Bangkok 2023: MG Maxus 9 – 3-row MPV with 90 kWh battery, 540 km EV range, 245 PS; Alphard instead?
This is the MG Maxus 9, an all-electric MPV that is being unveiled at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) and is currently available for pre-order for a fee of 20,000 baht (RM2,594), which will allows customers to receive a discount of 40,000 baht (RM5,192) when the vehicle is officially delivered.
Don’t be confused by the name. Although it has two car brands – MG and Maxus – in its name, this is very much a product of Maxus, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor, which also happens to own MG. The ‘MG’ is there because the MPV is sold by MG Thailand, but it should be noted that the MPV is simply called the Maxus Mifa 9 in its home market of China.
Closely related to the Maxus G90, the Maxus 9 measures 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, 1,840 mm high and has a wheelbase of 3,200 mm. For context, the Toyota Alphard is slightly smaller when compared to the Maxus 9 at 4,945 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, and has a 3,000 mm shorter wheelbase.
The electric drivetrain in the Maxus 9 has a front-mounted motor that produces 245 PS (241 hp or 180 kW) and 350 Nm of torque. This is linked to a 3-stage lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 90 kWh, which matches a range of 540 km according to NEDC standards. The battery can be fully charged in 8.5 hours with AC input at up to 11 kW, or charged from 30-80% in about 36 minutes with a 120 kW DC fast charger.
In Thailand, the Maxus 9 will be offered in two versions, starting with the X. This version comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and taillights. LED with sequential turn signals, front sunroof, rear sunroof. Panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, 64-color ambient lighting, electric steering wheel, power front seats as well as second row seats with massage and heating functions.
The listing also includes automatic air conditioning with second and third row vents, PM2.5 air purifier, 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, wireless phone charger, keyless entry and exit, power sliding doors and trunk, sensor-sensing wipers, eight speakers and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support .
The next step is level V, which adds run-flat tires, genuine leather seats, improved electric front seats with massage, heating, ventilation and memory functions on the driver’s side, second row leader’s seat. two VIP models, a mirror digital rearview screen, four extra speakers (12 for a total) and nine USB ports (the base option has seven).
The suite of driver aids and safety is identical for both the X and V and includes the usual passive systems (stability control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist), brake hold automatic (works with electronic parking brake), tire pressure monitoring, driver monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, assist lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a panoramic view monitor and surrounding parking sensors.
Customers who pre-order the Maxus 9 will also be provided with a free home charger worth 42,057 baht (RM5,457) and a free installation of the aforementioned charger worth 18,692 baht (RM2,425). Other benefits include an extended vehicle warranty of 5 years/160,000 km compared to an 8-year 200,000 km battery warranty. The X version is offered in two colors – Black Knight and Pearl White – with the V version having the third option of a two-tone Granite Gray with a black hood.
