Chinese automaker Maxus has unveiled a duo of minivans named the MIFA 9 and G90. The vehicles share the underpinnings, but sport different designs and powertrains. Both are advertised as alternatives to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Both are quite large at 5.27 and 5.28 meters long with 3.2 meters of wheelbase. The drive is on the front axle, and the suspension is spring-based and independent.
The all-electric MIFA 9 has simple and
understated looks, whereas the Maxus G90 flaunts elaborate headlights and a
massive radiator grille evoking associations with the Toyota Alphard. Power for
the EV comes from a single electric motor rated at 245 PS and
350 Nm of torque. A 90-kWh traction battery grants up to 560 km of driving range in accordance with the CLTC measurement standard
adopted in China.
In turn, the gas-guzzling G90 relies on a
turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine good for 234 PS and
390 Nm of torque. An Aisin eight-speed A/T transmits the torque to
the front axle, letting the minivan sprint 0-100 km/h in 9.6
seconds.
The dashboards are identical: both are
dominated by a trio of sprawling displays of unspecified diagonal size.
Concealed touchscreen panels are provided for lighting and HVAC control. A
heads-up display is located right in front of the driver. There is not a single
hardware button in sight.
Second-row passengers enjoy access to
large and comfortable individual seats outfitted with massage, ventilation and
flexible power adjustment functions. Dedicated sensor panels are provided to
access all these features. The third row comes with a bench for three by
default, but you can order it replaced with another two luxury seats like the ones
described above.
Further paid options include a sunroof at
the front, a panoramic glass roof in the back, a three-zone climate control
system, adaptive cruise control, and multimedia displays for the second row.
The EV costs between US$ 43,000 and US$ 60,000 in U.S. dollars, while its gas-powered
cousin can be obtained for US$ 36,000 – US$ 55,000.
