If you are planning to buy a 7-seater SUV, it may be worth waiting a little longer, as three new three-row SUVs are set to launch in the next three months. JSW MG Motor India has confirmed the launch of a new energy vehicle on August 26, which is expected to be based on the China-spec Wuling Starlight 560 featuring both electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The Kia Sorento will go on sale on September 4, as the brand first strong hybrid offering in India. Meanwhile, Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the Safari EV ahead of the Diwali festive season. Here’s a quick look at the key details of these upcoming 7-seater SUVs.
MG Hector Hawk
Built on the all-new ADAPT platform, the MG Hector Hawk is expected to be offered with both 5 and 7-seat configuration options. The plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) will be equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 20.5kWh battery pack, delivering a combined output of 197bhp. It will offer a claimed range of around 500km on a full charge.
The EV variant will feature a 56.7kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor, producing around 136bhp. It delivers an electric-only range of 130km and a combined range of over 1,101km.
Kia Sorento
Similar to the global-spec version, the India-bound Kia Sorento will be available with a 1.6L, four-cylinder petrol hybrid powertrain. This setup delivers a claimed combined power of 238bhp and 380Nm of torque. The SUV lineup will also be available with a 2.2L diesel engine, pushing out power worth 202bhp and 441Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
Tata Safari EV
The Tata Safari EV will be Tata’s answer to the Mahindra XEV 9S. codenamed ‘Tayrona’, the electric SUV will be based on the Acti.ev+ platform and feature the TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) electrical and electronic architecture. The new E&E architecture supports multiple advanced technologies including a 540-degree camera, OTA (over-the-air) updates, ADAS functionalities and complex connected car features.
The Tata Safari EV is expected to share its powertrain with the Harrier, which is currently available with 65kWh and 75kWh battery pack options.