MG M9 EV vs 2025 Kia Carnival
Embark on a detailed and in-depth review of the MG M9 EV and the 2025 Kia Carnival in India. This value-rich automotive editorial delves into design, performance, luxury, safety, and ownership points to inform your luxury MPV choice.
MG M9 EV vs 2025 Kia Carnival: A Clash of Motoring Ideologies
In India’s vibrant history of car evolution, the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) space has become an icon of aspiration, convenience, and status. It was long ruled by functional people-carriers, but quietly revolutionizing the scene was luxury, knocking on the MPV’s sliding doors.
The Kia Carnival, with its majestic size and business-class attitude, launched in India as a game-changer. It provided not only room but an experience, changing the face of traveling in luxury. Take a jump forward into 2025, and here comes a new MG M9 EV, a striking, electric MPV that is more than a vehicle; it is a luxury statement and a beacon of forward-thinking values.
This isn’t just a showdown between two heavy vehicles. This is a clash of philosophies: internal combustion heritage and electric futurism. And India, a country between tradition and innovation, is the ideal battlefield.
Interior Craftsmanship and Features: Where Comfort Meets Craft
Get into the MG M9 EV, and you surrounded by state-of-the-art luxury. The cabin is more reminiscent of a private aircraft than a car. Luxurious textures, ambient lighting, and a peaceful cabin environment lift the mundane drive into a high-end sanctuary. The second-row massage-capable ottoman seats are pure indulgence, matched by giant dual sunroofs, wireless charging pads, and a series of digital controls.
The cabin itself is minimalist chic but futuristic, as MG takes the best out of an electric platform to produce a flat floor and roomy space. With a boot space of 945 litres (even with all rows up), and an extra 55-litre front trunk (frunk), practicality is not traded off for style.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Carnival retains its routine of elegant practicality. Its interior, fited with dual 12.3-inch digital displays, Bose premium sound system and cushioned ventilated captain seats.Its treat with ergonomics, surface finish, and seating comfort highlights Kia’s skill of making people-focused vehicles.
However, MG M9 EV takes the lead in futuristic lavishness and sensory refinement.
Performance: Serenity or Strength?
The heart of any car is under its bonnet—or, in the M9’s case, its battery floor. The MG M9 is powered by a 90kWh battery, which makes 245 horsepower and 350Nm of torque. Quiet but powerful, the electric drivetrain provides instant power with a polished elegance that internal combustion cannot match. MG states a WLTP-certified range of 430 km, while in-house testing has indicated a possible range of up to 548 km, reducing range anxiety for city and semi-city users.
Conversely, the Kia Carnival keeps its mighty 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel mill. With 190 horsepower and 441Nm of torque, it remains a faithful workhorse, perfect for long drives. Smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and Carnival’s stability at high speeds instill confidence on highways.
Verdict: MG M9 EV is the buff's pick for repose and eco-friendliness, while the Carnival is the sturdy of long-distance capability.
Safety Architecture: A Fortress on Wheels
Both competitors show a well-armored product in the safety arena. The MG M9 EV boasts Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), eight airbags, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control. Exclusive to its EV nature, it also has pedestrian alert sound systems as well as an impact-buffering front trunk for extra crash protection.
The Kia Carnival, though more traditional, is just as solid. Sharing the same complement of airbags and ADAS features like lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning, it also focuses on passenger safety with excellent implementation.
But MG’s extra layer of smart, software-based safety puts it at the forefront of modernity.
The MG M9 EV is crafted for the urban explorer. With virtually silent running, regenerative braking, and lots of cargo versatility, it outshines in metro scenarios. It’s perfect chauffeur-driven executive shuttle, airport limo car, or premium family mover in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, where EV charging infrastructure is gradually coming of age.
On the other hand, the Kia Carnival is designed for the long haul. Its diesel powertrain and wide fueling network make it road warriors’ go-to vehicle for traveling well outside the bounds of city chargers. At 540 litres of trunk space, it’s not nearly as spacious as the M9, but still spacious enough for luggage-filled road trips.
In short: The MG M9 is tomorrow’s EV, ready for today’s city. The Carnival is still the road-trip king of the Indian highway.
Pricing and Availability: The Cost of Choice
MG M9 EV: Will be priced in the range of 65–70 lakh (ex-showroom), available through MG Select with a booking token of 51,000. Deliveries will start in mid-to-late 2025.
Kia Carnival 2025: Available now at 63.90 lakh, in one, all-loaded Limousine Plus variant.
The MG M9 requires a premium, but delivers next-generation value. The Carnival is available now, with proven practicality.
Pros Cons: The Critical Balance
MG M9 EV
Pros:
Futuristic luxury with class-leading comfort
Zero tailpipe emissions, lower long-term running costs
Tech-loaded cabin with best-in-class space
ADAS and unique EV safety features
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Dependent on charging infrastructure growth
Kia Carnival
Pros:
Strong, torquey diesel ideal for highways
Immediate availability and after-sales network
Trusted performance and comfort balance
Cons:
Lacks the avant-garde cabin of the M9
No electrified variant, less future-proof
The Final Word: Who Wins This Prestige Battle?
Both cars are landmarks in their field. The MG M9 EV is a beacon of what the future holds—a technological juggernaut that eschews neither comfort nor capability. For city dwellers, luxury buyers, and green-minded shoppers, it presents an unbeatable combination.
The Kia Carnival, on the other hand, is the traditionalist’s hero. It’s a car that modernizes without betraying its roots in utilitarian luxury. For regular intercity commuters and extended families, its diesel reliability is still unmatched.
Your decision isn’t between two MPVs. It’s between epochs. And for that reason, it’s all the more thrilling.
FAQ: MG M9 EV vs Kia Carnival in India
Q: Is MG M9 EV arriving in India?
Yes, MG has commenced bookings of the M9 EV on its MG Select portal. Deliveries start mid-2025.
Q: How much is MG M9 EV likely to cost in India?
MG M9 is expected to be priced around ₹65–70 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q: Which MPV is more suitable for city driving?
The MG M9 EV, with its quieter driving, zero emissions, and luxury packed, is perfect for city driving.
Q: Is Kia Carnival good for long drives?
Yes. The diesel powerplant, big tank, and road presence make it an ideal choice for highway runs.
Q: Is MG M9 better featured than the Kia Carnival?
Yes, particularly when it comes to luxury and electric-age technology such as seats, floors, and ADAS.
