The LDV Mifa is an MPV lineup introduced by SAIC Motor's LDV marque for global markets, comprising two main model ranges: the conventional petrol-powered Mifa (driven by a 2.0T petrol engine) and the all-electric Mifa 9, corresponding to the SAIC Maxus G90 (petrol) and Mifa 9 (EV) in China. The series first debuted in Australia in November 2022, marking the arrival of the country's first fully electric MPV. The petrol variant is priced from around RM47,990 (excluding on-the-road costs), while the fully electric Mifa 9 Mode starts at roughly RM104,000, climbing to RM129,000 for the range-topping Luxe variant. The petrol model measures 5,280 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a 3,200 mm wheelbase; the Mifa 9 is offered in both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations, with boot space expandable from 466 litres to 2,017 litres. Under the skin, the Mifa 9 packs a 90 kWh CATL battery pack delivering a WLTP-rated range of 440 km. Retailing under the LDV badge in Australia and badged as Maxus in selected Southeast Asian markets, the Mifa series spearheads SAIC Motor's push into mainstream overseas MPV segments.
The LDV Mifa's exterior design blends luxury cues with high-tech appeal. Up front, the Mifa 9 sports a closed-off, borderless grille flanked by a full-width LED light bar, while split-type LED headlights and prominent C-shaped air vents on the bumper add aggressive visual drama, underscoring its progressive EV styling. The petrol Mifa echoes this design philosophy, featuring a massive chrome grille paired with matrix LED headlights that exude an executive, stately road presence. In profile, a clean, horizontal shoulder line complements flush door handles, while sleek surfacing helps reduce aerodynamic drag. Round the back, the Mifa 9 features full-width LED taillights that deliver immediate visual recognition after dark.
Inside, the Mifa 9 features a wraparound cockpit architecture anchored by a horizontally layered dashboard. It is fitted with dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen infotainment, with range-topping variants adding an extra front passenger display for a multi-screen setup. The cabin is trimmed extensively in Nappa leather and soft-touch materials, while top-spec variants feature second-row executive captain chairs equipped with leg rests, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. A 128-colour ambient lighting system further enhances the premium cabin ambience.
The LDV Mifa range offers two distinct powertrain options in overseas markets.
The petrol-powered Mifa is driven by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing approximately 184 kW (circa 250 PS) and 400 Nm of peak torque. This is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (later transitioning to an Aisin 8-speed unit on imported models) driving the front wheels. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in around 9.0 seconds before topping out at 180 km/h, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 9.3–10.2 L/100 km, a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg, and a 75-litre fuel tank.
The all-electric Mifa 9 features a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 180 kW (circa 245 PS) and 350 Nm of torque to the front wheels. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes around 8.9 seconds with a light load, though acceleration tapers off considerably when fully loaded, and top speed is capped at approximately 170 km/h. Energy is supplied across the range by a 90 kWh CATL ternary lithium-ion battery pack. It delivers a WLTP-rated combined range of 440 km (Mode variant), or up to 560 km under the CLTC cycle. For charging, it supports DC fast charging at up to 90 kW, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes, while an 11 kW AC charger achieves a full charge in roughly 9.5 hours. Combined power consumption sits around 19–21 kWh/100 km. Braked towing capacity is rated at 1,000 kg, suitable for general light-duty towing.
The LDV Mifa rides on front MacPherson struts and an independent multi-link rear suspension setup, the latter aiding ride compliance over uneven surfaces as well as cornering stability, striking a balance between passenger comfort and composure. The entire range runs a front-wheel-drive layout with an electronic parking brake. Given its hefty kerb weight (around 2.5 tonnes), the Mifa 9's suspension leans heavily towards the softer side; body roll is noticeable when cornering, and the damping struggles to completely isolate passengers from sharper potholes and road ruts, though it provides a smooth and compliant ride during urban cruising. Drivers can toggle between three drive modes—Standard, Sport, and Eco—which alter throttle response and steering assistance. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs front and rear, complemented by standard ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Minimum ground clearance is rated at 155 mm, with wheels shod in 235/55 R18 or 245/50 R19 rubber depending on the trim level to ensure high-speed stability.
On-board equipment on the Mifa varies across trims. As standard, the range comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment unit (high-spec petrol variants also feature the dual 12.3-inch twin-screen setup). The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, and onboard satellite navigation. The cabin is well-equipped with multiple USB/Type-C ports, 12V power sockets, and dedicated B-pillar air vents, alongside dedicated charging ports for third-row occupants. An 8-speaker audio setup comes standard, upgrading to a 12-speaker premium sound system on the Luxe variant.
In terms of seating arrangements, the petrol Mifa is available in 7-seater (2+2+3) and 8-seater (2+3+3) layouts, whereas the Mifa 9 is strictly offered as a 7-seater (2+2+3). The Mifa Mode 8-seater variant went on sale in Australia in February 2025, starting from RM47,990 drive-away. For comfort, the Executive and higher trims boast second-row individual captain chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the third-row backrests feature recline and split-folding adjustments. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry, and push-button start are standard across the board. Manual rear side-window sunshades are also fitted to both the second and third rows to enhance passenger privacy.
The LDV Mifa 9 boasts stellar safety credentials, scoring a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in December 2022 to become Australia's safest MPV. In ANCAP crash tests, it secured a 93% score for Adult Occupant Protection (earning full marks in side impact and pole tests), 88% for Child Occupant Protection, 90% for Safety Assist, and 73% for Vulnerable Road User Protection. Passive safety is bolstered by 7 airbags as standard—including dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags spanning both sides, and a front centre airbag. The petrol Mifa (2023 model year onwards) shares the same crash structure and airbag count as standard.
For active safety, all Mifa variants are equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-to-Car, Junction, VRU, and Reverse), Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, and a reverse camera, with higher-spec trims adding a 360-degree surround-view monitor. The petrol Mifa shares this comprehensive ADAS suite, though base variants may feature minor spec variations. On the EV safety front, the Mifa 9's CATL-sourced battery pack has undergone stringent crush, overcharge, and nail penetration tests, and incorporates an automatic high-voltage cut-off system alongside an IP67 dust- and waterproof rating. The vehicle is backed by a 5-year/160,000 km manufacturer warranty, while the high-voltage battery enjoys an extended 8-year/200,000 km warranty.
Commercially, the LDV Mifa has struggled to gain traction in international markets. In 2023, annual sales of the petrol Mifa stood at 452 units, inching up to 474 units in 2024; the electric Mifa 9 managed just 12 deliveries in 2023 and 20 units in 2024. Through November 2025, cumulative Australian sales for the petrol Mifa reached only 166 units, while the Mifa 9 EV recorded a paltry 3 deliveries. By comparison, segment benchmark Kia Carnival dominated the MPV space with 10,080 units (commanding a 74% market share), while the Hyundai Staria registered 1,363 units, leaving LDV unable to pose a meaningful challenge in the category.
In December 2025, LDV Australia announced a temporary "sales pause" for the Mifa lineup (covering both petrol and Mifa 9 variants), though the distributor stopped short of confirming outright discontinuation, giving no indicative timeline for a return. Motoring media widely interpreted the move as a run-out inventory clearance, as even steep discounts dropping the petrol Mifa's entry price to around RM35,970 failed to lift sluggish sales. In the UK, the Maxus Mifa 9 EV recorded just 44 registrations throughout 2024, holding a similarly negligible presence in the British MPV market.
Critical reception has been mixed. While motoring journalists commended the Mifa 9's first-mover advantage as Australia's debut electric people-mover and praised its five-star ANCAP safety credentials, they highlighted its uninspiring performance, lethargic full-load acceleration, unrefined ride damping, and steep price tag (topping RM120,000 for the Luxe trim) that sat out of step with LDV's brand equity. The petrol Mifa drew praise for its aggressive value-for-money proposition and cavernous interior space, but received flak for its jerky ADAS calibration, limited rear storage cubbies, and clunky third-row seat folding mechanism. Owner feedback mirrors this sentiment: while buyers appreciate the generous cabin space and attractive 7-year/200,000 km warranty packages, third-row ride comfort and high fuel consumption remain frequent grievances. Overall, while the LDV Mifa represents a notable technical and safety leap for SAIC Motor's large family MPVs, it continues to face uphill battles in brand prestige, market penetration, and pricing strategy—key hurdles that SAIC must address in its wider global expansion.
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