MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 20.5kWh battery and a single electric motor. The petrol engine makes 101 bhp and 125 Nm, while the electric motor produces 198 bhp and 237 Nm. The system uses a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which is an intelligent gearbox that seamlessly combines power from the petrol engine and electric motor for maximum efficiency.

The main advantage of this setup is flexibility. For shorter daily trips, the Tomahawk PHEV can run on electric power, while the petrol engine gives you the freedom to continue driving when the battery runs low. This means you do not have to plan every long trip around charging stops as you would with a pure EV.

City Driving

The Tomahawk PHEV is well suited to city driving, especially when there is enough charge in the battery to use its EV mode regularly. Electric driving can make stop-and-go traffic smoother and quieter, while the automatic transmission removes the need to manage gears. Its large size can still be a challenge on narrow roads and tight parking areas, but the 360-degree camera and parking sensors make manoeuvring easier.

Highway Performance

The plug-in hybrid setup gives the Tomahawk PHEV an advantage on longer trips. You can use electric power for shorter sections and rely on the petrol engine when the battery charge is low. The claimed 1,100 km combined range also means fewer fuel or charging stops on long journeys. However, actual range will depend on how the car is driven and how often you charge the battery.

The Tomahawk PHEV gets a 20.5kWh battery with a claimed pure-EV range of 115 km. Unlike a regular strong hybrid, its battery can be charged from an external power source, allowing you to cover many daily trips without using petrol.

For longer journeys, the petrol engine can take over when the battery charge runs low. MG claims a combined range of up to 1,100 km, and is claimed to deliver around 40 kmpl in combined efficiency tests, depending on the test cycle and how the powertrain is optimised. Do note that these figures should not be treated as real-world mileage figures.

*Efficiency, charging and mileage figures can vary depending on the test cycle and conditions.

The biggest advantage of the plug-in setup is that owners who charge regularly can use electric power for a large part of their daily driving. Once the 115 km EV range is used up, the petrol engine and hybrid system continue to power the SUV, so you do not have to stop and charge as often as you would in a pure EV.

For reference, estimated real-world efficiency after the battery's pure-EV range is depleted could be around 18-22 kmpl. This is only an estimate and should not be treated as an official ARAI or company-claimed mileage figure. Actual efficiency will depend on traffic, driving style, road conditions, passenger load and how much charge is left in the battery.

How Does the PHEV System Work?

A plug-in hybrid combines a petrol engine with a larger battery and electric motor. Unlike a normal strong hybrid, the Tomahawk PHEV can be plugged into a charger to add energy to its battery.

When there is enough charge, it can use electric power for up to 115 km, as per the claimed figure. Once the battery charge is low, the petrol engine can help power the SUV, making it more practical for long-distance travel. This makes the Tomahawk PHEV a middle ground between a regular petrol SUV and a fully electric SUV.

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV is available in two variants: Exclusive and Essence. Both are seven-seaters and use the same 20.5kWh battery, hybrid system and claimed range.

Exclusive 7-Seater

The Exclusive is the base variant and costs ₹25.69 lakh. Despite being the entry-level version, it gets a long list of equipment. It comes with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered front seats, automatic climate control, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and MG's connected car features.

It also gets useful features such as Pet Mode, Camp Mode, Valet Mode and Nap Mode. Safety equipment includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and Level 2 ADAS. The Exclusive is also the only variant available with the BaaS option, which lowers the upfront price to ₹21.79 lakh plus ₹3.20 per km.

Essence 7-Seater

The Essence is the top variant at ₹27.79 lakh and adds more premium features over the Exclusive. It gets a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, wireless fast charging and 256-colour ambient lighting. It also adds gesture controls for selected infotainment functions.

The Essence makes sense if you want the Hector Tomahawk PHEV with the full feature package and do not mind paying the extra ₹2.10 lakh over the Exclusive.

Which MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Variant Should You Buy?

• Exclusive 7-Seater: Best if you want the PHEV powertrain at the lowest price, especially with BaaS.
• Essence 7-Seater: Best if you want the full set of premium features and are comfortable spending more.

The Tomahawk PHEV has a boxy and upright design that gives it a proper large-SUV stance. It is based on the same overall design as the EV, but the PHEV gets a large front grille to suit its petrol-hybrid powertrain.

Front

The front gets rectangular LED headlamps with horizontal DRL strips placed between them. A large black grille takes up most of the centre section, while the chunky bumper and skid plate add some SUV character.

Side

The side profile has a long, boxy shape with large windows and a fairly upright stance. Blacked-out pillars, roof rails and muscular wheel arches add some visual bulk. It gets 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and a chrome strip along the window line. The large 2,810 mm wheelbase also gives the SUV a stretched profile. Moreover, the ground clearance sits at 230 mm, which is more than enough to manage potholes and broken roads.

Rear

The rear gets wraparound LED tail-lamps connected by a horizontal design element. A roof spoiler, shark-fin antenna and chunky bumper complete the look. Overall, the Tomahawk PHEV looks more like a conventional family SUV than a futuristic EV, which should suit buyers who prefer a familiar design.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV is available in six colour options: Pearl White, Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Celadon Blue, Turquoise Green and Shadow Gold. Celadon Blue and Turquoise Green can also be paired with an optional white roof for a dual-tone finish. 

The Tomahawk PHEV gets a clean and fairly minimal cabin, with a large touchscreen taking centre stage. The interior uses a brown and black colour scheme with brushed aluminium elements around the dashboard, steering wheel and AC vents. Unlike the EV, the PHEV gets physical AC controls, which should make everyday climate adjustments easier.

The PHEV is offered only as a seven-seater, with a centre console that has cupholders and a large sliding armrest with storage. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column, leaving more space around the centre console.

Front Seats

The front seats get powered adjustment, while the top Essence variant also gets ventilation. This should be useful in hot weather, especially during long journeys.

Second Row

The second row gets dedicated AC vents and window sunshades, adding to the family-focused nature of the SUV. The wide cabin and long wheelbase should provide good space for passengers.

Third Row

The seven-seat layout gives the Tomahawk PHEV an advantage over many EVs that are limited to five seats. As with most three-row SUVs, the third row is better suited to children or shorter adults on longer journeys.

Cabin Technology

The main feature is the 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paired with an 8.8-inch digital driver's display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available. Other features include a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting, automatic climate control and connected-car technology. MG also offers features such as Pet Mode, Camp Mode, Valet Mode and Nap Mode.

Comfort & Convenience

The higher Essence variant adds ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats and 256-colour ambient lighting. These features give the cabin a more premium feel without making it too complicated.

Boot Space

With all three rows in use, the Tomahawk PHEV offers 192 litres of boot space. Folding the third row increases this to 528 litres. So, the seven-seat layout is useful when you need the extra seats, but folding the third row makes the SUV much more practical for luggage-heavy trips.

Though the Tomahawk PHEV has not been crash-tested yet, it gets a good safety package across both variants. It includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, TPMS, hill-hold assist, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX mounts and a 360-degree camera. However, Level 2 ADAS is available only on the top-spec Essence variant. 

Passive Safety

Six airbags provide front, side and curtain protection, while ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and traction control help maintain control during braking and sudden manoeuvres. The SUV also gets all-wheel disc brakes, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, ISOFIX child-seat anchors and three-point seatbelts for all seats. 

Active Safety & ADAS

Both variants get a 360-degree camera, reverse camera and front and rear parking sensors, which should make parking the large SUV easier. The Essence adds the Level 2 ADAS package, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, High Beam Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. These systems can reduce driver workload, especially on highways, but they remain driver-assistance features and do not replace the driver.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Safety Features: Variant-Wise

Both variants get the core safety features, while the Essence adds Level 2 ADAS. 

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV brings together a petrol engine, electric motor and a seven-seat cabin, so buyers have a few different options to consider. Three-row SUVs such as the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, Hyundai Alcazar and Jeep Meridian are alternatives for those who prefer a regular petrol or diesel SUV. At the same time, the Mahindra XEV 9S and Hector Tomahawk EV are worth considering if you want to go fully electric. Other than that, there are 2 hybrids such as the Innova Hycross and Invicto as well. Here are some worthy rivals you can consider:

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV vs Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid

The Innova Hycross uses a self-charging strong-hybrid system and offers proven fuel efficiency with plenty of three-row space. It is a simpler option if you do not want to plug in the car.

The Tomahawk PHEV offers something the Toyota cannot: up to 115 km of claimed pure-electric driving. It is better suited to buyers who can charge regularly and want to use electric power for daily trips.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV vs Maruti Suzuki Invicto

The Invicto is another strong-hybrid seven-seater and has a lower starting price than the Tomahawk PHEV. It also benefits from Maruti's wide service network.

The MG is more advanced in terms of its hybrid setup, as its larger 20.5kWh battery can be plugged in and used for up to 115 km of claimed EV driving.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV vs Mahindra XEV 9S

The XEV 9S is a pure electric SUV and offers longer range on its higher versions, along with stronger performance. It is the better choice if you are ready to move completely to an EV.

The Tomahawk PHEV is more flexible for long-distance travel because the petrol engine can take over when the battery runs low.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV vs MG Hector Tomahawk EV

The Tomahawk EV is cheaper, starts at ₹19.49 lakh and offers a claimed range of 517 km. It is the simpler choice if you have easy access to charging and want to drive a fully electric SUV.

The PHEV costs more but can travel on electric power for up to 115 km and then use its petrol engine for longer journeys. It is better for buyers who want EV driving without giving up petrol-powered flexibility.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV vs Tata Safari

The Safari is a traditional three-row SUV with a diesel engine and a much lower starting price. It makes more sense if you want a familiar ICE SUV and do not want to deal with charging.

The Tomahawk PHEV costs more but offers electric driving for daily use, along with the option of using petrol on longer trips.

Which Family SUV Makes More Sense?

• MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV: Best for buyers who want EV driving with petrol backup and seven seats.
• Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid: Better for proven strong-hybrid efficiency and three-row practicality.
• Maruti Suzuki Invicto: A good choice for buyers who want a strong hybrid with a wide service network.
• Mahindra XEV 9S: Better for buyers ready to switch fully to electric driving.
• MG Hector Tomahawk EV: For buyers who want a cheaper, fully electric version of the same SUV.
• Tata Safari: Better if you prefer a conventional diesel SUV at a lower price.

The Tomahawk PHEV's main strengths are its ability to run on electric power for daily use, seven-seat layout and long claimed combined range. On the other hand, it costs more than most regular three-row SUVs, comes in only two variants and makes the most sense for buyers who can charge it regularly.

Overall, the Tomahawk PHEV makes the most sense for buyers who can charge at home and want to use electric power for everyday driving, while still having the petrol engine for longer trips. 

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV is an interesting option if you want to move towards electric driving but are not ready to give up a petrol engine. Its 20.5kWh battery gives it a claimed 115 km of pure-EV range, while the petrol engine takes care of longer trips.

It also works well as a family SUV. The seven-seat layout, 192-litre boot with all rows up and 528 litres with the third row folded, make it practical for everyday use. The cabin is also packed with features, including a 15.6-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, powered seats, ventilated front seats and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system. The Exclusive is the one to pick if you want to keep the price lower. It gets most of the important features and safety kit, while the Essence adds a few more premium touches.

The Tomahawk PHEV also has a few alternatives worth looking at. The Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto use strong-hybrid systems, while the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar are cheaper three-row SUVs. If you want to go fully electric, the Mahindra XEV 9S and MG Hector Tomahawk EV are also worth considering.

The bigger question is whether you can make use of the plug-in system. If you can charge at home and most of your daily driving falls within the claimed 115 km EV range, it can help you use very little petrol for everyday trips. If charging is not easy for you, a regular hybrid or petrol SUV may be a simpler choice.

Overall, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is a unique option for buyers who want both electric and petrol driving in a seven-seat SUV. The price is fairly high, but the ability to drive on electric power for daily use and switch to petrol for longer trips gives it an advantage over a regular hybrid or full EV.