The Maxus name is an increasingly familiar one in the commercial vehicle market, and now it is expanding its offering with a fully electric MPV called the MIFA 9. The name is an acronym for Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly and Artistic, though what most people will notice about it is the size. At 5.2 metres in length, the MIFA 9 offers plenty of space for passengers inside, with seven- and eight-seat configurations available.
Underpinning the Maxus MIFA 9 is a platform that parent company SAIC has designed to be versatile and will likely also use in an SUV and pickup. A sizeable 93kWh battery pack, making it one of the largest currently available on the market. Maxus claims that the MIFA 9 will be capable of a 520-kilometre driving range and combined consumption of 17.9kWh/100km. It uses a 180kW (245hp) electric motor with 350Nm of torque which should prove adequate even with a full accompaniment of passengers.
It is possible to specify luxurious business-class-style seating with a reclining function in the second row for a more premium feel. Details include 19-inch aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels, a full-width daytime running light bar across the front, and sliding rear doors that allow easy access. An electrically operated tailgate reveals a modest boot when all seats are in use, though the third row can be folded down to increase cargo capacity.
A clutter-free interior features a digital instrument display for the driver ahead of a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel. A freestanding large touchscreen display sits atop the centre console, which also features USB charging ports, a 12-volt power socket and a wireless charging pad as part of the armrest. Touch-sensitive controls for the temperature and ventilation settings are inset on the dashboard fascia, similar to the Nissan Ariya.
Pricing for the Maxus MIFA 9 is still to be confirmed, with order books set to open in August, with the first deliveries in early 2023.