Maxus, a subsidiary of China’s mammoth SAIC Group, has just launched its Mifa 9 electric MPV in Malaysia. Regarded as the world’s first full-size pure electric MPV, the Mifa 9 comes in two models and a starting price of RM269,888 for the Luxury and RM289,888 for the Mifa 9 Premium.
In Malaysia, the Weststar Group is the authorised distributor of Maxus, and in addition to selling the Mifa 9, it also sells the Maxus eDeliver van and the Maxus T60 pickup truck. Marginally bigger than Toyota’s Alphard, the Mifa 9 is 5,270mm in length, 2,000 mm wide and 1,840 mm in height, with a 3,200 mm wheelbase. It comes shod with 19-inch wheels, a power tailgate, front and rear electric sunroofs and LED headlights with intelligent headlight control as standard exterior features.
Pumping out 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque, the front-wheel-drive Mifa 9’s single motor will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
Its 90-kWh battery pack has maximum range of 435 km (WLTP) while this MPV will charge from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes using DC 120kW quick charging, or from 5% to 100% in 8.5 hours using 11kW AC chargers.
The Mifa 9’s cabin is fitted with standard features like an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch head unit, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and 8 speakers. The Premium variant adds a luxury chair and a 12-speaker sound system. Meanwhile, in the safety department, it incorporates Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking System (RAEB), Rear Collision Warning (RDW), Adjustable Overspeed Alarm System, and front and rear radar.
Maxus says that the first 100 owners can expect a complimentary 22 kW AC charger. One other bonus is the warranty—included in the price of the Mifa 9 is a 5-year/100,000km manufacturer warranty and an 8-year/200,000km high voltage battery warranty.
OUR THOUGHTS
Okay, design-wise, the Mifa 9 is simple and subtle if not understated, although that rear end does look awfully similar to the back end of a Toyota Alphard. But then you’d expect a grille-less front end with an electric MPV. Hang on, if you think the Mira 9 is pricey, then you should compare it to the Alphard, which boasts a sticker price nearly twice as much as that of the Mifa 9 in Malaysia. And when you look at what you’re getting for your money, the Mifa 9 starts to look pretty appealing.