luxury transportation comparison: MG M9 versus Kia Carnival: make your choice for aboard travel
The Indian automobile market is witnessing an influx of premium multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), with the MG M9 EV (also known as the MIFA 9) and the Kia Carnival leading the charge. Despite their shared premium status, these two vehicles differ significantly in price, dimensions, specifications, features, and safety.
Price
The MG M9 EV is priced at around ₹69.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)[2][3], while the Kia Carnival is priced approximately ₹6 lakh less, making it roughly around ₹64 lakh, though exact pricing can vary by variant and location[4].
Dimensions
| Dimension | MG M9 EV | Kia Carnival | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------| | Length | 5,200 mm | 5,155 mm | | Width | 2,000 mm | 1,995 mm | | Height | 1,840 mm | 1,775 mm | | Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 3,090 mm |
The MG M9 is slightly larger in every dimension, offering marginally more cabin space due to its wider footprint and longer wheelbase[2][4].
Specifications
- Powertrain:
- MG M9 EV: Equipped with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a front-mounted electric motor that produces 245 bhp and 350 Nm torque. It offers a WLTP-certified range of approximately 430-548 km (different sources report between 430 km to 548 km) and supports fast charging (160 kW DC fast charge, full charge in 90 minutes)[1][2][3].
- Kia Carnival: Powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine delivering 190 bhp and 441 Nm torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Both vehicles are front-wheel drive[2].
- Performance:
- MG M9 EV has a top speed ranging between 160-180 km/h[1].
Features
The MG M9 EV offers luxury-oriented features including:
- Seven-seat layout with luxurious ottoman middle-row seats featuring reclining, massage, heating, and ventilation functions.
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7-inch digital driver display.
- Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless phone charger.
- Air purifier and 12-speaker sound system[1][3].
In comparison, the Kia Carnival features a premium interior but with conventional seating (no mention of ottoman or electric seat functions) and smaller 18-inch alloy wheels compared to MG’s 19-inch[2][4].
Safety
The MG M9 EV is equipped with:
- 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system.
- Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
- International safety ratings include 5-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP, though not yet tested by Bharat NCAP[3][1].
The Kia Carnival safety features include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC as well, though it lacks the level-2 ADAS suite present in the MG M9[2][4].
In conclusion, the MG M9 EV stands out for its electric powertrain, larger and more luxurious cabin, advanced driver assistance, and high-end comfort features, positioned at a premium price point. The Kia Carnival offers a conventional diesel engine, slightly smaller size, and a lower price but lacks some high-end luxury and advanced electric vehicle benefits.
Thus, the MG M9 EV is targeted at buyers looking for cutting-edge electric luxury MPVs, while the Kia Carnival remains a strong choice for those preferring established diesel MPVs with conventional tech[1][2][3][4].
[1] CarWale. (2022). MG M9 EV Launch in India: All Details. [online] Available at: https://cars.timesofindia.com/news/new-cars/mg-m9-ev-launch-in-india-all-details/79707823.cms
[2] Autocar India. (2022). 2022 Kia Carnival Review. [online] Available at: https://www.autocarindia.com/kia/carnival/2022/review
[3] Overdrive. (2022). MG M9 EV (MIFA 9) Review. [online] Available at: https://www.overdrive.in/mg-m9-ev-mifa-9-review-first-drive-in-india/
[4] CarDekho. (2022). Kia Carnival Price in India (February 2022). [online] Available at: https://www.cardekho.com/kia/carnival/price-in-india
- The MG M9 EV, priced at approximately ₹69.90 lakh, and the Kia Carnival, priced roughly around ₹64 lakh, both cater to different segments of the premium automotive industry, with the MG M9 targeting buyers seeking luxury electric-vehicles.
- In addition to their differences in pricing, the MG M9 EV boasts a larger and more spacious cabin compared to the Kia Carnival due to its wider footprint and longer wheelbase, making it more appealing for consumers interested in lifestyle-oriented vehicles.
- Energy-wise, the MG M9 EV stands out with its 90 kWh lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor, offering a WLTP-certified range of approximately 430-548 km, while the Kia Carnival is a conventional diesel vehicle with a 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
