The M9 isn’t just another new electric car, it’s the start of something new – believes MG as they usher in a new Select showroom where it will be sold. This new premium sale and after-sales under the Select umbrella need to be matched by their first car. And this electric MPV was the perfect way to go.
Not only that, being a full-size EV people-mover, it also wants to split the difference between two very different ends of the spectrum when it comes to large, luxurious MPVs – of which we never thought was a segment which was needed in India before. But this segment is real, and what MG has done is drop an all-electric MPV into a segment that never saw this coming, and in doing so, they've created something that feels new, slightly familiar, and largely sensible. But is that enough?
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Let’s get the size bit out of the way—because it’s big. At 5.27 metres long and 2 metres wide, the M9 is physically larger than both the Vellfire and the Carnival, even outstretches the all-electric Kia EV9 in sheer dimensions. And yet, for all its real estate, the M9 doesn’t scream for attention.
Sure, the front is clean, and the slim headlamps give it a futuristic edge. The Z-shaped chrome window line adds flair. But as you walk around it, the design lacks a visual signature. There’s no bold character line, no defining element that gives it an identity. It tries to keep things simple, but in doing so, ends up feeling anonymous, especially when parked next to the bling of a Vellfire or the sculpted lines of a Carnival. What it needed was a single characteristic trait that makes it instantly recognisable. Being big and large is its character, but an element that makes its mark, which would have added to its personality. That said, it does look best in black, but you can also have it in white or grey.
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MG is very clear about the M9’s audience—this is meant to be a chauffeur-driven experience. Step into the second row and you get what MG calls “Presidential Seats.” Think first-class airline seats with heating, ventilation, massage functions and, yes, fold-out ottomans. The armrest-mounted touchscreen controls everything from ambient lighting to seat position and the sunroof. It even has a cupholder and an integrated tissue box holder (something I have seen for the first time).
There’s attention to luxury here, but it’s not without some missteps. USB ports are hidden inside the armrest, and there’s no proper slot to place your phone securely. A minor miss, but one that’ll be noticed by anyone used to the cabin of more premium brands such as Mercedes or BMW. Still, as a place to be driven around in, this cabin works beautifully.
More importantly, the M9 is a proper three-row MPV. The third row, often overlooked in such vehicles, is usable, offering space for three adults, dedicated AC vents, and USB-A charging ports. Access is decent, and there's a noticeable effort to maintain comfort throughout the cabin. It’s got as much shoulder room as you usually get in the second row of a compact SUV. Even the headroom is decent, with large windows to save you from feeling claustrophobic. At the back, you get a massive 945-litre boot (with all rows in use), and a 55-litre frunk up front.
The dashboard layout is minimalistic, not unlike what you’d expect in a modern EV. There’s a 12.23-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a JBL sound system. A 7-inch digital driver’s display handles the instrumentation. However, sitting here, it feels that this space is more suited for the driver rather than an owner, typical for an MPV, right?
However, for days when the owner decides to take the wheel, he/she would notice the premium touches include a mix of leather and suede in a rich cognac brown shade, while the driver and front passenger seats also get heating and ventilation functions. A wireless charger, digital IRVM, and PM2.5 filter round out the list. The interface of the touchscreen is simple and very familiar to one’s smartphone. And mentioning more about the feature list, there’s a panoramic sunroof and a separate sunroof for the front row, multicoloured ambient lighting and manual window shades. Rear-seat entertainment screens are optional, though.
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As for safety, M9 gets Level 2 ADAS, 7 airbags, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake, TPMS, ISOFIX, and all-around disc brakes. Emergency brake assist and ESP are standard, and while the India NCAP rating is pending, the M9 already holds 5-star crash test ratings from Euro and Australasian NCAPs.
Powering the M9 is a 90kWh NMC battery, paired with a single front-mounted electric motor making 240bhp and 350Nm of torque. As we have established already, this is a large MPV. With hefty weight to go with it. However, everything from acceleration to braking is smooth and well-sorted. It's tailored to offer a limousine-like experience. However, despite its size and weight, the M9 feels surprisingly nimble at low speeds.
For something this big and this heavy, the M9 feels shockingly manageable in the city. It makes a U-turn as tight as if it’s got rear-wheel steering. It doesn’t, but it feels like it. Moreover, the steering is light, visibility is expansive despite acres of dashboard laid out upfront, and low-speed ride comfort is excellent. There’s a strong mid-range performance for overtakes. But push past 90-100 kmph and the M9 starts to show its bulk. At higher speeds, it’s not uncomfortable, but it does feel like it prefers being driven gently.
What deserves special praise in the M9 is the way its suspension is set up. It handles broken patches nicely and settles quickly, there’s no wallowing feel, which is usually associated with a car this size and stature. Though sharper bumps will send a mild thud through the rear. But that’s forgivable because the ride quality is simply phenomenally good. Regenerative braking is well-tuned, and NVH levels are top-notch, with barely any wind or road noise creeping into the cabin.
And lastly, the range? MG claims a range of 550km (under their internal testing), but realistically, expect closer to 380km under typical Indian driving conditions. When we started the day with 97 per cent, the indicated MIDC range was around 417 km. But with the realistic range with AC turned on and normal driving, we depleted half the battery and came to a calculation where 380kms of realistic range is achievable.
Moreover, fast charging is supported up to 160kW, while the 11kW home charger should take around 10 hours for a full top-up. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities are also built in. A few quirks remain, though: inconsistent warnings, alerts that sound off unnecessarily, and a minor annoyance—activating the turn indicator mutes the music. Not a dealbreaker, but certainly a UX issue that needs ironing out.
The MG M9 isn’t trying to out-luxe the Vellfire or undercut the Carnival. Instead, it offers an all-electric option for families or corporations who value space, silence, and comfort, with a serious focus on second-row indulgence. It doesn’t scream for attention with its design, but it does grab a second look owing to its sheer colossal dimensions. It also drives well, rides even better, and gives you all the tech you could ask for. If you can live with the anonymous styling and some ergonomic misfires, the M9 is a smart, zero-emission alternative to the big boys.
More importantly, it also marks the beginning of MG’s new “Select” ownership experience, promising a premium sales and after-sales journey. And in that sense, the M9 is more than a product—it’s the beginning of a whole new chapter for MG in India.
Pictures by Vaibhav Dhanawade
