MG M9, Carnival, or Vellfire : In India, the luxury MPV segment is relatively empty, with just the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Vellfire as the two models that are seeing the most action. MG is eager to join the party with the incoming M9, or MIFA 9 overseas. We compare and contrast these three to see how the new kid stacks up against his seasoned rivals on paper.
Dimensions: MG M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire
Dimensions comparison between M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire
M9 Carnival Vellfire
Length (mm) 5200 5155 5010
Width (mm) 2000 1995 1850
Height (mm) 1840 1775 1950
Wheelbase (mm) 3200 3090 3000
Wheel size 19in 18in 19in
The size of this M9 dwarfs both the Carnival and the Vellfire in basically every department, but notably the Vellfire. Compared to the Vellfire, the MG is 190mm longer and 150mm wider, and is mounted on a 200mm longer wheelbase. The well-packaged Kia Carnival takes the strong second here, with a significant 145mm advantage in both length and width compared to the Vellfire, as well as a 90mm longer wheelbase.
The Toyota MPV, however, measures 110mm and 175mm taller than the M9 and Carnival, respectively. In terms of wheels, the Vellfire and M9 both come with 19-inch alloys, whereas the Carnival gets smaller 18-inch hoops.
Powertrains: MG M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire
M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire comparo: powertrains, mileage
M9 Carnival Vellfire
Engine / power source 90kWh lithium-ion battery, single front motor 4 cyl, 2151cc, turbo-diesel 4 cyl, 2487cc, petrol-hybrid
Sort by Fuel typeElectricDieselHybrid
Power (hp) 245 190 142
Torque (Nm) 350 441 240
Transmission – 8-speed torque converter 7-step CVT
ARAI mileage (kmpl) — 14.85 19.28
Range (km) 430 (WLTP) – –
Drivetrain Frontal drive Frontal drive Polical drive
The powertrains of these MPVs aren’t directly comparable as each of them has a wholly disparate fuel type, but the M9 comes out on top in the power stakes. The M9 has a 55hp advantage over the next closest, the Carnival, while the Vellfire is more than 100hp shy of the MG. MazdaMPVDieselBut the torque figure — the Carnival’s diesel engine makes 91Nm more torque than the M9 and an impressive 201Nm more than the Vellfire.
As for ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency, the Vellfire’s more sedate engine tuning and hybrid setup help it squeeze out a 4.43kpl advantage over the Carnival, although it is also the only one here to offer all-wheel drive. Fuel-economy figures don’t apply here for the M9, being a full-blown EV, but MG claims it will do up to 430km on a single charge based on the stringent WLTP cycle.
MG M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire: specifications
As luxury MPVs, all three are loaded with gadgets. Full details on the M9 have not yet been released, but MG has confirmed it will offer powered front and rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite, dual sunroofs (single-pane in front, dual-pane in the rear), fold-out ottoman seats, powered rear-sliding doors and rear entertainment screens.
Both the Carnival and the Vellfire are equipped with smaller sunroofs compared to the M9. This includes power front and rear seats (massaging function not offered in Carnival), levels of ADAS, ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, air purifiers, ottoman type of seats with rear entertainment screens, powered rear-sliding doors, and much more. The three MPVs are available as 7-seaters, but the M9 also gets an 8-seat arrangement in foreign markets. It is yet to be seen if MG will bring both layouts in India.
MG M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire: pricing
Price analysis : M9 vs Carnival vs Vellfire
M9 Carnival Vellfire
Price (Rs, ex-showroom) 65 lakh (expected) 63.9 lakh 1.22 crore-1. 32 crore
Starting at over Rs 90 lakh, the Toyota Vellfire is the most expensive offering in this comparison and its starting price is nearly double that of the Carnival. For now, MG is not revealing what it will charge for the M9, but estimates put it at a sum somewhere in Carnival territory. Bookings for the M9 are open, with the launch in March. Deliveries will likely start in April.