Exclusive: MG MiFa M9 Electric Luxury MPV To Be Assembled In India

MG M9 Electric MPV To Be Locally Assembled, Priced to Challenge Kia Carnival

India’s luxury car space is about to see a major shift. MG Motor is gearing up to introduce its all-electric luxury MPV, the MiFa M9—branded simply as the MG M9 for the Indian market. What makes it stand out isn’t just its size, features, or all-electric credentials, but the strategy behind its pricing and local assembly.

MG plans to assemble the M9 at its Halol plant in Gujarat using CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits imported from China. Sales are scheduled to begin in May 2025. Crucially, this local assembly move is expected to bring the price down to around ₹70 lakh—about ₹50 lakh less than the segment-dominating Toyota Vellfire's top-end trim, and in the same ballpark as Kia Carnival. That price alone could significantly widen the appeal of electric luxury mobility in India.

Making Luxury More Attainable Through Local Assembly

Luxury MPVs have traditionally come to India as fully built units, attracting steep import duties that push prices north of a crore. By assembling the M9 locally, MG sidesteps these import costs. The result? A vehicle that delivers the presence and pampering of a premium people-mover without the wallet-busting price tag.

With its expected pricing, the M9 finds itself in a unique position. While it undercuts the Toyota Vellfire by a wide margin, it also nudges close to the price of the Kia Carnival, which has carved out a strong niche for itself by offering full-size MPV comfort and practicality at a relatively accessible price. The difference? The M9 goes a step further by offering a fully electric drivetrain and a cabin loaded with creature comforts.

Big on Space, Bigger on Comfort

At over 5.2 metres long, the MG M9 commands road presence. Rolling on 19-inch alloy wheels, it’s larger than even the Vellfire. Inside, the focus is unmistakably on comfort, tech, and convenience.

The M9 will come in a three-row, seven-seater configuration, with captain seats in the second row offering a business-class experience. Internationally, an eight-seat version is also available. Rear seat passengers can stretch out in ottoman-style chairs with ventilation, electric reclining, and massage functions—ideal for chauffeur-driven buyers.

Up front, powered seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a fully digital driver display set the tone for a high-tech cabin. Dual sunroofs (a single-pane unit at the front and a panoramic dual-pane setup at the rear), power-operated sliding doors, and a suite of connected car features further enhance usability. With three-zone climate control, passengers across all rows enjoy personalised comfort.

Safety hasn't been ignored either. The M9 gets Level-2 ADAS, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking—helping reduce driver fatigue while adding a layer of reassurance.

Electric Power, Everyday Usability

Powering the MG M9 is a 90 kWh battery mated to a 245 hp front-wheel-drive electric motor that produces 350 Nm of torque. MG claims a WLTP range of up to 580 km, with real-world range expected to be around 400 km. For most urban commutes and intercity runs, this should translate to several days between charges.

Beyond range, the electric motor promises a quiet, smooth, and refined driving experience—well suited to the M9’s luxury brief.

India’s Love for MPVs Is Growing—And the M9 Taps Right In

While SUVs have dominated India’s passenger car market, MPVs have quietly built a strong base of their own. In FY25, MPVs accounted for 11% of the market, second only to SUVs. Even as sedans and hatchbacks saw declines, MPVs showed consistent growth—driven by changing buyer needs and lifestyle shifts.

Models like the Kia Carnival have already proven that buyers are willing to stretch their budgets for a spacious, feature-rich MPV that delivers a more relaxed, lounge-like experience—especially for families and older passengers who value easy ingress and a smooth ride over outright road presence.

Buyers today are looking for a single do-it-all vehicle—something that’s ideal for long-distance travel, daily city driving, and weekend getaways. MPVs tick all those boxes, and with added comfort and technology, they’re fast becoming a symbol of modern Indian aspirations.

MG M9: Arriving at the Right Time

MG’s own Windsor EV has already found success in India, with nearly 20,000 units sold since October 2024. Now, the MG M9 is set to tap into both the growing interest in premium MPVs and the country’s accelerating shift towards electric vehicles. And with models like the Kia Carens EV also on the horizon, electric MPVs could soon become a more regular sight on Indian roads.

But MG has an early-mover advantage. By assembling the M9 locally, the brand not only offers a price advantage but also strengthens support through its premium MG Select dealership network. This means better parts availability, shorter service times, and a more premium buying experience—factors that matter deeply in this price band.

A Real Choice in the Luxury Space

Until now, buyers in the luxury MPV space had to choose between the Vellfire’s comfort and hybrid tech or the Carnival’s affordability and diesel power. The MG M9 introduces a third way: all-electric luxury at a lower cost, without sacrificing on comfort, tech, or space. It’s a genuine alternative for families, business professionals, and fleet operators who’ve long desired the plushness of a Vellfire but couldn’t justify the spend. With the M9, MG is promising a premium experience that is both aspirational and accessible.

The Road Ahead

Pre-bookings for the MG M9 are already open, and deliveries are expected to begin in May 2025. While it may not be the only electric MPV on the cards, it’s certainly among the first to aim squarely at India’s evolving premium car buyer—someone who values sustainability, comfort, and convenience, but also keeps an eye on value.

The MG M9 isn’t just another electric car—it’s a sign of how India’s car market is maturing. As preferences shift from purely brand-driven purchases to value-luxury hybrids that offer the best of both worlds, the M9 could very well become the blueprint for future launches in this space.

MG’s message is clear: electric luxury doesn’t have to cost a crore. And for buyers, that’s a disruption worth paying attention to.