The Maxus Mifa 9 is the latest addition to the booming MPV market in the UK, following in the footsteps of other electric MPVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQV, Volkswagen ID Buzz, and Lexus LM. Maxus, a brand known for its electric vans and tippers, is making a name for itself in the UK market through its concessionaire, Harris Group. With a rise in sales of 46% last year and an expected increase of 60% this year, the Maxus Mifa 9 is set to make waves in the industry.
Design & Styling: The Maxus Mifa 9 is a spacious seven-seat MPV, comparable in size to the Mercedes-Benz EQV. While it shares its platform with the petrol-engined G90, it doesn’t compromise on space or comfort. The battery is positioned under the floor, allowing for maximum space and a range of around 270 miles. This range is impressive, even surpassing that of the EQV, which has a larger battery capacity.
The interior of the Mifa 9 is designed with comfort and luxury in mind. The driver is well taken care of with many-way electric adjustment, heating, and massage functions. The leather and PVC captain’s chairs in the second row are even more comfortable and adjustable, with touchscreen controls for various functions. The third row offers enough headroom for adults up to 5ft 9in tall. The boot space is limited with all seats in place but can be expanded by folding down the third-row seats.
While the interior design and material quality of the Mifa 9 are not on par with premium brands like Lexus, they are still of decent quality. The stitched leathery areas feel fine, and the plastics are not hard or scratchy. However, attention to detail is lacking in some areas, such as the seats creaking loudly and armrests juddering when folded up. The touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly, with a sensible menu structure and no translation issues. It even has Apple CarPlay, although it’s only available through a wired connection.
Engines & Performance: The Mifa 9 is powered by a single motor at the front, producing 241bhp. While this may sound like a lot, considering its weight with seven passengers, it doesn’t offer the whiplash acceleration of an average electric car. However, it is nippier than a regular diesel van. The handling is tidy thanks to the low center of gravity typical of EVs, but the body does roll quite a bit, leaving the driver feeling queasy. The regenerative braking can be adjusted from high to low, with the high setting being quite keen and requiring constant pressure on the accelerator to maintain speed.
Ride & Handling: Ride comfort is where the Mifa 9 falls short. It struggles to provide a smooth ride, especially with only two passengers on board. Potholes and uneven surfaces result in juddering and shaking, which is not ideal for VIP customers. The wind noise is also quite loud, even at moderate speeds. This is an area where Maxus could learn from Lexus and their specially designed A-pillars, bonnet, glass, and panel gaps.
MPG & Running Costs: The Mifa 9’s large battery promises a long range, but in reality, it falls short of expectations. In a test conducted by Autocar, the trip computer displayed an average of just 1.4mpkWh, half of what was suggested by WLTP. This would equate to a range of only 126 miles. The range prediction was optimistic even in dynamic mode, and after around 100 miles, the battery had only about 40% charge left.
Conclusion: The Maxus Mifa 9 offers an affordable option compared to its German and Japanese counterparts. While it may lack some sophistication and have flaws in terms of ride comfort and range, it still provides what MPVs are designed to do. For businesses looking to purchase multiple vehicles, the cost difference could be a strong selling point. However, it’s important to consider whether prioritizing the accountant’s delight over the satisfaction of VIP customers is worth it.