Most automotive launches are often quiet, closed affairs. Aside from main launches from native automotive manufacturers, or particular events which might be one of many first of its sort, resembling a locally-assembled electrical automobile, you rarely see ministers become involved.

This wasn’t the case with yesterday’s Maxus MIFA 9 launch. In spite of everything, 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 facet), one that’s absolutely imported as a CBU, with no CKD localisation plans talked about.

But one way or the other, the occasion was attended by none apart 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 may effectively be within the operating for use as the subsequent official automobile for native ministers.

This comes after Anwar introduced in Funds 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 will be a like-for-like substitute for the present fleet of Toyota Vellfires, and an MPV would match higher as a chauffeur-driven authorities VIP automobile 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
• Prime velocity: 180 km/h
• Battery: 90 kWh ternary lithium-ion
• Vary (WLTP): 435 km (Luxurious); 430 km (Premium)
• AC charging: 11 kW (Kind 2); 5-100% in 8.5 hours
• DC charging: 120 kW (CCS2); 30-80% in half-hour

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

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

What do you consider the opportunity of the MIFA 9 being chosen as authorities VIP autos? 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 persist with the tried and examined Vellfire formulation? 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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