MG M9 Presidential Limousine Real World Range Test: Luxury EV Put to the Ultimate Indian Road Challenge
The electric vehicle (EV) space in India has grown exponentially over the past few years, but the luxury MPV segment has remained relatively untouched — until now. Enter the MG M9 Presidential Limousine, a full-sized electric luxury MPV set to redefine expectations in this category. With a projected price tag of ₹70–80 lakhs, MG is targeting high-end consumers looking for space, comfort, and green mobility in one package.
We had the opportunity to conduct a real-world range and performance test of the MG M9 in Goa under typical Indian driving conditions — rain, wet roads, occasional bad patches, and variable speed limits. This review dives into how the M9 fared across range, comfort, tech, and real usability on Indian roads.
Under the Hood: Battery, Power, and Expectations
The MG M9 comes equipped with a 90 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of around 450 kilometers on a full charge. The electric motor churns out 235 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque, promising a refined yet capable driving experience.
But claimed numbers and real-world performance often differ, especially in India where traffic, climate, and road quality can dramatically impact efficiency. That’s exactly why this test was designed — to push the vehicle under regular Indian conditions and see what the M9 realistically offers.
The Test Setup: Real Conditions, Real Loads
The range test was carried out in Goa, involving a mix of city and highway driving. Here’s the setup:
- Four adult passengers
- Fully loaded boot with luggage
- AC running throughout
- Rainy weather with wet roads
- Speeds maintained between 80–90 km/h, occasionally touching 150 km/h
The car started with a full battery and the odometer reading at 350 km. We aimed to drive the vehicle until the battery was nearly depleted to estimate a real-world usable range.
Driving Experience: Surprisingly Nimble and Comfortable
Despite being a large MPV, the MG M9 is surprisingly easy to maneuver. MG has done an excellent job with the car’s driving dynamics. Whether navigating narrow roads or cruising on highways, the car remains balanced and composed.
- The steering feedback is excellent, light at low speeds and steady at higher ones.
- Acceleration is smooth and gradual, and there’s no sudden surge that could unnerve passengers.
- At speeds above 100 km/h, the cabin remains remarkably insulated. Even at 150 km/h, rear passengers felt the car was only doing 80–90 km/h.
The M9 uses a front-wheel-drive layout, but the handling is so balanced that it often feels like an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Luxury and Technology: A Mixed Bag
MG has packed the M9 with several luxury features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, especially in the rear cabin.
Hits:
- All four seats feature massage functions.
- The driver’s seat has 12-way electric adjustment, while the co-driver seat gets 8-way adjustment.
- Rear passengers can recline their seats, extend legroom, and even adjust the front seats using touch controls.
- Dual rear entertainment screens add to the limousine-like experience.
Misses:
- The digital instrument cluster is small and not very intuitive.
- Battery percentage isn’t easily visible on the main screen — you need to navigate deep into settings.
- Absence of physical controls makes adjusting settings on the move a bit cumbersome.
This mix of high-end luxury and some UI oversights makes the tech experience somewhat inconsistent.
Ride Quality: Mostly Premium, With One Caveat
MG has done well to deliver a refined ride experience, especially from the driver’s seat. Suspension absorbs most road imperfections, and the car feels stable even at high speeds.
On smooth, well-paved highways, rear seat passengers enjoy a near first-class travel experience. However, on uneven or RCC roads, small undulations become noticeable at the back. While this won’t be a dealbreaker for most buyers, it’s something to note, especially in Indian cities with patchy infrastructure.
Range Test Results: Real Numbers, Real Confidence
Here’s how the car performed:
- Odometer at Start: 350 km
- Odometer at End: 650 km
- Distance Covered: Approximately 300 km
- Battery Remaining: 3%
- Estimated Usable Range: 310–315 km
This was achieved with continuous AC usage, four passengers, a fully loaded boot, and wet conditions throughout the journey. It’s safe to say that under lighter loads or more moderate driving, the M9 could potentially achieve or exceed the claimed 450 km range.
Third Row Usability: Surprisingly Good
The third row in most MPVs is usually reserved for children or short trips. But the M9 breaks that trend by offering ample space even for 6-foot-tall adults. Headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are more than adequate, and entry-exit is relatively convenient thanks to the flat floor and wide doors.
Conclusion: A Well-Balanced Premium EV
The MG M9 Presidential Limousine offers a strong case for itself in the Indian luxury EV space. It combines a commanding road presence, spacious interiors, thoughtful features, and a real-world range that holds up well under Indian conditions.
Pros:
- Excellent ride comfort and cabin insulation
- Practical real-world range of 310+ km
- Feature-rich rear seats with genuine luxury touches
- Smooth, stable high-speed driving
Cons:
- Interface and display could be more user-friendly
- Ride quality on uneven roads could be better
- Lack of physical controls for key functions
If you’re in the market for a luxury MPV and are looking to go electric, the MG M9 might just be the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and future-readiness.
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