MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Which premium MPV would you like to be chauffeured in
MG Motor is preparing to launch the MG M9, a full-electric luxury MPV, in India. Known internationally as the MIFA 9, the upcoming model will join a limited set of large MPVs in the country, competing most closely with the Kia Carnival. While the Toyota Vellfire occupies a higher price segment, the M9 and Carnival are likely to attract a similar customer base. Here's a look at how the M9 compares with the Carnival on paper.
MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Dimensions
The MG M9 has a length of 5,200 mm, width of 2,000 mm, and height of 1,840 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,200 mm. The Kia Carnival is ever so slightly shorter at 5,155 mm in length, 1,995 mm wide, 1,775 mm high, and a 3,090 mm wheelbase.
The M9 provides slightly greater cabin room on paper with its larger footprint and longer wheelbase. Both cars are mounted on multi-spoke alloy wheels, though the M9 is equipped with 19-inch wheels while the Carnival has an 18-inch setup.
Also Read : MG M9: Here are 5 key things to know before you book the upcoming MPV MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Specs
The MG M9 is powered by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 245 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. It has a claimed WLTP range of 430 km, though real-world range in Indian conditions may vary.
The Kia Carnival, in contrast, uses a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, delivering 190 bhp and 441 Nm through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
Given the difference in fuel types—electric vs diesel—the two models cater to different user requirements. The Carnival may suit buyers focused on long-distance usability and fuel availability, while the M9 brings an alternative in the electric segment. MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Features
The MG M9 focuses on rear-seat comfort with features like three-zone climate control and second-row ottoman seats offering heating, cooling, and massage functions, all operable via a touchscreen on the armrest. Rear passengers also get individual entertainment screens and a dual-pane Chamois-wrapped sunroof that adds a sense of space.
Up front, the cabin includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and touch-sensitive HVAC controls. The floating centre console houses cupholders, a wireless charger, and storage. Both front seats are electrically adjustable with ventilation and 4-way lumbar support. Also watch: Kia Carnival 2024 | Does it command a business-class like price tag? First drive review
On the safety front, the M9 is equipped with seven airbags, ABS, ESP with auto hold, TPMS, and a comprehensive ADAS suite that includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, speed assist, and a 360-degree camera system. While Bharat NCAP results are pending, the model has secured a five-star rating from Euro NCAP and ANCAP.
The Kia Carnival is also well-equipped, offering powered seats (without massage), ADAS, tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and rear-seat entertainment, though with a smaller sunroof configuration. Both models support 7-seat layouts, and the M9 also offers an 8-seater option globally, though local availability remains unconfirmed. MG M9 vs Kia Carnival: Price
The Kia Carnival is priced at ₹ 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom) currently. MG has not released the official price of the M9, although estimates put it around a starting price of ₹ 65 lakh. Pre-orders for the MG M9 have commenced, with official launch in July 2025.
Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India.
First Published Date: 08 Jul 2025, 11:00 AM IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
MG M9 to launch tomorrow. Here's how much it might cost
The MG M9 looks imposing from the front. Notify me The MG M9 all-electric three-row luxury MPV is set to be launched on July 23, i.e tomorrow. Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2025 in New Delhi, this JSW MG Motor's flagship electric vehicle is the fifth EV to be announced for the Indian market. Booking opened in May 2025 for a token amount of ₹ 51,000. The M9 will be retailed by MG Select, the premium retail network of the brand, along with the Cyberster electric sports car. With prices expected to start at ₹ 70 lakh, the MG M9 will rival the likes of the Kia Carnival, while also indirectly competing with the Toyota M9 is MG's first people-carrier in India and being a CBU import. MG M9 EV: Battery and range The MG M9 EV comes with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery with a range of 500 km on a single charge. It has a front-mounted motor producing 241 bhp and 350 Nm of torque for a top speed of 180 kmph. The battery also takes about 8.5 hours to be charged fully from 5 per cent to 100 per cent using an 11 kW charger. It also features DC fast charging, which has the capability of charging the battery from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. Also Read : MG M9 India-spec features, range and variants confirmed: Here's what you should know MG M9 EV: Design and dimensions The M9 measures 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,840 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3,200 mm, which is wider than rivals such as the Carnival and Vellfire. The front grille is closed-off trapezoidal, LED headlamps resting on the bumper, and LED DRLs joined together above. It comes equipped with electric sliding doors, 19-inch self-healing Continental ContiSeal alloy wheels, and rear LED taillights, an electric tailgate, and roof spoiler. MG M9 EV: Interior and features The plush cabin features three-zone climate control, 2nd-row ottoman seats with heating, cooling, and massage, operated through a handrail-mounted touchscreen. Individual entertainment screens for rear passengers and a Chamois-wrapped dual-pane sunroof add to the ambiance, with an open feel. The front of the MPV has a minimalist dashboard with two displays: a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch instrument panel. HVAC buttons are placed on a touch-sensitive panel underneath the infotainment screen. The centre console floats with cupholders, wireless charger, and under-arm storage. The front seats are electronically adjustable with 4-way lumbar support and ventilation. Also watch: MG M9 EV first drive review: Luxury made sustainable MG M9 EV: Safety features The M9 comes with seven airbags, ABS, ESP with auto hold, and TPMS. It also features an ADAS package consisting of Adaptive Cruise Control, Integrated Cruise Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane-keeping assist, a speed assist system, and a 360-degree surround view screen. While yet to be tested by Bharat NCAP, it has received five-star ratings in European and Australian NCAP crash tests. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 20 Jul 2025, 08:25 am IST
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
First MG Select Dealership Opens In Delhi
JSW MG Motor India has launched its first premium vehicle dealership called MG Select in Delhi. The first-ever MG Select Experience center in the national capital was inaugurated by Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma. It is to be noted that this experience centre will deal in the premium models of the brand, like MG Cybertser and the M9 MPV. Based on the brand's statement, it takes cues from modern art exhibitions, the area showcases natural hues and endless white backdrops, positioning the vehicle as the focal point of the experience. The brand says that the car is displayed as a structural masterpiece. Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, commented, "Luxury consumption in India has grown exponentially in the recent years, with MG SELECT we aim to further create a niche for the luxury car buyers by redefining and elevating the car ownership journey. Our vision of redefining the Indian luxury automotive landscape aligns with our dealer partners and together we will create newer benchmarks by offering technologically advanced products and exclusive experiences." Amit Garg, Dealer Principal, MG Select Delhi, added, "This centre transcends the traditional showroom experience to redefine automotive luxury for our discerning clientele in Delhi. This will also cultivate a community where every customer's aspirations are realized and their patronage is genuinely cherished." As a component of its broader expansion strategy, JSW MG Motor India intends to launch 14 MG Select Experience Centres in 13 major cities throughout the country by the conclusion of Q3 2025, making the brand more accessible to luxury car customers nationwide. In February, the brand began accepting pre-bookings for the Cyberster electric roadster and the M9 electric MPV.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
JSW MG Motor opens first MG Select experience centre in Delhi
JSW MG Motor India has inaugurated its first MG Select experience centre in Delhi as part of a wider plan to introduce 14 such centres in 13 cities by the end of the third quarter of calendar year 2025. The new-format outlets aim to provide a differentiated vehicle retail and ownership experience. The centre is designed around a minimalist aesthetic inspired by art gallery layouts. The focus is on presenting MG vehicles as sculptural elements within a curated space. Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, ' Luxury consumption in India has grown exponentially in recent years. With MG SELECT we aim to further create a niche for the luxury car buyers by redefining and elevating the car ownership journey. Our vision of redefining the Indian luxury automotive landscape aligns with our dealer partners and together we will create newer benchmarks by offering technologically advanced products and exclusive experiences.' According to the company, the MG SELECT format includes personalisation, technology integration and vehicle displays, and is part of its broader strategy to position itself within the premium segment of the automotive market. Vehicles on display at the centre include the MG Cyberster — presented as the fastest MG to date — and the MG M9, a limousine positioned for formal and high-end executive usage, the company's statement said.
