From the second half of 2022 to 2023, competition in the new energy field has entered the MPV market. Recently launched models such as the Landtu Dreamer, Tencent D7 and Roewe iMAX 8 EV are all highly competitive. Tonight, SAIC Maxus has brought a strong competitor: MIFA 9.
First let’s look at the prices:
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Forest 6-seater version: CNY 349,900
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Mountain 6-seater version: CNY 399,900
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Mountain flagship version: CNY 419,900
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Oasis 7-seater version: CNY 279,900
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Grassland 7-seater version: CNY 299,900
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Forest 7-seater version: CNY 339,900
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Mountain 7-seater version: CNY 389,900
Master of Space
First, let’s talk about the excellent space design of MIFA 9. The space design of MIFA 9 is quite thoughtful. Firstly, the exterior size of 5,270 × 2,000×1,840 mm and the 3,200 mm wheelbase of the pure electric MPV are relatively large.
MIFA 9 has designed a full three-row electric sliding track. The first, second and third-row seats can easily slide back and forth, ensuring the flexibility of the MPV’s interior space, and achieving rapid changes in spatial layout. MIFA 9’s second row is equipped with electric tracks, the longest of which is 1.1 meters, which can transform into a second-row “flat” space up to 2.3 meters long.
The second-row seat channel has a maximum clearance of 210 mm, making it easy to access the third row. The door handle on MIFA 9’s B-pillar is 550 mm long, and the lowest point is 919 mm from the ground, making it easy for elderly people or children to get in the car.
The third row has been specially designed, and the depth of the seat cushion, shoulder space, and legroom are said to be the best in its class. MIFA 9 has added a 400 mm sliding track to the third row, which can be controlled with one button to move the second and third rows forward, and can expand the maximum space of the luggage compartment to 2,179 L.
The second-row comfort configuration is also fully equipped, including 12 electric seats, seat ventilation and heating, leg rest and headrest, Nappa leather, and seat massage functions, etc. Interestingly, the third-row seats also have heating, massage, and ventilation functions, which means that the MPV is defined as “every seat is a VIP.”
Intelligent interior
The automation of intelligent systems has also spread to the MPV field, which is good news for consumers. The MIFA 9 is equipped with a more than 10-inch-wide HUD head-up display and a streaming media rearview mirror. The cockpit chip is a Qualcomm 8155 and MediaTek 8666. The MIFA 9 can achieve “one-click control of the vehicle” through voice or touch screen; for example, when passengers exchange seats, the original seat settings, seat back screen settings, etc., will be “seamlessly” switched to the new seat.
The UTOPILOT system from Youdao Zhitu is used for assisted driving. This is also a self-incubated autonomous driving technology start-up by SAIC. The hardware part is the Baidu Apollo 3 and the TI TDA 4, with 5 millimeter-wave radars and 7 high-definition cameras as sensors. It is reported that it can achieve automatic acceleration and deceleration on highways, active overtaking, “automatic obstacle avoidance” when passing through narrow low-speed roads, and automatic parking.
Range and safety are basic skills
Finally, let’s talk about the three-electric power system. The MIFA 9 is equipped with a 90 kWh ternary lithium battery from CATL, with a CLTC working condition range of more than 560 kilometers, a wind resistance coefficient of 0.29, and an official power consumption rate of 17.1 kWh/100 kilometers. From the perspective of pure electric MPVs, this is quite a good level.
In terms of safety, the MIFA 9 uses 80% high-strength steel, including 26% ultra-high-strength steel. For the first time in the MPV market, the driver’s side far-end airbag is used in the car, paired with 5 airbags in the front row and a wide side curtain airbag covering all three rows.
In addition, the MIFA 9 is also equipped with a third-row ISOFIX child seat interface, with up to 4 ISOFIX interfaces throughout the vehicle for large families with multiple children. In terms of battery safety, the CATL super battery adopts the latest thermal insulation and flame-retardant patents and anti-collision structure design, ensuring that it will never catch fire.## A New Beginning
SAIC Maxus has put forward the ALL³ ROADMAP plan to promote the “all-energy, all-platform and all-market” new energy strategic layout, and to complete the construction of an all-energy system consisting of pure electric, hybrid, and cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cells. SAIC Maxus has also exported new energy vehicles to the European market, accounting for 17% of the global export volume, with new energy vehicle sales accounting for up to 90% in the European market.
At this press conference, SAIC Maxus also officially launched “MIFA” as a brand new new energy brand, with the Chinese name “Qianjing”, which will focus on the new energy MPV market in the future, including MIFA 5, MIFA 6, MIFA Hydrogen, and other products.
It can be seen that from the second half of this year until 2023, the new energy MPV market will be the next battleground for the automotive industry.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.