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SAIC Maxus MIFA 9 vs Kia EV9 Detailed Comparison
The SAIC Maxus MIFA 9 and the Kia EV9 represent China’s electric automotive evolution, offering distinct features in the market. The MIFA 9, priced at £76k, captures the essence of Japanese luxury minivans with its electric powertrain. It might find its niche as a premium private hire vehicle. Meanwhile, the EV9, sharing a platform with Hyundai Ioniq 7, brings electric power to the three-row SUV segment. It offers rear- and all-wheel-drive options, with a robust 379-hp dual-motor setup for AWD. Both versions promise impressive range, with the AWD model boasting 300 miles from its 99.8-kWh battery. The RWD variant can go up to 223 miles from its 76.1-kWh battery. The EV9’s spacious interior and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice in the growing electric SUV market.
SAIC Maxus MIFA 9
Design and Features
The SAIC Maxus MIFA 9 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 5.3 meters in length and 2 meters in width, similar to a long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class. The spacious interior accommodates seven seats, furnished with a mix of solid plastics and leather trim, particularly in the Premium model. The cabin showcases a 12.3-inch central touchscreen for controls and a compact seven-inch driver’s display. While the infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its usability is marred by beeps and complex sub-menus. Despite its features, the Mifa 9 encountered issues reconnecting with iOS devices during testing.
Battery, Range and Performance
A dedicated EV platform underpins the SAIC Maxus Mifa 9, housing a 90kWh battery that provides it with a maximum range of 273 miles in the base configuration, slightly reduced to 267 miles for the Premium model. Although specific charging capacities remain undisclosed, a high-voltage source can recharge the battery from 30 to 80 percent in just half an hour. Its powertrain features a 245bhp electric motor, delivering 350Nm of instant torque to the front wheels. While it may not be the quickest EV with a 0-62 mph time of 9.2 seconds, the Mifa 9 is comfortable cruising at 80 mph. Its top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph, although maintaining that pace would diminish its range.
Pricing
Every part of the MIFA 9 exudes quality and luxury, reflecting its price tag. In Germany, the base model, featuring manual second-row seats, is priced at $63,400. The Luxury version, which includes power rear seats, is available for $69,800. The top-of-the-line Premium variant, with motorized leg rests and various other spec enhancements, is priced at $74,100. This places it in direct competition with upscale versions of the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz EQV, a prominent alternative in this segment.
Kia EV9
Design and Features
The EV9 offers both six- and seven-passenger configurations, determined by captain’s chairs or bench seating in the second row. Upper trims have power-folding third rows. Front seats in the prototype were firm, but upholstery quality may differ in U.S. models. Second-row captain’s chairs resemble the front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massaging. The back row accommodates adults, albeit with legroom concessions from the second row. Cargo space is 20 cubic feet, expandable to 82 cubic feet with rear rows folded. Inside, twin 12.3-inch screens display gauges and infotainment, flanking a dedicated HVAC readout. Physical controls are minimal, adopting touch-sensitive options.
Battery, Range and Performance
The EV9 lineup offers various models, beginning with the rear-wheel-drive Standard. It has a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 215 horsepower. The Long Range version has a larger battery but produces 201 horsepower. Kia estimates 0-62 mph times of 8.2 seconds for the former and 9.4 seconds for the latter. AWD variants feature dual-motor setups with a combined 379 horsepower. An available Boost mode enhances torque output and accelerates the EV9 from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds. A GT model will get 576 horsepower. Kia’s 800-volt electrical architecture enables rapid DC fast-charging, with a 230-kilowatt maximum speed adding 149 miles of range in approximately 15 minutes.
Pricing
The 2024 Kia EV9’s pricing remains shrouded in speculation, but some educated guesses can be ventured. Given its larger size and upscale positioning compared to the EV6, which starts at $48,700, it’s reasonable to anticipate a starting price of around $55,000 for the EV9. This estimate aligns with information from a leaked customer survey. However, for a high-performance EV9 GT variant, prices could potentially reach close to $75,000 MSRP. It’s worth noting that the EV9 is expected to be manufactured in the US using globally-sourced components, which should make it eligible for federal tax rebates to some extent.