JSW MG's Wuling-based electric SUV lands in August to undercut Mahindra XEV 9S
JSW MG has confirmed that its first model on the new ADAPT platform will be an electric SUV launching in August 2026. Based on the Indonesia-market Wuling Eksion, it targets the Mahindra XEV 9S 70kWh with a 69kWh battery, roughly 600km of claimed range, and pricing that undercuts Mahindra's Rs 25.8 lakh sticker.
What was announced
JSW MG unveiled its new ADAPT BEV and hybrid platform on 16 July 2026, and confirmed that the first model on it will be an electric SUV going on sale in August 2026. The vehicle is closely related to the Wuling Eksion (also called Starlight) sold in Indonesia; Wuling and MG both sit under the SAIC group. A plug-in hybrid derivative will follow later on the same platform.
A 69kWh pack and 600km claim priced under Rs 25.8 lakh reads great on a spec sheet, but Mahindra still owns the drivetrain and the trust.
The SUV uses a 69kWh battery pack with a claimed range of around 600km, positioning it directly against the mid-spec Mahindra XEV 9S. Propulsion comes from a single front-mounted motor producing 201hp and 310Nm, driving the front wheels. JSW MG sources indicate the pricing target is to undercut the XEV 9S 70kWh, which retails at Rs 25.8 lakh ex-showroom.
| Spec | JSW MG (Eksion-based) | Mahindra XEV 9S 70kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 69kWh | 70kWh |
| Claimed range | ~600km | 600km |
| Power | 201hp | 245hp |
| Torque | 310Nm | 380Nm |
| Drivetrain | Front-motor, FWD | Rear-motor, RWD |
| Ex-showroom price | Below Rs 25.8 lakh (targeted) | Rs 25.8 lakh |
JSW MG price is a targeted undercut per company sources; official pricing will be confirmed at launch in August 2026.
The Car Jury verdict
This is JSW MG doing what MG did with the Windsor: rebadge a China-market EV, price it hard, and try to embarrass an Indian rival on the spec sheet. On paper it works. A 69kWh pack, 600km claimed range, and a likely sub-Rs 25.8 lakh sticker will make the XEV 9S 70kWh look expensive at a glance.
The catch is everything the sheet does not show. Rachit Hirani of MotorOctane has already flagged how muddled MG's electrified line-up looks to buyers, and Arun Panwar has questioned MG's long-term reliability against established Indian rivals. The Eksion's 201hp front-wheel-drive setup is also outgunned by the Mahindra's 245hp. The XEV 9E and BE6 remain our BUY picks in this money. Wait for real prices and a drive before switching camps.
