The 2023 Maxus MIFA 9 is the first fully electric MPV to hit Singapore that is purpose built as a passenger vehicle. It takes the form of a premium MPV and goes up against traditional industry favourites like the Toyota Alphard. Housing a 90kWh battery, the MIFA 9 has a range of 435km on a single charge and produces 241 bhp and 350Nm of torque. Aside from standard features such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto, the car also comes with a 12.3 inch infotainment screen, captain's chairs in the second row, electrically adjustable seats all around, as well as massage functions.
The First of its Kind
While electric vehicles have gained momentum in Singapore, with more and more options hitting our shores in recent months, the Maxus MIFA 9 is the very first purpose built all electric luxury MPV to hit the market. Typically a segment with a dedicated and niche following that is typically dominated by traditional players like the Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, and Honda Odyssey, Maxus have really thrown a curveball into this segment, offering consumers here what other more established brands seem reluctant to do for now. It's the first of its kind, and while it will take a little bit of getting use to, its an interesting value proposition for consumers - the chance to own a family friendly MPV that is quick on its feet due to an electrical drivetrain and possible cheaper to run than its petrol powered rivals.
Looking beyond the mould of an MPV, the MIFA 9 is also an interesting vehicle because it offers up a completely different lifestyle for consumers. By combining a comfortable and luxurious cabin with acres of space with an electric drivetrain, consumers could potentially sleep inside the cabin of the car on road trips and camping trips without worrying about exhaust fumes. For anybody who has ever thought of doing this, the MIFA 9 could be a real game changer.
Tremendous Value for Money
Costing more than $300,000 at this current juncture, the MIFA 9 isn't a cheap car by any means. However, there is no denying that there is still huge value to be derived. For starters, you get 7 proper seats including 2 luxurious captain's style armchairs in the second row. You also get a huge car for the money that is equipped with a modern electric drivetrain. If that isn't enough, you also get other luxury features such as a full length panoramic sunroof, a JBL sound system, a 12.3 inch infotainment unit, as well as electrically adjustable seats all around.
No doubt, there are people who will balk at the idea of a $300,000 Chinese EV, but i've stopped seeing this as a deterrent for some time now. In fact, I find it quite reassuring to know that an EV is made in China - after all, even some of the most sought after EVs in the market today are made in China. If you're able to see the wisdom in this, its easy to see how a car like the MIFA 9 is really taking the fight to traditional, petrol powered MPVs. Incidentally, the latest Toyota Vellfire hybrid has just launched and will cost just under $400,000 in current COE conditions.
A Different Driving Experience
Getting into the MIFA 9 and putting my foot down on the accelerator, there was an unfamiliar perkiness to the car that took me a moment to reconcile. It was the first time I'd ever been in an MPV that provided me any form of excitement. If you think about the fact that the MIFA 9 is fully electric, this shouldn't be too surprising - yet, the 241 bhp an 350Nm of torque offered by the MIFA 9 is a refreshing and welcome change from the dull and usually pedestrian performance from other MPVs on the market. The MIFA 9 isn't extremely quick by any means, but its torque figures are good, and will definitely feel like an upgrade in driving dynamics if you're jumping ship from any other MPV, save perhaps the Volkswagen Sharan.
Aside from speed and power, the MIFA 9's electric drivetrain also accords consumers with an extremely quiet ride that is absolved of any CVT roar when pushed hard. The car glides through the highways with very good ride quality, and feels effortless in its acceleration. Combine all this with the luxurious seating arrangements of the MIFA 9, and what you have on hand is an amazingly competent MPV that will be extremely rewarding to drive on long road trips.
Who will it Appeal to?
For anybody who still feels that they require an MPV in the family, but desires a more productive and exciting drivetrain should definitely take a look at the MIFA 9. While not quite as luxurious as a Vellfire, it does cost quite a bit less, and provides quite a bit more. It's a great car in my opinion, and a breath of fresh air. The question is whether or not customers can get over the branding of the vehicle.
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