JSW MG Motor India is preparing to expand its SUV portfolio with a new three-row model expected to wear the Hector Hawk nameplate. The vehicle, based on the Wuling Starlight 560, has been spotted testing in pure-electric form on Indian roads, signalling that an India launch is drawing closer—likely in August 2026.
The camouflaged test mule shows several distinctive EV cues. A blanked-off front grille replaces a conventional opening, rectangular LED headlights with dual DRLs (top and bottom) are visible, and a charging port sits on the left-rear fender. The side profile is relatively clean, while the rear features wraparound LED taillights, a roof-mounted spoiler and a rear wiper. Alloy wheels appear aero-optimised. These details align with the global Starlight 560 EV and confirm the mule is the battery-electric variant rather than the plug-in hybrid.
The Starlight 560 measures approximately 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,755–1,770 mm in height, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase. It is offered as a five- or seven-seater in global markets and is expected to follow a similar layout in India. Positioning-wise, the Hector Hawk is likely to sit above the current Hector and Hector Plus as a more premium, new-energy offering.
Powertrain details are expected to closely mirror the international Starlight 560. The pure-EV version is anticipated to use a roughly 69.2 kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing around 201 hp and substantial torque, with a claimed CLTC range of up to about 530 km. (Some earlier reports also referenced a 56.7 kWh pack and lower outputs closer to 134–136 hp.) A plug-in hybrid sibling is also planned, combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and a ~20.5 kWh battery for a combined output near 195–197 hp and 230 Nm, plus an all-electric range of roughly 100–125 km. Both variants will ride on MG’s new ADAPT platform.
Interior expectations include a dual free-standing screen setup (approximately 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch touchscreen), leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, multi-zone climate control with rear vents, and a multi-speaker audio system. Safety kit is likely to feature multiple airbags, TPMS, electronic parking brake, parking sensors/camera and Level 2 ADAS. Sliding/reclining second-row seats are also anticipated for improved third-row access and comfort
MG trademarked the “Hector Hawk” name earlier in 2026, and industry reports strongly link it to the Starlight 560-based model. The PHEV is expected to be positioned as a premium alternative to the conventional Hector, while the EV will sit above the ZS EV / Windsor EV range. Expected rivals include the Mahindra XUV 7XO / XEV 9S and Tata Safari (and their electrified counterparts). Pricing is likely to be competitive, potentially starting in the low-to-mid ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom) region depending on powertrain and variant, though official figures have not been announced.
The recent EV spy shots, coming after earlier hybrid mule sightings and the public reveal of the ADAPT platform, indicate that validation is in a late stage. An official debut or detailed reveal is anticipated soon, with market availability targeted for August 2026. The Hector Hawk EV (and its PHEV counterpart) would give MG a strong three-row new-energy presence in one of India’s most competitive SUV segments.
