MG is making a bold move into the premium segment with its Select chain of showrooms, and it’s kicking things off with two flagship models—the Cyberster sports car and the M9 luxury MPV. The latter is particularly interesting because MG is entering a space dominated by heavyweights like the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM.
Unlike MG’s usual approach of offering feature-packed yet affordable vehicles, the M9 aims for the ultra-luxury market, catering to elite buyers, including Bollywood celebrities. But can MG pull it off against established luxury MPVs? Let’s dive into the details.
Colour
MG has played it safe with the M9’s India-specific colour options:
- Cardiff Black
- Luminous White
- Mystic Grey
These are sophisticated but uninspired choices, especially considering that the M9 is globally available in vibrant hues like red, green, lime, blue, and silver. While MG seems to be catering to conservative luxury buyers, it would have been refreshing to see some bolder shades, particularly given the premium price tag.
Battery and Performance
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—sits a 90kWh battery pack, delivering a WLTP-certified range of 430km on a single charge. The electric motor produces 241bhp and 350Nm of torque, sending power to the front wheels.
This setup is decent but far from groundbreaking. At this price point, buyers expect either blistering performance or exceptional efficiency. The M9 is neither the most powerful luxury MPV nor the longest-range EV. Given its price tag, it should have at least matched the 500km+ range of some competitors or offered an AWD option for better driving dynamics.
Market Positioning
MG is taking on some serious competition with the M9. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Model | Power Output | Range (EV only) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG M9 | 241bhp | 430km | Rs. 1-1.10 Cr |
| Toyota Vellfire | 247bhp | Hybrid | Rs. 1.20 Cr |
| Lexus LM | 250bhp | Hybrid | Rs. 2 Cr |
| Kia EV9 (EV) | 380bhp (AWD) | 541km | Rs. 90 Lakh |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 (EV) | TBA | 500km+ | Rs. 1 Cr+ |
The M9 sits in an interesting niche—it’s an electric alternative to the Vellfire and LM but faces competition from newer, more powerful EVs like the Kia EV9. The challenge? Convincing ultra-premium buyers that MG can compete with brands like Lexus in terms of luxury and refinement.
Price and Verdict
The expected price of Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.10 crore is ambitious for an MG. The brand is known for value-driven offerings, and even though the M9 promises luxury, it’s fighting against more established luxury players.
If MG wants to truly break into this segment, it needs more than just premium materials and a large touchscreen. Buyers in this price range expect top-tier badge value, bulletproof reliability, and an unmatched ownership experience. Can MG deliver that? Time will tell.
FAQs
What is the range of the MG M9?
The MG M9 has a WLTP-certified range of 430km per charge.
How much power does the MG M9 produce?
It delivers 241bhp and 350Nm of torque.
What are the MG M9’s colour options?
It comes in Cardiff Black, Luminous White, and Mystic Grey.
What is the expected price of the MG M9?
It is expected to be priced between Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 1.10 crore.
Which cars does the MG M9 compete with?
It rivals the Toyota Vellfire, Lexus LM, Kia EV9, and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
