MG M9 Test Drive Review: India’s First All‑Electric Luxury MPV

Exterior & Scale

The M9 is colossal — stretching to 5.27 m long, 2 m wide with a 3.2 m wheelbase, making it larger than Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival in footprint.Its boxy silhouette is purposeful: it maximises cabin space over aesthetic appeal, though chrome accents and sleek LED DRLs give it presence without excess flair.

Cabin & Comfort: Back‑Seat Focus

The M9 is “a lounge on the go,” thanks to theatre‑class second‑row captain chairs featuring 16‑way power adjust, heating, massage, ventilation, and footrest ottomans. A one-touch “Boss Mode” shifts the front passenger seat forward to create generous legroom behind it, reinforcing the chauffeur-driven luxury intent.

The third row accommodates three average adults comfortably, though access via the passage between the middle chairs is a bit snug. Manual rear sunshades and no headrest for the centre third-row seat are minor downsides in an otherwise lavish layout

Features & Safety

The M9 comes in a single fully-loaded “Presidential Limo” variant. Cabin tech includes a 12.3″ infotainment screen, 7″ digital driver display, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, digital IRVM, 3-zone climate control, and a panoramic rear sunroof. Ambient lighting with 64 colours, a JBL 13‑speaker audio system, and multiple USB‑C ports round out the premium experience.

Safety is comprehensive: 7 airbags, ESC, TPMS, all‑around disc brakes, 360° camera, and Level‑2 ADAS including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, emergency braking, blind‑spot monitoring, and driver attention alerts. While Bharat or Global NCAP tests aren’t done yet, the MPV holds 5‑star Euro NCAP & ANCAP ratings abroad.

Powertrain & Drive Experience

Powered by a single front motor producing 245 bhp and 350 Nm, the M9 feels smooth and measured — deliberately refined rather than aggressively quick. Sub‑10‑second 0‑100 km/h pace should be achievable. Refined NVH is a highlight: wind, road and suspension noises are well-contained, and the electric motor emits only a faint whirr at very low speeds.

Range & Charging

Equipped with a 90 kWh NMC battery, MG claims a MIDC-certified range of 548 km in India. WLTP results abroad report about 430 km; real-world driving showed around ~300 km when idling with AC during filming. Charging via a 160 kW DC fast charger takes approximately 90 minutes for full charge, while a standard 11 kW AC wall charger needs roughly 10 hours.

Ride & Handling

The ride is slightly stiff at low speeds — imperfections remain noticeable despite the premium intent of the vehicle. Handling surprises for a vehicle of this size, with body roll kept in check and steering that feels composed whether in Normal or Sport mode. Braking features adjustable regenerative modes (L1 to L3), though single-pedal driving isn’t available. Sport brake mode may feel a touch grabby in slow traffic.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unrivalled middle-row comfort — close to a business-class lounge
• Well-insulated and refined cabin ambience
• Class-leading safety tech with Level‑2 ADAS
• Strong range for the segment and robust fast‑charging support
• Vellfire‑like premium feel at Carnival‑like pricing (~₹69.9 L ex‑showroom)

Cons

• Low-speed ride can feel busy/stiff
• Rear door feel and sunshade implementation not entirely premium
• Third-row limited when middle-row extended fully
• Only front-wheel drive; not intended for spirited self-drive routines

Verdict

The MG M9 lives up to its billing as India’s first luxury EV in the MPV class. Its focus squarely rests on pampering rear-seat occupants, and it succeeds at that with aplomb. While ride firmness and third-row constraints are minor negatives, the overall package offers top-tier safety, state-of-the-art ADAS, and excellent EV range. From chauffeur-driven families to high-end fleets, the M9 may well redefine expectations in India’s ₹70 Lax luxury MPV space.