Luxury MPVs are no longer an oddity in India, and their appeal is growing fast. Families and business travelers want something that offers more comfort than a sedan and more intimacy than a stretched limo. They want space, a refined cabin, and technology that feels polished and well thought out. For years the Toyota Vellfire has owned this space with its effortless sense of prestige, while the Kia Carnival delivered practicality with a dash of style. Now MG enters with the M9, a model that aims to mix lounge-like interiors, layered textures, and advanced tech with pricing that feels calculated rather than extravagant. It is designed to look contemporary and feel indulgent without crossing into ostentation. The question is clear: does it deliver the luxury experience that modern buyers expect?
Driving through Goa in the MG M9 feels nothing like the lumbering MPV stereotype. The ride is smooth and well composed, even when the surface switches from clean tarmac to cracked village paths. The suspension takes the edge off potholes without tossing your coffee around. Body roll? Barely there, even on tight curves. The steering is light enough for city chaos but precise enough for a highway cruise. Brakes feel confident and easy to modulate, so sudden stops do not become dramatic events. Inside, the cabin is properly hushed. Road noise stays outside, and engine hum is kept to a faint whisper, so the only soundtrack is your playlist or a lazy chat with passengers. It feels calm, polished, and far more relaxed than you expect from something this big.
Design
The exterior design sticks to clean lines but adds enough drama to look smart without shouting. The grille up front is big, bold, and lined with chrome that feels tasteful rather than tacky. LED DRLs and sharp headlamps give the face a crisp, confident vibe. The bumper is neatly sculpted, and the lower intake looks purposeful instead of messy. Down the sides, the bodywork stays simple with a couple of character lines to keep it from looking like a slab on wheels. The alloys fill the arches well, and the slightly tapering roofline keeps things elegant without stealing headroom. At the back, slim tail lamps and a single chrome strip tie everything together. It looks well balanced, not boring, and definitely avoids the school-van syndrome that haunts most MPVs.
Interior And Features
The M9’s cabin is its showpiece, and MG didn’t hold back. The Cognac‑brown leather and suede trim give the cabin a rich, thoughtful finish. Second-row captain’s seats offer 16-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and eight massage modes. Ottomans extend out for proper leg support, dual sunroofs brighten the cabin, and ambient lighting changes color for a softer, lounge-like vibe after sunset. There’s even a “boss mode” that slides the front passenger seat forward for extra rear legroom. Storage options are smartly placed, and every panel feels carefully finished with good materials. You also get a 55‑litre frunk and up to 1,720 L boot space with the third row down—ample room for luggage, golf bags, or even a weekend trip gear stash.
Up front, you get a 12.23‑inch infotainment screen paired with a sharp 7‑inch digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There’s a digital IRVM, wireless charger, 13‑speaker JBL system, cabin air filter, and Vehicle‑to‑Load and Vehicle‑to‑Vehicle charging functions. Rear passengers enjoy touchscreens on the armrests and centre headrests, so long drives become personal theater trips.
Not everything is perfect. Second-row sunshades are manual, and a few lower‑door plastics feel less polished than the rest. All in, this interior feels less like an MPV and more like a luxury lounge on wheels. It’s where MG shows how serious the M9 is about comfort and tech.
On-road Performance
A front-mounted motor delivers 245 hp and 350 Nm torque, so instant shove is always available for highway overtakes. It won’t break records, but it has enough power to feel confident without drama. The 90-kWh battery pack and front-wheel drive layout bring calm, refined acceleration that matches the M9’s lounge-like character.
Ride quality earns its keep on India’s rough roads, but don’t expect cloud-like plushness. At low speeds, the suspension feels a bit firm—a trade-off for body control at higher speeds. When the tarmac straightens out, the M9 settles into a steady, composed stride. It handles its bulk well, with minimal body roll for its size. Steering stays light enough for city runabouts yet precise on highways. Brakes and regenerative systems manage stops cleanly, and the retuning ensures no sudden lurches.
Refinement is a highlight. Cabin insulation keeps road and wind noise minimal, and the electric motor hum is barely audible at speed. In short, it delivers seamless, comfortable EV driving—ideal for people who want to arrive rested, not rattled.
Verdict
The MG M9 undercuts the Toyota Vellfire on price while offering a feature list that feels more generous than the Kia Carnival. That positions it in a sweet spot for anyone who wants premium features without stretching into the ultra-luxury segment. The Vellfire still sets the tone for reliability and prestige, and the Carnival remains the go-to for value and space. The M9 slots right between them, adding tech and interior finesse at a price that makes sense.
For buyers who care about comfort, technology, and plenty of space, this MPV hits the brief. It is not sporty, and it never pretends to be. Instead, it focuses on refinement, convenience, and the sort of features that make everyday travel feel more like an experience. For families, entrepreneurs, or professionals who value time on the move, the MG M9 is a smart and stylish choice.
