MG Starlight SUV design patented in India before 20026 launch

MG Motor has filed a design patent in India for the Starlight SUV, which is a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560. The company plans to introduce several new models in 2026, with the Starlight SUV expected to compete with rivals like the Mahindra XUV7X0 and Tata Harrier. Heavily camouflaged test vehicles have been seen on Indian roads in recent months, indicating advanced development stages.

Key Highlights

• MG Motor patents Starlight SUV design in India for 2026 launch
• Starlight 560 offers petrol, PHEV and EV variants with FWD layout
• PHEV version delivers up to 1,100 km range and 125 km pure electric range
• The pure EV variant offers up to 540 km range with two battery options
• The expected starting price is around Rs 19 lakh in India

Exterior and Dimensions

The patent images reveal that the Indian version of the Starlight SUV closely matches the international Wuling Starlight 560. The SUV features a boxy silhouette, sharp lighting elements, a blacked-out mesh grille, and a rugged bumper. The side profile includes squared wheel arches, thick body cladding, body-colored door handles, dual-tone outside mirrors, roof rails, and blacked-out A, B, and C pillars. At the rear, the design includes a raked windshield, wraparound tail lamps, and a chunky bumper.

The Starlight 560 measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,770 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,810 mm. These dimensions provide a spacious cabin and a strong road presence suitable for families.

Powertrain and Variants

Internationally, the Wuling Starlight 560 is available in petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and pure electric (EV) versions. The petrol variant uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-4 LC4 engine, producing 177 PS and 290 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission.

The PHEV variant is the most popular globally. It combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (106 PS and 130 Nm) with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 197-204 PS. The PHEV uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a pure electric range of 125 km (CLTC) and a total range up to 1,100 km (WLTC). This version features a hybrid transmission.

The pure EV variant offers two battery options: a 60 kWh LFP and a 69.2 kWh MAGIC Battery Pro LFP. The claimed CLTC range is between 500 and 540 km. The single electric motor generates 136 PS and 200 Nm. In India, the EV could use a battery pack supplied by Windsor EV. All variants use a front-wheel-drive layout.

Interior Features and Launch Plans

The Starlight 560 emphasizes a minimalist interior with a focus on space and comfort. Key features include a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen, 4G connectivity, over-the-air updates, and remote vehicle controls via a smartphone app. Lower variants have a 3.5-inch instrument cluster, while higher trims offer a full-LCD unit. The PHEV and EV versions place the gear selector on the steering column, freeing up centre console space.

Additional features include dual wireless charging pads, 180° seat recliner mode, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Starlight 560 is expected to launch in India under the MG brand later this year, with the PHEV version likely arriving first. The top EV variant will compete directly with the Mahindra XEV 9S and could start at around Rs 19 lakh.

Also Read: JSW MG Motor India Announces Up to 2 Percent Price Hike Across ICE and EV Models

Conclusion 

With the Starlight SUV’s design now patented in India, MG is clearly gearing up for an aggressive 2026 assault on the three‑row SUV segment. A blend of plug‑in hybrid and EV tech, long claimed range and family‑friendly cabin space should make it a compelling alternative to the XUV 7XO and Harrier, provided MG gets pricing and localization right.