SAIC MAXUS MIFA 9

Model Overview

The SAIC MAXUS MIFA 9 is the flagship full-size luxury intelligent pure electric MPV from SAIC Motor's premium brand, SAIC MAXUS, serving as the pioneer model of its dedicated MIFA new-energy vehicle lineup. The moniker "MIFA" is an acronym for Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly, and Artistic, and is officially badged in Chinese as "Dajia". The vehicle made its global premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2021 and was officially launched on 29 June 2022, offering seven variants across 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, with an initial launch price range between RM279,900 and RM419,900. In April 2024, the lineup was further expanded with the introduction of the "Dajia 9 Super Hybrid" plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. Purpose-built for multi-generational "big family" journeys with a focus on an all-round "VIP-for-everyone" first-class experience, the MIFA 9 is squarely benchmarked against established mid-to-high-end MPVs such as the Buick GL8 and Toyota Alphard.

Design Language

Adopting a "Space Aesthetics" design philosophy, the MIFA 9 stays remarkably faithful to the avant-garde styling of its concept precursor, seamlessly fusing cutting-edge EV tech cues with the commanding road presence of a full-size MPV. Up front, it sports a sleek closed-off front fascia devoid of a conventional grille, framed by a three-tier full-width LED daytime running light bar that flows into the vertical chrome accents on both flanks, visually widening its stance. The lower apron incorporates minimal cooling ducts, contributing to an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd. In profile, chrome trim carves out dynamic Z-shaped character lines, with bold silver garnishes on the C-pillar serving as a striking visual focal point; paired with a floating roofline and aero-optimised alloy wheels, this imposing MPV achieves a surprisingly athletic and fluid silhouette. Around the back, full-width "Galaxy Halberd" LED combination taillights stretch downwards in a distinctive 7-pattern, delivering unmistakable visual recognition at night. Dimensionally, the MPV measures 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and 1,840 mm tall, underpinned by a generous 3,200 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the cabin evokes the high-tech ambience of a futuristic spacecraft. The centrepiece of the dashboard is an expansive pillar-to-pillar display comprising a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch front passenger entertainment screen, complemented by a 3-inch "imon" interactive virtual avatar display on the far right. The dashboard is virtually free of physical switchgear, with even the multifunction steering wheel utilizing capacitive touch controls for a minimalist, ultra-modern aesthetic. Premium touches such as metallic geometric motifs and 256-colour ambient lighting further elevate the light-luxury futuristic vibe.

Powertrain and Performance

Powering the MIFA 9 is SAIC Motor's latest-generation intelligent and efficient electric drive system, running a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) across the entire range that outputs 180 kW (245 PS / 245 hp) and 350 Nm of torque. The powertrain calibration prioritises silky-smooth comfort, delivering effortless and linear power delivery across typical 0–80 km/h urban commuting speeds, staying true to an MPV's remit of providing a refined, undisturbed ride.

Battery-wise, initial and mainstream variants pack a 90 kWh CATL-sourced ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack, delivering a CLTC-rated range of 540 km on the Gaoshan variant and 560 km on other mainstream variants. In early 2023, a standard-range variant with a 77 kWh battery was introduced, offering a CLTC range of 480 km. For charging, DC fast charging is supported across the range, taking just 30 minutes to juice the battery from 30% to 80% State of Charge (SoC). The MIFA 9 achieves an energy consumption rating of between 17.1 kWh and 17.8 kWh per 100 km, demonstrating commendable operating efficiency.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the chassis setup is one of the MIFA 9's standout mechanical highlights. The entire range rides on fully independent suspension, comprising MacPherson struts up front and a 5-link independent rear suspension. Compared to the torsion beam rear setup commonly found among segment rivals at this price point, the multi-link layout offers superior wheel articulation and precise wheel control, striking an optimal balance between handling composure and ride suppleness. This is further bolstered by Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shock absorbers, hydraulic bushings, and specialized damping mounts engineered to soak up high-frequency road vibrations and surface chatter. Suspension damping is calibrated predominantly for plush, cushion-like comfort, maintaining exceptional high-speed stability and a planted road-hugging feel for effortless long-distance cruising. The electric power steering (EPS) is light and effortless to ease driver fatigue on long hauls and during tight urban manoeuvres. Drivers can toggle between three drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport) alongside three selectable regenerative braking levels (High, Medium, Low).

Cabin and Equipment

The intelligent digital cockpit stands as one of the MIFA 9's headline USPs, showcasing a segment-leading 10-screen layout. The front cockpit features six screens—the triple-screen setup (digital instrument cluster, centre infotainment touchscreen, passenger display), the imon virtual companion screen, a head-up display (HUD), and a digital rear-view mirror. Meanwhile, the rear passenger compartment gets four screens, comprising twin entertainment displays and individual touchscreen armrest controllers. Braining the system is a dual-chip architecture powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 and MediaTek MTK8666, running the Banma Venus OS alongside MAXUS' proprietary Spider Ecosystem. This robust computing platform enables seamless multi-screen content sharing, navigation mapping, rear multimedia streaming, and seat adjustment functions. The infotainment suite supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, connected telematics, intelligent voice control, and smartphone app remote control. On the comfort front, it features dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a class-leading NVH package with 42 acoustic insulation zones and PVB acoustic laminated glass that cuts cabin noise by more than 2 dB compared to segment rivals. Higher-spec variants are also equipped with a premium JBL sound system.

Another major highlight is the thoughtful ergonomic seating across all three rows. The MIFA 9 features six individual luxury captain seats, being the first in its class to offer full power adjustment for backrests, leg rests, and fore-aft sliding, complete with built-in seat ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The second-row seats offer segment-leading recline space, stretching out to 2.3 metres of flat-bed lounging to replicate an airline first-class cabin experience. In the third row, occupants enjoy an impressive 980 mm of effective legroom and a class-widest 1,570 mm of shoulder room; paired with 400 mm of fore-aft sliding travel, genuine full-sized comfort is guaranteed for all occupants. The vehicle also introduces an industry-first one-touch seating preset function, enabling instant toggles between modes such as Throne, Lounge, First Class, Space, and Family. Additionally, the dual OMS (Occupant Monitoring System) biometric recognition system incorporates a "Follow Me" memory feature that automatically transfers seat settings and rear-screen preferences to the new seat whenever passengers swap spots.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

When it comes to passive safety, the MIFA 9's body shell is built with 80% high-strength steel, including 26.07% ultra-high-strength steel. This robust construction has earned it full five-star safety ratings across three major global crash test standards: China's C-NCAP, Europe's Euro NCAP, and Australasia's ANCAP. In Euro NCAP's Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) assessment, its frontal and rear impact scores ranked as the highest among over a hundred tested vehicles under the updated testing protocols (as of December 2022). Airbag protection is equally comprehensive—alongside dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length three-row curtain airbags, it is the first MPV to feature a front-row centre far-side airbag to cushion against secondary passenger collisions during side impacts. Furthermore, the MIFA 9's SAIC One-Pack battery adopts a horizontal cell packaging design, lowering the overall chassis profile to maximize interior headroom and improve step-in ingress/egress ease.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) represent another technological benchmark for the MIFA 9, featuring the Utopilot Honghu 2.0 driving suite. The sensing hardware comprises 28 sensors in total—5 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 7 HD driving cameras, and 4 HD surround-view fisheye cameras—governed by dual Horizon Journey 3 and Texas Instruments TDA4 processors. Its Level 2++ driver-assist suite supports point-to-point Navigation on Pilot (NoP) highway autonomous driving. Other standout features include a high-resolution narrow-road assist system that autonomously navigates tight alleyways with a 15 cm safety buffer, and an intelligent automated parking system capable of scanning a 150 m² area to park seamlessly even in unmarked parking bays. In November 2022, the MIFA 9 made history as China's first all-electric Level 4 autonomous RoboMPV, providing autonomous shuttle services at the World Laureates Forum and demonstrating SAIC Motor's forward-looking technological prowess in high-level automated driving.

Market Performance and Reception

The MIFA 9 has witnessed a tale of two markets—understated at home, yet a runaway success abroad. In the domestic Chinese passenger car market, sales fell short of initial targets; in January and February 2023, the MIFA 9 registered only around 200 units, facing stiff headwinds amidst intense rivalry from established powerhouses like the Denza D9, Buick GL8, and GAC Trumpchi M8.

In sharp contrast, the MIFA 9 has taken overseas markets by storm, particularly in Hong Kong and Macau. Between January and May 2024, the MPV chalked up 1,155 registrations in Hong Kong, dethroning long-standing Japanese heavyweights like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire to claim top spot on both the overall MPV and luxury MPV sales charts. As of October 2025, it continues to hold the crown as Hong Kong's best-selling MPV. Its product strategy perfectly caters to local realities—dense urban layouts, tight roads, expensive petrol prices, and cheap electricity tariffs; furthermore, its 6-seater configuration neatly satisfies local licensing regulations for commercial fleet vehicles, making it a darling among local celebrities, corporate fleets, and affluent families alike.

Within the industry, the MIFA 9 is widely seen as a defining breakthrough for SAIC MAXUS' upscale brand repositioning and global expansion. By pioneering the all-new full-size luxury intelligent electric MPV segment, it successfully shattered the long-standing hegemony of Japanese and American ICE rivals in the premium MPV market, charting a proven roadmap for Chinese brands venturing abroad. While domestic brand recognition remains a work in progress, the MIFA 9's resounding overseas triumph has firmly cemented its status as a flagship ambassador for Chinese new energy MPVs on the global stage.