to produce around 201bhp and 310Nm. This will make it the most powerful Hector sold in India.
International specifications suggest a claimed range of around 530km on the CLTC cycle. However, the final Indian ARAI-certified range could be different. MG is also expected to localise the battery pack for India, which should help it price the SUV aggressively.
The SUV measures around 4.75 metres long and has a wheelbase of roughly 2.81 metres. This gives MG enough room for three rows and seven seats. The electric motor drives the front wheels. The electric SUV will take on the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9s and the upcoming Tata Safari.EV.
The ADAPT platform is particularly important because it was designed from the outset to accommodate different types of electrified powertrains. It can support EV, PHEV, strong-hybrid and range-extender applications.
The plug-in hybrid version will follow the EV later in 2026. It is expected to combine a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 20.5kWh battery and electric motor.
The overseas version produces around 194bhp and 230Nm in combined output. The larger battery allows the PHEV to operate as an EV for shorter daily journeys, while the petrol engine provides the flexibility required for longer trips.
The Hector Hawk Plus will also get a long equipment list. Expected highlights include a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, 360-degree camera and ADAS. The exterior will feature a split LED lighting setup, large dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails and wraparound LED tail lamps.
There is a good reason MG is retaining one of India’s strongest nameplates for this new SUV. The Hector was MG Motor India’s first product when the brand entered the Indian market in 2019. It became an instant hit, receiving more than 28,000 bookings within weeks and forcing MG to temporarily stop taking bookings because demand overwhelmed production. The Hector therefore has considerable brand recall in India. MG is now leveraging that familiarity for its next big SUV.
The Hector Hawk Plus will be very different from the existing Hector underneath. But the name gives MG an immediate connection with Indian buyers. And with a seven-seat layout, a large battery and the option of both EV and PHEV powertrains, the new Hector could become one of MG’s most important products yet.