JSW MG Motor is working on launching a plug-in hybrid vehicle in the form of the Wuling Starlight SUV. Now, MG’s parent company, China’s SAIC Motor, has patented a new SUV in India that is available in both pure EV and plug-in hybrid avatars in the global markets. Could this be MG’s second PHEV for India with a 5-seater layout? let’s take a closer look.
New MG SUV patented in India
The Windsor EV is currently India’s best-selling electric car and the company is keen to promote NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) with more offerings. Now MG’s parent company SAIC Motor of China has patented a new 5-seater SUV in India. We’re talking about the new Baojun Yunhai, which is available in both pure electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. There is a PHEV patented in India, as it gets fuel filler caps on both sides.
It is developed under the SIAC-GM-Wuling joint venture and is currently sold in China under several of its sub brands with future global ambitions. One such market could potentially be India, where it could be sold under the MG brand. However, JSW MG Motor India has not officially confirmed this development.
Baojun Yunhai features the company’s new design language that is also suitable for global markets. It gets triangle shaped LED headlights with triple LED DRL signature which reminds us of Porsche’s LED signature. The bonnet fascia slopes slightly downwards to reveal a sporty bumper with gloss black elements.
At the rear, we can see LED connected tail lights and a prominent roof spoiler. The wheel size is 18-inch and the design has 5-elements. Where dimensions are concerned, the Baojun Yunhai measures 4,590 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, 1,608 mm in height and has a 2,750 mm long wheelbase.
Luxurious interior, powerful powertrain
On the inside, the Baojun Yunhai SUV comes with a minimalist and well-crafted dashboard with light colors to give it an airy feel. The primary element here is the 15.6-inch infotainment screen and then we also have the 8.8-inch instrument cluster. This screen and the two-spoke steering wheel look like they are shared with the MG Windsor on sale in India. There are also two wireless charging pads in the center console.
As far as powertrains are concerned, the Baojun Yunhai comes with both PHEV and EV powertrains. The plug-in hybrid version comes with a 105 bhp 1.5L NA petrol engine, mated to a 201 bhp electric motor. This motor draws juice from either a 9.5 kWh battery pack (60 km EV range) or a 20.5 kWh battery pack (140 km EV range).
In terms of pricing, the PHEV version of Baojun Yunhai is more affordable than the pure EV version due to the battery size. The Baojun Yunhai EV gets the same 201 bhp motor, but the battery options are larger at 56.7 kWh or 69.2 kWh. CLTC-rated claimed range is between 500 km to 600 km depending on the battery chosen.
