The Maxus MIFA 9 is no ordinary MPV. Singapore’s first all-electric, zero-emissions seven-seater is a luxury car that delivers amazing bang-for-buck

SINGAPORE

As the world moves into the new age of emissions-free motoring, the quiet, efficient glide of the all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle will soon be the new normal. Maxus is leading the way for large multi-purpose vehicles, also commonly known as MPVs or people movers, here in Singapore with the MIFA 9. It’s one of the first all-electric, premium large MPVs to go on sale in the city state.

Measuring 5.2 metres in length, it’s longer than its major competition. This means more interior space. Yet at 1.84 metres in height, the MIFA 9 also isn’t as tall as some other MPVs, and this translates into more confidence to drive the vehicle into low-ceilinged urban carpark buildings. Not that you can tell from the inside however, as the low, flat floor gives occupants space to move about freely inside the car. To access the third row of three seats, there’s no need to fold or move any of the other seats in the car, you simply walk through the centre aisle.

Lithium-ion batteries send power to a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. Power delivery is consistent and linear, which actually makes it easy to operate the car smoothly for a pleasant ride. It’s also pretty quick for a car of this size, and can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in just 9.2 seconds.

Up front, the twin digital screens with onboard navigation and smartphone connectivity are entirely touch operated, and the wireless smartphone charging pad is on the top of the centre console for convenience.

A modern car wouldn’t be one without its full suite of active safety features, and in the MIFA 9, the 360-degree camera systems work well when parking and on the highways. There’s also a fatigue detection system with a camera facing the driver. It triggers an in-cabin buzzer if it thinks you are nodding off at the wheel.

The Maxus MIFA 9 has a quoted maximum range of 435km, and at its maximum charge rate of 120kW DC, can be quickly recharged in around half an hour if you do have a charger that’s rated to deliver that amount of power.

Yet, you don’t buy something like this to drive it like a sports car. It’s all about the interior comforts, and the Maxus MIFA 9 invites you into the plush passenger space through its two large motorised sliding doors.

There’s comfortable room for seven occupants, and the experience is almost like riding on a quiet magic carpet. Two individually powered captain’s seats form the centrepiece of the passenger cabin. Motorised with the ability to recline fully and with extendable footrests to elevate the feet of your passengers, there’s space in here to rival that of the best business class airline seats.

An extra foot rest for each seat built into the floor, plus seat ventilation for heating and cooling add to the car’s premium luxury feel. Need something powered up, and it uses more power than what the car’s many USB sockets can provide? There’s a fully serviceable electrical power socket on the centre console for that.

Another standout feature is the fact that while the MIFA 9 in Luxury specification has massage seats only in the middle row, the Premium specification variant features massage functions in four of its seven seats, with eight-mode massage functions compared to the Luxury variant’s four modes.

This is unique as most other large MPVs typically only have massage seats in the second row, while the MIFA 9 Premium features them on the front passenger and driver’s seats too. The Premium specification car also has fold-out tables and additional touch screen controls for the second row passenger.

When you need more luggage space, the third row shuffles forwards on rails hidden in the floor, or can simply be folded out of the way for a cavernous luggage capacity. Just watch out and leave space for the rear hatch, as it’s almost as big as a barn door and opens upwards.

After dark, the cabin becomes an even more inviting place than ever with its customisable, 64-colour LED ambient lighting feature. It brightens and further illuminates the whole cabin with a soft glow when the car is stopped and the doors opened, which is both a practical and aesthetic positive.

Overhead, a panoramic sunroof is exposed when the ceiling’s sunshade slides away with a swipe on the central touchscreen’s control panel. Another unique feature is that the glass pane of the sunroof can be opened, while most other MPVs have them fixed in a closed position.

Furthermore, as an officially imported car with full dealer backing from Cycle & Carriage, the extended warranty gives plenty of peace of mind too.

A quiet, luxurious ride with zero emissions and a cabin that’s all about passenger comfort. Singapore’s first all-electric premium MPV lacks nothing. Check it out at Cycle & Carriage and see why people are raving over the Maxus MIFA 9 yourself. 

• 
  Aston Martin Vantage unveiled. It is really much better!
• 
  Flash Drive: We pilot Tesla’s latest and greatest across the Malaysian peninsula
• 
  YHI Corporation marks 50 years with Yokohama unveiling 3 new tyres
• 
  If you own an EV and live in a condominium, you need to read this
• 
  2024 Audi A3 30 TFSI MHEV Sportback First Drive Review: Friendlier Cat