MG Hector Tomahawk EV Review
JSW MG Motor India is expanding its electrified portfolio with two additions carrying the Hector name. The Hector Tomahawk EV is priced between Rs 19.5 lakh and Rs 23.5 lakh, while the plug-in hybrid Hector Tomahawk PHEV ranges from Rs 25.7 lakh to Rs 27.8 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
At the national media drive in Kochi, I sampled the all-electric model in its top-spec Essence trim, with a five-seat layout and Starry Black exterior. The route covered narrow, winding roads, highway stretches and broken surfaces, offering an initial impression of its comfort, performance and everyday usability. The PHEV was not available to drive at this event.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Review
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Review
In terms of pricing, MG Hector Tomahawk EV is better positioned than most of India’s 5-seater EVs in C and D segments. However, real competition comes from Mahindra XEV 9S. Hector Tomahawk EV tops out at Rs 23.5 lakh (Ex-sh), while XEV 9S goes till Rs 30.9 lakh (Ex-sh), making the MG more value for money for target electric SUV buyers. So far, so good.
In terms of design, Hector Tomahawk EV is a handsome machine and we have seen it before globally as Wuling Starlight 560 EV. It has SUV proportions and has size to back up its road presence. It measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,770 mm in height and has a 2,810 mm long wheelbase. Ground clearance is plenty and this electric SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, shod with 225-section tyres. There’s a space saver spare wheel below the floor.
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Review
At the front, we get an illuminated MG logo, flanked by LED projector headlights with sequential LED turn indicators. Below the upper closed-off grille, there is a lower functional grille with camera and front parking sensors along with some active air channels for aerodynamic efficiency. At the side, Hector Tomahawk EV has thick body cladding, roof rails, chrome window line, Red painted brake callipers and massive glass area.
At the rear, we see a conventional design as it comes with LED tail lights, sequential turn indicators and a neat-looking bumper with faux skid plates. Overall, I would say that Hector Tomahawk EV looks more like an overgrown and jacked-up monocoque MPV than an SUV, because it is not wide-enough to look proportional to its own length, while height is in excess. If you put a Harrier EV beside it, you’ll understand what I’m on about.
MG Hector EV Review
Interior, Space, Comfort
On the inside, first thing that grabs attention is not the 15.6-inch infotainment screen, but the extensive use of Dune Brown shade. At first, I was not onboard with it, but it grew on me more than I would have thought. In fact, it feels soothing and calming after some time. Base colour of dashboard and door trims is still Black. Generally, these Black elements are hard plastics and Dune Brown elements are soft to touch. However, not all soft touch elements are foam padded, especially where front occupant’s knees touch the centre console.
Steering wheel is nice to hold and front seats are supportive and well cushioned. Front centre armrest and door pads for your elbows are decently padded too. Floating centre console has adaptable cup holders, wireless charging pad and below it, there is more storage. USB A, USB C and 12V socket are under front centre armrest.
MG Hector EV Review
MG Hector EV Review
Both front seats are electrically operated and ventilated and driver gets three memory settings to choose from. However, seat ventilation and memory seat options are integrated into the touchscreen. Steering mounted controls are configurable with * button set to Drive Modes on our unit. Rear seat occupants get reclining rear bench, rear AC vents, USB A, USB C ports, centre armrest with cupholders, LED reading lights and rear window sunshades.
I only drove the 5-seater version and can’t comment on third row comfort, because there wasn’t one to test. Boot space was rather impressive. Above the boot floor, there is massive space to stuff all your luggage and below boot floor there is further storage to neatly organise your charging cable and tools. LED boot lights and retractable rear parcel shelf were notable features too. Also notable is 256-colour ambient lightning on door trims and roof.
MG Hector EV Review
Tech & Features
Proximity-based lock / unlock and powered tailgate are appreciated, but the anti-pinch function of tailgate was a little iffy as it needs more calibration. The 15.6-inch infotainment screen is glorious to operate and we liked how expansive Android Auto and Apple CarPlay looked on this screen. Driver’s instrument cluster is small in comparison. It doesn’t show blindspot monitoring feed or navigation data.
If there was an award for biggest vanity mirror in a mainstream car in India, it goes to MG Hector Tomahawk EV. Even the Infinity audio system with subwoofer worked very well, sounding energetic and thumpy. MG demonstrated V2H feature at the drive event where a 4BHK luxury villa was entirely powered by a Tomahawk EV. Draw out of car’s battery can go till 6KW and users can set a threshold of power draw to retain desired percentage of SOC.
MG Hector EV Review
MG Hector Tomahawk EV has Level 2 ADAS along with many autonomous features including auto emergency braking, lane keep assist and even adaptive cruise control. We felt that lane keep assist was a little intrusive at times, but it works quite well. Thankfully, we didn’t get to try auto emergency braking. There are some special cabin modes and gesture controls for the screen, which I didn’t find very significant. What is significant is the 540-degree camera with underbody display. It is executed very nicely.
Drive & Dynamics
Powering the MG Hector Tomahawk EV is a 69.2 kWh battery pack mated to a single electric motor driving front wheels only. This electric motor is rated at 201 bhp and 310 Nm. MG promises a 0-100 km/h acceleration run in just 8.2 seconds and promised range is 517 km on a single charge. In real world conditions, one can comfortably expect 400 – 420 km of range on a single charge, with a mix of mostly sedate and slightly spirited driving conditions.
MG Hector EV Review
Multiple acceleration runs were attempted and Hector Tomahawk EV hit 100 km/h mark between 8.5 seconds to 9 seconds (cluster indicated speeds). Acceleration is brisk and will push you back in the seats, but it does not have raw fierceness of a few rivals. Ride quality is soft and comfortable, which is a good approach for Indian roads. Steering lacked feel and feedback and is not confidence inspiring. At times, it also felt rubbery and it generally lacked precision.
Body roll is well contained, considering the heavy battery pack in its floor, but it does not feel sporty too. Bump absorption is commendable and it does not feel unsettled while tackling bad roads at higher speeds. Maneuvering this long SUV is a daunting task, because turning radius is not all that friendly. Braking is one area where Hector Tomahawk EV could have done better as it needs more stopping power than it has.
MG Hector EV Review
Should You Buy One?
The MG Hector Tomahawk EV makes its strongest case as a spacious, comfortable family SUV. Both seating rows offer generous room, the boot is practical, and the suspension handles broken roads well. The 15.6-inch touchscreen, well-executed 540-degree camera and Infinity audio system further strengthen its appeal. Our initial drive suggests a potential real-world range of around 400–420 km, although a longer test is needed to validate that estimate.
There are areas that need improvement. The steering lacks precision, and braking response could inspire more confidence. The seat ventilation and memory settings require touchscreen access. The instrument cluster could offer more useful information, and the absence of blind-spot alerts in the mirrors is noticeable. Combining the indicators, lights and wipers on the right-hand stalk also takes some adjustment.
At Rs 23.5 lakh for the top-spec version, the Hector Tomahawk EV offers plenty of space and equipment for the money. For context, the Kia Carens Clavis EV and Mahindra XEV 9S ranges extend to Rs 25 lakh and Rs 30.9 lakh, respectively. However, those headline prices alone do not establish value: buyers should compare equivalent variants, seating requirements and features. Our impressions are limited to the five-seat MG tested here.
For buyers who prioritise cabin space, ride comfort and everyday practicality over sporty handling, the Hector Tomahawk EV deserves a place on the shortlist. Its appeal is clear even at the outright purchase price; those considering BaaS should assess the battery rental terms against their expected usage. The final decision should include a test drive to judge whether its steering, braking and control layout suit you.