Louth Motors: World’s First Pure Electric MPV

So much to unpack with the Maxus Mifa 9. First of all, it is claimed to be the world’s first full-size pure electric MPV. A fine boast from a car company that is “new” to the Irish market.

When I say new, I mean as a brand that the car buying public would be familiar with. Maxus is not unknown in the commercial sector here and a bit of motoring DNA for you now.

Maxus is a brand owned by the Chinese global manufacturer SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) that also owns MG which may be more familiar to you. Depending on whose stats you use, and by what measurement method you choose, they are the 7th biggest automobile manufacturer in the world and the 11th biggest producer of EVs in the world. SAIC is the 60th biggest company in the world too.

Their debut “car” in the Irish market is the Mifa 9. Not only is their world presence huge, so is the Mifa 9. It measures 5,270mm long and is a luxurious 7-seater – I’ll explain in a moment.

That’s just 100mm shorter than a Mercedes EQV.

It’s hard to disguise the looks but Maxus have had a good crack at it. The front is fuss-free with sculpted pseudo vents that house the fog lights that are the current L shape that’s in vogue.

Narrow headlights that merge with the grille look sleek and is a very modern EV look.

The side is harder to disguise and it is slab-sided with a high waist. The standout feature is the Z shaped chrome adornment that distracts you from its van like shape. The rear has the full width light bar that also defines the outer edges below the waistline – you won’t miss it when it is lit up.

Being a 7-seater may be expected for an MPV but this car could well be an 8-seater. The reason it isn’t is because of the interior.

It is finished to a very high specification and the second row has just two of the most amazing seats I’ve encountered.

They have every conceivable feature and their own touch screen control.

Being a wide car the seats can even move left to right - a first for me. Heated and chilled, they also fully recline to allow you have a sleep.

I’m not joking if I was to be driven around I’d demand these seats and you’ll have no passengers fighting to get into the front seat.
The car has a 90kWh battery with a claimed range of up to 520kms. You get three driving modes with not a lot of difference between them.

The 0-100km/h time takes a not unimpressive 9.9 seconds which for its size and 2,535kg weight is remarkable. Charging time takes 30 mins on a DC charger to get from 30% to 80% with home charging taking 8.5 hours using an 11kW home charger.

The ride set up for maximum comfort. You or your passengers won’t relish you exploring how fast it will go around a bend.
This is a vehicle where you don’t want any external distractions other than sightseeing. The steering is light but doesn’t have much feel.

Bumps are absorbed well and if you are trying to give passengers a luxurious trip they will definitely feel they are getting it in the Mifa 9.

Equipment levels are very high, both in terms of comfort and safety.
The amazing seats are only available on the top spec Premium model though and really are a must have.

Here's the deal. The entry model of the three trims, Elite, Luxury & Premium, starts at €79,950. It’s near €100k for the premium model.

For a brand that is new to the market will there be buyers at that price prepared to take the plunge? The car has the ingredients and backup to support that decision but has it the cache associated with a more known prestigious brand?

Pioneering spirit should always be supported and a world’s first, pure electric MPV deserves consideration.

Unfortunately, we have deserted MPVs and the market in Ireland for them is niche to say the least.

I’ve seen taxi drivers in some cars that make my mind boggle but for that purpose, it’s perfect.

Better still is the luxury chauffeur market with those spectacular second row seats.

That €80k entry price is still approx. €30k less than the entry Mercedes- EQV and is a sizeable difference that may persuade you to plumb and pioneer for the Mifa 9.