Most automotive launches are normally quiet, closed affairs. Other than main launches from native automotive manufacturers, or particular events which are one of many first of its form, comparable to a locally-assembled electrical car, you infrequently see ministers become involved.

This wasn’t the case with yesterday’s Maxus MIFA 9 launch. In any case, it may be thought-about a distinct segment mannequin, an EV MPV from a comparatively unknown model (whereas Maxus has been round for a couple of years, gross sales have been on the low aspect), one that’s absolutely imported as a CBU, with no CKD localisation plans talked about.

But someway, the occasion was attended by none aside from prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim plus 4 different ministers. That’s a complete of 5 cupboard members at a automotive launch. It’s purely speculative for now, however this implies that the MPV might effectively be within the working for use as the following official car for native ministers.

This comes after Anwar introduced in Price range 2024 that authorities official automotive procurement will transfer in direction of EVs subsequent 12 months. The Maxus MIFA 9 is a powerful candidate for the ministerial slots, on condition that it might be a like-for-like alternative for the present fleet of Toyota Vellfires, and an MPV would match higher as a chauffeur-driven authorities VIP car than a Tesla.

A fast recap of the Maxus MIFA 9. It measures 5,270 mm lengthy, 2,000 mm vast and 1,840 mm tall, with a wheelbase that spans 3,200 mm, making it barely bigger than the newest Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, that are 5,005 mm lengthy, 1,850 mm vast, 1,950 mm tall and have a 3,000 mm-long wheelbase.

The detailed specs of the powertrain are as follows:

• Electrical motor output: 245 PS (241 hp or 180 kW) and 350 Nm; FWD
• 0-100 km/h time: 9.2 seconds
• High velocity: 180 km/h
• Battery: 90 kWh ternary lithium-ion
• Vary (WLTP): 435 km (Luxurious); 430 km (Premium)
• AC charging: 11 kW (Sort 2); 5-100% in 8.5 hours
• DC charging: 120 kW (CCS2); 30-80% in half-hour

Normal tools for each the Luxurious and Premium variants of the MIFA 9 are twin power-sliding doorways, 19-inch alloy wheels (completely different designs for every variant), LED headlamps and DRLs, LED rear fog lamps, LED taillights, heated aspect mirrors, entrance and rear powered sunroofs in addition to a powered tailgate.

Inside, there are three rows of seats in a 2-2-3 structure, with the second row being particular person captain chairs that supply heating, therapeutic massage, air flow and Ottoman capabilities.

What do you consider the potential for the MIFA 9 being chosen as authorities VIP automobiles? Ought to the ministerial rides be this, a Tesla or a CKD EV such because the Mercedes-Benz EQS, or ought to the federal government simply follow the tried and examined Vellfire system? Share your views on this within the feedback part.

GALLERY: 2024 Maxus MIFA 9 Premium

GALLERY: 2024 Maxus MIFA 9 Luxurious

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