Maxus MIFA 9 electric MPV confirmed for Norway

In response to China’s new three-child policy, many homegrown automakers have lined up luxury MPV launches, including pure electric models. One of these electric minivan models is the Maxus MIFA 9, coming to at least seven European markets – Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Iceland, Ireland, and the UK. In this article, we look at everything we know about the product from Norway’s perspective.

Design

The Maxus MIFA 9 features a striking design that makes it very appealing though it’s a family van. Key to that attractive design is the prominent front end that makes it seem grand and powerful. The large, high-set bonnet that doesn’t slope down fast like most MPVs, the thin headlamps, and the prominent bumper make the electric MPV look grand and tough.

The chunky aero wheels and the low ground clearance enhance the style on the sides. At the rear, the full-width taillights flow out to the vehicle’s shoulders, but that key design element is probably a bit much for the taste of customers outside China.

The production model looks just as large and boxy as the concept. It has huge windows, which should keep the cabin lit with plenty of natural light and provide good exterior visibility, making the journey more interesting for the occupants. The tailgate looks more upright, showing how the designers have tried to maximize the interior volume within the set dimensions.

Interior

The interior of the Maxus MIFA 9 is highly digital and minimalist and quite luxurious for an MPV. This model is certainly not a low-cost people mover designed for fleets, at least not from its looks.

A gloss black panel with chrome surround spans nearly the entire width of a sleek dashboard, and it houses three large screens, plus what looks like a small screen for an animated virtual assistant. Qualcomm 8155 and MediaTek 8666 chips power the electric MPV’s onboard electronics.

The climate control system is a touch-operated digital panel integrated into the dashboard. The capacitive switches for the climate control system probably offer haptic feedback when touched. A two-spoke steering wheel communicates the luxury-class positioning of the MPV if the other elements or the rich color-coding and materials of the cabin didn’t already.

Maxus will sell the MIFA 9 in Norway in passenger and van versions. The van version includes two seats and up to 4 m³ of cargo space. The passenger version will be available in a comfort-focused 2+2+3 seating layout and a more practical 2+3+3 seating layout. It will feature power adjustment for the first- and second-row seats, and even heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Second-row passengers in the seven-seat configuration will be able to recline the backrests and adjust the leg rests conveniently using individual touchscreens integrated into the armrests. The second-row and third-row seats can slide completely forward to free up luggage space with the touch of a switch. The live images in this story are of this comfort-focused configuration, snapped at the 2022 Commercial Vehicles show (2022 CV Show) in Birmingham, UK, in May 2022. More recently, Maxus showcased the MIFA 9 at IAA Transportation 2022 in Hannover, Germany, from September 19 to 25, 2022.

Specifications

The Maxus MIFA 9 measures 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,840 mm in height, and it has a 3,200 mm-long wheelbase. It sits on a new modular platform called Maxus Intelligent Flexible Architecture, hence the name ‘MIFA (9).’

A CATL-made 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivering a WLTP range of 440 km (273 miles) is standard in the electric MPV. The battery pack isn’t a triple-digit capacity as you would expect in a full-size MPV, but it delivers decent range due to the motor’s sedate performance.

A single motor powering the wheels, specifically the front wheels, generates 180 kW (245 PS/241 bhp) of power and 350 Nm of torque. An 11 kW onboard charger is a standard feature in Norway, and it supports charging via a three-phase outlet. A heat pump is also part of the standard equipment in the country.

Aspect	Specification
Length	5,270 mm
Width	2,000 mm
Height	1,840 mm
Wheelbase	3,200 mm
Battery Pack Capacity	90 kWh
Motor Power	180 kW
Motor Torque	350 Nm
Range (WLTP)	440 km (273 miles)

Production & Release Date

Manufactured at SAIC’s Lighthouse Factory in Nanjing, China, the Maxus MIFA 9 will go on sale in Norway later in 2022. The Peugeot e-Traveller and the VW ID. Buzz will likely be the MIFA 9’s chief competitors.

SAIC currently exports the Maxus Euniq 7 electric MPV and the Maxus Euniq 6 SUV to Europe, and is building its presence with electric passenger models. Maxus is improving its reach in Europe with each passing year. For instance, in July 2021, over 5,000 vehicles, including SAIC Maxus EV30 (called e Deliver 3 for the overseas version), EV90 (called e Deliver 9 for the overseas version), and V90 (called Deliver 9 for the overseas version), were exported to Europe from the Chinese factories. The destinations included Norway, Britain, and Ireland.

Maxus MIFA 9 Price

Video Source: YouTube/China Auto Show

In China, the prices of the MIFA 9 start at CNY 279,900 (EUR 39,334/USD 39,847). SAIC will announce prices for Norway in the following weeks.

TopElectricSUV says

The Maxus MIFA 9 can be viewed as a low-cost alternative to the Mercedes EQV. Additionally, it is bigger (than the standard-wheelbase version), offers more power, and delivers a notably longer range, which would be ideal for many fleet operators. If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers great value for money but doesn’t necessarily need to have German sensibilities, you may be happy purchasing the Chinese electric MPV!

Maxus MIFA 9 FAQs

Featured Image Source: SAIC