JSW MG Motor India on Wednesday launched the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV, marking the arrival of the country’s first mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV. The seven-seater model is built on the brand’s new ADAPT multi-new-energy vehicle platform and pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery pack, all linked through a dedicated hybrid transmission. Introductory ex-showroom prices begin at ₹25.69 lakh for the Exclusive variant and reach ₹27.79 lakh for the top Essence trim. Under the Battery-as-a-Service programme, the Exclusive is available from ₹21.79 lakh with a battery rental charge of ₹3.2 per kilometre, lowering the upfront cost while shifting a portion of ownership expenses to usage.

The powertrain is engineered for flexibility. The petrol engine develops 102 hp and 125 Nm, while the electric motor produces 201 hp and 237 Nm, yielding a combined system output of approximately 198–201 hp and 230 Nm. MG claims a pure-electric range of more than 115 km on a full charge. With a full 52-litre fuel tank and a charged battery, the combined driving range exceeds 1,100 km under the MIDC cycle. The company also cites a thermal efficiency of 43.2 per cent for the dedicated hybrid engine and 98.8 per cent efficiency for the transmission. Four operating modes—Pure Electric, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Engine Direct Drive—allow the system to prioritise battery power for daily urban trips and seamlessly bring in the petrol engine for longer journeys or higher loads. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed in about nine seconds.

Charging infrastructure support is practical rather than ultra-rapid. A 3.3 kW AC charger can replenish the battery from 10 to 100 per cent in roughly 7.5 hours, while a 25 kW DC fast charger moves the pack from 30 to 80 per cent in approximately 35 minutes. The Hector Tomahawk PHEV is offered exclusively as a seven-seater, setting it apart from the related all-electric Hector Tomahawk EV, which is available in both five- and seven-seat layouts. Exterior colour choices include Pearl White, Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Celadon Blue, Turquoise Green and Shadow Gold, along with dual-tone options.

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Inside, the cabin features a 15.6-inch touchscreen running MG’s i-SMART 3.0 connected-car system, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone connectivity and a GenAI-powered voice assistant. Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera and gesture controls further enhance the equipment list. Ownership benefits include a lifetime high-voltage battery warranty for the first private owner, three years of unlimited vehicle warranty, roadside assistance and labour-free services under the stated terms.

Bookings opened on the day of the launch, with test drives and customer deliveries scheduled to begin in November 2026. By offering meaningful pure-electric range for city use while retaining a petrol engine for extended travel, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV aims to address range anxiety that still influences many buyers considering full electrification. Positioned as a “diesel killer” in company commentary, the model targets families seeking a three-row SUV that can operate largely on electricity for routine commuting yet remain practical for inter-city journeys without dependence on public charging networks.

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