MG Intelligent CUV Spied – India’s First Crossover Utility Vehicle Launch Imminent

On Monday, JSW MG Motor JV announced an ambitious India strategy with the introduction of smart New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) to boost its product portfolio. The idea is to ensure the kind of ‘Maruti phenomenon’ for the company and come out with a new vehicle every three to six months. The first in this series is an ‘Intelligent CUV’, recently seen in spy shots.

The New MG Intelligent CUV Spied

MG’s electric portfolio in India currently consists of the Comet EV and the ZS EV. The company is now eying the premium electric vehicle segment with what will be India’s first “Intelligent CUV” (Crossover Utility Vehicle). It was found on a test mule for an upcoming flagship EV. Most likely launch in the festive season given how aggressive the marketing and slow-speed sightings of the test vehicle have been. This new model is part of MG’s ambition to reshape the premium electric vehicle market in India.

Though there is heavy camouflage on the test vehicle, it also appears that the wheels have been shrouded to help obscure the aerodynamic side. It is expected to be called the Excelor EV, the name of which was recently trademarked. What it looks like is a large hatchback sprouted with some crossover elements – the best way to sell cars in India – being between 4.3m and 4.5m in length and quite spacious inside.

The profile shows a big chunk of glass and a fast rake on the front windshield to help with aerodynamics. The vehicle includes quarter glasses for improved visibility and is expected to feature a large panoramic sunroof. Inside, we can expect soft-touch materials, high-quality finishes, a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, a minimalistic center console, an electronic parking brake, circular steering control pods, and rear AC vents.

In terms of powertrains, the MG Intelligent CUV may utilize the same battery and motor as the MG ZS EV, likely featuring a 50 kWh battery with a promised range of around 500 km, and a single motor delivering 175 bhp and 280 Nm of torque to the front wheels. A launch during the festive season appears probable.

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