It's time to welcome the biggest car of the year, quite literally. The MG M9 electric MPV is over 5.2 metres in length, packed with features and comes with a 90 kWh battery pack. Is MG's new van premium enough to strike a chord with the chauffeur-driven audience? Read the first drive review of the MG M9:
MG M9 space and features:
The wheelbase stands at 3,200 mm and getting in or out of the cabin is never a problem, thanks to the massive sliding doors. The middle-row, captain seats are large, electrically-adjustable and recline to turn into a lounge on wheels. The seats are 16-way power-operated seats - easily accessible with a few taps on the dedicated tab for the passengers - offer heating, cooling, massage and calf support. The attention to detail is neat with USB chargers, neck support and cup holders tucked in seamlessly. The seats lack the side support I was expecting.
The cabin is airy and spacious. Thanks to large windows, quarter glass and dual-pane sunroofs, passengers seated in any of the rows will find the interior space wide. The third row seats are equally spacious with abundant legroom and shoulder room for two adults. The underthigh support could have been better. Third row passengers have USB chargers, AC vents and cup holders at their disposal. There are privacy blinds, however, that are not electrically retractable. MG could have considered tray tables for the middle row as well.
MG M9 Front Row:
Vans usually lack lustre at the front row. The MG M9 breaks the mould. The front row seats have all the features that the middle row seats have - heating, cooling, massage and electric adjustment. Again, I found the contours of the seats a little wanting for the side support. The brown leather seats and sleek lines of the dashboard add a dash of elegance to the cabin. Storage spaces are plenty. The bottle holders, arm box and glove box are deep and accommodating.
The 12.3-inch free-standing infotainment screen is vibrant and responsive. However, the cabin lacks physical buttons. The driver has to access most controls through touch, which is never a wise thing. The digital driver's display is rather small, measuring 7-inch in size. That being said, barely, in my books, would the owner drive the MG9. In terms of features, the MG9 is handsomely loaded with features like ambient lighting, air purifier, three-zone AC, 12-speaker JBL stereo, wireless charging and electric IRVM (dashcam integrated).
MG M9 Safety:
MG M9 has scored a 5-star at Euro NCAP and ANCAP tests. It comes with level 2 ADAS, unlocking a slew of active and passive safety features. With the sheer footprint of M9, the 360-degree camera is a no-brainer and the footage quality is decent. The M9 comes with seven airbags as standard.
MG M9 Drivetrain:
A 90 kWh battery pack is at the heart of the MG M9, which offers 430 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. While the IDC claimed range is awaited, the brand has confirmed nearly 550 kilometres of range on a single charge during its internal testing. The MG M9 is powered by a 245-hp front-axle motor, rated at 350 Nm. There are three drive modes and multiple levels of motor regeneration.
MG M9 Drive Experience:
The feeling in the driver's seat is quite sedate. The van weighs over 2 tonnes, and with the massive footprint, there is a good amount of body roll in the corners. The straight line stability is good, and the M9 can comfortably cruise at triple-digit speeds. The steering heft is light, and the response is neutral. The suspension is largely on the softer side, soaking up bumps effortlessly. The new, self-healing Continental tyres on the review unit made a squishy sound, which could be a case with the particular unit. The acceleration is fairly predictable, and engaging in sport mode doesn't make it a whole lot different. The braking strength is progressive. In simpler words, the owner of an M9 will enjoy the rear seats the most.