MG M9: Here’s What To Expect From The Silent, Yet Luxurious MPV…

With its launch just around the corner, the M9 is set to become MG’s contender in the luxury MPV segment on our shores. Pre-launch bookings are already open for the lavish and plush SUV, which will cater to chauffeur-driven consumers who desire to travel in utmost comfort. It will also mark MG’s entry into the luxury segment, and will be a crucial MPV for the brand in India to strengthen its image and product portfolio. 

In this report, we take you through the expectations that have been set for the luxury MPV and what one can expect. We also discuss the impact that this EV could have on MG as well as on the automotive industry. 

Let’s begin! 

A New Playground! 

MG is all set to begin a new chapter in India, a premium one! As you might already be aware, the automaker will be launching two new vehicles in India, namely, the Cyberster and the M9. Both these vehicles will be sold through the premium ‘MG Select’ dealership chain, giving buyers an exclusive experience. Consider it as the business class of MG showrooms, reserved for the more premium and expensive offerings. A total of 14 Select outlets will be opened across 13 cities, providing a top-notch experience for the elite section of buyers. 

For a better understanding, consider the case of Maruti Suzuki cars. The Indian automaker offers cars like the Swift, Ertiga, and Celerio through the Arena dealerships. While cars like the Baleno and Jimny are sold through the premium Nexa showrooms which offer buyers a more exclusive experience. 

Quick Spec-check 

Let's quickly take a look at the features and powertrain of the MG M9. It is packed with top-notch amenities such as a 12.3-inch infotainment system, 12-speaker surround sound system, 7-inch driver’s display, wireless phone charging, reclining ottoman seats with extendable leg rests,  a built-in air purifier, three-zone climate control, and powered sunshades. The features give you a lounge-like experience on four wheels. 

Top safety features include multiple airbags, a Level-2 ADAS suite, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). 

It is expected to come with a 90 kWh battery pack, powering a single electric motor that delivers an impressive 245 PS and 350 Nm of torque. It goes 0 to 100 kmph in 9.9 seconds, which is commendable for such a large MPV. 

Will Indians Fancy It? 

The MPV market in India is thriving - not just in the mass-market segment but also in the premium and luxury space, where models like the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival have seen strong demand. This surge in popularity proves there is a growing appetite for high-end MPVs, making it the perfect time for an electric alternative to enter the market.

With an expected price tag of around Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom), an electric MPV could appeal to India’s elite, from Bollywood celebrities to business tycoons, who increasingly favour spacious and luxurious people movers. Given this trend, the M9 could be the perfect addition to Indian roads, offering the right amount of luxury and cutting-edge technology.

Also, the M9 is loaded to the brim with features, and India is a market where features play a crucial role in attracting buyers. So the M9 might find some buyers who crave features and want a cabin that makes you sit back and relax! 

What Makes It Stand Out? 

The M9 will only be able to capture the luxury MPV segment if it offers a value proposition to the buyers. The M9 is an MPV that will be pricey, and the only thing that would still have buyers pick it would be its unique selling proposition or the USP that it would offer. In the M9’s case, it is the sense of spaciousness, especially in the second row, that will make it stand out from the rest. 

Another important factor is the road presence you would get! The M9 is over 5.7 metres long, making it much longer than its chief ICE-powered rival, the Kia Carnival. The length also ensures a healthy wheelbase of 3.2 metres, which leads to immense space inside the cabin. 

Most buyers would be attracted to the M9 for its opulent cabin and chauffeur-driven experience. Lounging ottoman seats in the second row, plus the large list of features, including the 8-way massage function, will be key attractions for sure. 

Other Options?

Do you have any other alternatives? The answer to that is a yes and no. While there are other MPVs in the segment like the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Vellfire, the M9 will be the only electric option in the market. This means that at the time of its launch, it will be playing in a different league altogether. 

While you do have electric SUVs in the M9’s expected price range, none of them are as large as the M9. So if you are looking for a 7-seater luxury electric MPV which is ideal for moving families in comfort, you might want to consider the M9. 

Challenges It Could Face? 

While the M9 looks good on paper, and its launch seems interesting. One needs to remember that we live in a country where large-sized SUVS and MPVs are still not very easy to use and drive on a daily basis. Especially in metro cities like Mumbai, driving a 1-BHK-sized MPV is not an easy task even for an experienced driver. In the narrow lanes, driving the MPV will be difficult, and parking it? Even more so! 

While the M9 is expected to offer a WLTP-claimed range of 430 km, and the number does look good for a large MPV, one will have to wait to see how the M9 performs in the real world. Let’s also keep in mind that even though the charging infrastructure across India has improved significantly, the availability of fast-chargers (that are in working condition) cannot always be trusted and you will have to pre-plan your recharging stops on longer trips. 

Zig Says…

The launch of the M9 will be important for MG as it will help in showcasing the brand’s diverse range of products. It will also mark MG's entry into the luxury segment, as it currently has only mass-market SUVs in India. The fact that it is much different and premium than any other MG model will also play a key role in establishing a new brand image for the brand. Imagine seeing the massive M9 on the road, and someone in your car says, “Is that really an MG?”. 

The success of the Windsor EV might have already lifted MG’s spirits in India and the automaker would hope to continue with the momentum. 

So if you are someone who likes or wants to travel in business class, and needs an electric MPV that will almost take up the space of two compact hatchbacks on the road, then you should consider waiting for the M9, which is set to be launched in the coming few weeks. 

Ahead of its launch, we would like to know your thoughts about the M9. Does it have what it takes to create a niche of its own and dominate a segment? Let us know in the comments section.