Driving the MG M9 – A Rolling Suite of Silent Luxury
When you think “ultra-luxury” and “MPV” in the same sentence, you’re naturally drawn to one place: the second row. MG’s brand-new M9 is a rolling statement of comfort and tech – and it makes no bones about who it’s built for. Hint: it’s not the driver.
The Back Seat is the Real Deal
The MG M9 is unapologetically built around its middle-row seats – or rather, thrones. Think private jet vibes with features that pamper and impress.
You get dual sunroofs – one up front and a large panoramic unit just for the rear. Climate control is independent for this zone, and there’s an entertainment screen too, though the screen-mirroring function could be smoother.
Thankfully, HDMI and USB ports are on hand to let you plug in your own devices and enjoy content your way.
Storage and usability are solid. You’ll find bottle holders, phone docks, a fold-out tray under the centre console, and powered outlets, including USB and Type-C ports. Sadly, the sunshades are manual, and the absence of a retractable tray table at this price is a bit of a miss.
The seats themselves? Plush, generously bolstered, and finished in suede upholstery that lives up to the luxury tag. Seat functions are all powered and controlled via a screen on the armrest – from lumbar adjustments to headrest tilt and massage features (yes, eight different massage programs). Ventilation, A single touch unlocks seat cooling, heating, and a nap-ready recline that feels like business class on wheels.
While the fixed screen can be hard to see in direct sunlight, the overall tech suite is seriously impressive.
Size Does Matter
Size is part of the M9’s identity — over 5.2 meters in length and 2 meters in width, it rides on a wheelbase fit for a limousine at 3.2 meters. That’s bigger than most SUVs on Indian roads and crucial for maximising cabin room. And it uses that space well.
The all-electric powertrain sits beneath the floor in the form of a 90 kWh battery pack, and you get a 55-litre frunk up front – perfect for an overnight bag or cables.
Design-wise, it’s function-first. Boxy, sure, but not without flair. Chrome accents, slim DRLs, and 19-inch wheels lend some visual appeal, while powered sliding doors make entry to the second row a breeze (even if you’ll need a bit of a step-up to get in).
Behind the Wheel – Relaxed, Smooth, Electric
Driving the M9 is a calm experience – and that’s entirely the point. The 245 hp motor and 350 Nm of torque don’t rush you. Power delivery is smooth, measured, and ideal for chauffeur-driven use. Even in Sport mode, there’s no dramatic shove, just steady progress.
You get driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and adjustable steering and brake feel. The M9 doesn’t offer one-pedal driving but does come with three levels of brake energy regeneration.
Ride quality, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. The suspension is tuned more for stability than plushness, which means you feel more of the road than you’d like, especially on speed bumps and uneven tarmac. Despite its size, the M9 feels composed through corners, with well-contained body roll under measured driving.
Driver Experience and Tech
MG hasn’t ignored the front row entirely. The driver gets a comfortable seat with heating, ventilation, and massage functions – rare in this segment. The steering wheel is intuitive, with audio controls and toggles that are tactile and easy to use.
The digital cluster isn’t as high-resolution or cohesive as the 12.3-inch central infotainment screen, but the layout is functional. Even the rear-view mirror is a digital display fed by a rear camera, and it’s sharp and lag-free.
Climate control and headlight settings are all touch-based, which looks great but can be fiddly on the move.
Third Row and Boot – Functional, But Could Be Better
Space here is decent, especially if the middle seats are adjusted thoughtfully. At full extension, though, the rear seats become unusable.
Tall adults (around 6 ft) will find headroom a bit tight, but shorter passengers should be comfortable. However, the lack of a third headrest or fold-down armrest is surprising. There are USB ports, phone holders, and cup holders, but the absence of sunshades for the large rear windows is a letdown.
The boot is decent even with all rows up, and the third-row seats slide forward or fold down for more space. But don’t expect Carnival-level flexibility – they don’t stow into the floor or flip up.
Safety and ADAS – Big on Tech
Backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP score, the M9’s international version brings peace of mind to match its plush comfort. While Indian test results are pending, MG equips the local version with seven airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, and ISOFIX mounts.
You also get a full ADAS suite: emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise. On well-marked roads, these systems work well. There’s also an unusually thorough driver monitoring system that can detect mobile use and even smoking.
Our Verdict – A New Benchmark in Electric MPVs?
The MG M9 is not your typical luxury car. It’s a niche proposition that’s focused on comfort, space, and tech in a segment that often gets overlooked. It’s not the sportiest to drive or the most flexible MPV in terms of seating configurations, but it makes up for it with standout second-row comfort, tech-forward features, and an ultra-quiet, refined EV experience.
Slated to launch between ₹80 lakh and ₹1 crore (ex-showroom), the M9 bridges the gap between the value-rich Carnival and the ultra-premium Vellfire. If MG plays its pricing cards well, the M9 might just be the bold, luxurious wildcard the segment needs.
It might not scream luxury on the outside, but step in, sit back, and let the thrones do the talking.
READ ALSO :- Top 5 Cars Under ₹20 Lakhs You Should Consider in 2025
⚖️ How It Stacks Up: MG M9 vs Rivals
Feature/MPV | MG M9 (EV) | Kia Carnival | Toyota Vellfire |
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 100% Electric (245 hp) | Diesel (200 hp) | Hybrid Petrol (190 hp) |
Battery/Range | 90 kWh / ~540 km (claimed) | NA | NA |
Middle Row | Massage, Power Recline | Manual recline | Ottoman seats, massage |
ADAS | Full Suite + Driver Cam | Limited (Optional) | Yes |
Sunroof | Dual Sunroofs | Single (optional) | Dual Panoramic |
Price (Est.) | ₹80 lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹64 lakh | ₹1.22 crore |
Key Takeaways:
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Strengths: Unmatched second-row comfort, impressive tech, silent EV drive, driver massage seats, practical cabin.
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Weak Points: Downsides: The ride can feel firm over rough patches, third-row features feel a bit bare for the segment, and the touch interface isn’t the most user-friendly.
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Expected Price: ~₹80 lakh (ex-showroom)
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Rivals: Kia Carnival (₹64L), Toyota Vellfire (₹1.22Cr)
Want more electric car reviews and insights? Stay tuned, because the EV revolution in India is only getting started.

Sajid Ahmad is an auto enthusiast and passionate blogger who loves exploring the world of cars, bikes, and emerging automobile technologies. With a deep interest in how vehicles shape everyday life, he shares insightful reviews, tips, and updates from the auto industry. Through his blog, Sajid aims to make it easier for readers to stay informed and choose the right ride for their needs