MG Hector Tomahawk

How the hybrid system works

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV uses a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) that integrates a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 148 kW electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery pack. Unlike a conventional parallel hybrid, the DHT's electromagnetic clutch can switch between four distinct drive modes — Pure Electric, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Engine Direct Drive — in just 0.1 seconds, allowing the car to optimise efficiency across city and highway conditions seamlessly.

In Pure Electric mode, the PHEV runs entirely on its 20.5 kWh battery for 115+ km, making it ideal for daily urban commutes without burning a drop of petrol. In Series Hybrid mode, the petrol engine acts as a generator to charge the battery while the electric motor drives the wheels. Parallel Hybrid and Engine Direct Drive modes engage the petrol engine more directly for sustained highway cruising. MG claims the motor control unit achieves 99.1% efficiency, which contributes to the PHEV's claimed ~40 kpl equivalent fuel efficiency.

The EV variant takes a simpler approach: a 69.2 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery feeds a permanent-magnet synchronous motor producing 150 kW and 310 Nm. LFP chemistry is chosen for its thermal stability and longevity. The EV supports up to 90 kW DC fast charging via a CCS2 port, and also offers 7.4 kW AC charging (10–100% in approximately 12.5 hours). Uniquely, the Tomahawk EV is claimed to be India's first vehicle with V2H (vehicle-to-home) bidirectional charging, alongside V2L and V2V capabilities.

Mileage and running cost

The EV's certified MIDC range of 517 km is among the highest in its price bracket for a three-row SUV. The PHEV's 115+ km pure electric range means most buyers with home or office charging will rarely need to use petrol for weekday driving. When the battery is depleted, the combined petrol + electric range exceeds 1,100 km on a full tank, making long highway trips stress-free.

MG's BaaS (Battery as a Service) pricing model significantly reduces the upfront cost. The EV starts at ₹13.99 lakh under BaaS (versus ₹19.49 lakh outright), with a ₹4.90/km battery rental. The PHEV BaaS price starts at ₹21.79 lakh + ₹3.20/km. For buyers covering 1,000–1,500 km per month, the per-km rental adds ₹4,900–₹7,350/month for the EV, so the calculus depends heavily on usage. MG also offers an Assured Buyback Plan, guaranteeing a residual value when upgrading or returning the vehicle, which reduces ownership risk.

The first owner of both powertrain versions receives a lifetime battery warranty, which is a meaningful differentiator given concerns about long-term battery degradation in EVs and PHEVs.

Performance and drive

The EV's 150 kW motor and 310 Nm of instant torque deliver a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds — brisk for a three-row family SUV. The PHEV's 148 kW electric motor achieves a similar 0–100 km/h sprint in approximately 9 seconds, despite the added weight of the petrol engine and DHT. Both figures are competitive in the segment.

The PHEV's four drive modes give it a versatility edge over a pure EV on long road trips. The electromagnetic clutch's 0.1-second switching time means transitions between modes are imperceptible in normal driving. The ADAPT platform's architecture is designed for structural rigidity, which should translate to a composed, planted ride — though independent road tests are yet to be published at the time of writing.

The SUV's 230 mm ground clearance (at battery) is adequate for Indian road conditions, and the 2,810 mm wheelbase — long for the segment — promises a stable, comfortable highway ride. The 4,745 mm body length puts it firmly in the full-size SUV category.

Cabin, space, and tech

The Hector Tomahawk's interior is anchored by a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen running MG's i-SMART 3.0 connected platform with 80+ features, paired with an 8.8-inch digital driver's display (Times of India reports an 8.0-inch unit; Autocar India specifies 8.8 inches). The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a GenAI-powered voice assistant understanding 30+ Hinglish commands, i-SWIPE gesture controls, and a Digital Bluetooth Key with key-sharing. MG also claims India's first in-car GenAI karaoke feature.

The 5-seat EV variant offers 610 litres of boot space — generous for the class. The second row gets 60:40 split-folding with recline and slide, while the 7-seat version uses a tip-and-tumble mechanism for third-row access. Other comfort features include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, 256-colour ambient lighting, rear window sunshades, PM2.5 air filtration and dual B-pillar coat hooks. Multiple cabin modes — Nap, Camp, Energise, Pro Pet, Valet and Quiet — add lifestyle versatility.

Connectivity extends to 18 integrated apps, over-the-air (OTA) software updates and 24×7 battery health monitoring via a BMS with millivolt-level precision. The platform's REEV (range-extended EV) capability is listed as a future option, suggesting the Tomahawk's architecture has room to grow.

Safety and ADAS

The Hector Tomahawk is built on the ADAPT platform, which MG says meets global safety standards and has undergone military-grade validation: 2,000+ bench tests and 490+ vehicle validations across extreme environmental conditions. The battery architecture features ultra-high-strength construction for superior crash protection, and the 24×7 BMS monitors battery health continuously.

The SUV is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, as confirmed by Times of India and Fortune India. MG has not yet disclosed the full ADAS feature list. An official NCAP rating has not been certified at launch; MG states it will be shared once available. The lifetime battery warranty for the first owner also provides a degree of long-term safety assurance for the high-voltage system.

Variants and pricing

The Hector Tomahawk EV is offered in four variants: Excite 7S (₹19.49 lakh), Exclusive 7S (₹21.99 lakh), Essence 5S (₹22.99 lakh) and Essence 7S (₹23.49 lakh). The PHEV is available in two variants: Exclusive 7S (₹25.69 lakh) and Essence 7S (₹27.79 lakh). All prices are ex-showroom and introductory, applicable to limited bookings.

Under BaaS, the EV starts at ₹13.99 lakh + ₹4.90/km and the PHEV at ₹21.79 lakh + ₹3.20/km. MG has not disclosed variant-wise BaaS prices. EV deliveries commenced in September 2026; PHEV deliveries begin November 2026. The Assured Buyback Plan is available across variants.

How it compares

The Hector Tomahawk EV's closest rivals are the Mahindra XEV 9S and Kia Carens Clavis EV in the three-row electric SUV space. The Tomahawk EV's 517 km MIDC range and V2H capability are segment-leading features, while its BaaS entry price of ₹13.99 lakh undercuts most rivals significantly on upfront cost. The 5-seat Essence EV also competes with the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e.

On the PHEV side, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is positioned as India's first mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV, with the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid as the nearest alternatives — though neither offers a plug-in powertrain. The Tomahawk PHEV's 115+ km EV-only range and 1,100+ km combined range give it a practical advantage over strong hybrids that cannot be plugged in. Its starting price of ₹25.69 lakh is competitive for a PHEV 7-seater.

Who should buy it

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV is the ideal choice for buyers who want a 7-seat family SUV with the running costs of an EV for daily city use, but the reassurance of a petrol engine for long highway trips — without range anxiety. If you cover under 100 km daily and have home charging, the PHEV's petrol engine may rarely be needed. The BaaS model suits buyers who want to minimise upfront outlay.

The EV variant suits urban and semi-urban families who have reliable charging infrastructure and want a zero-emission 3-row SUV with a class-leading 517 km range. The V2H feature adds genuine utility for households in areas with power cuts. Buyers who prioritise the lowest possible entry price should consider the BaaS Excite 7S EV at ₹13.99 lakh, accepting the per-km battery rental cost.