India’s family car market is all set to get turned on its head in July with the launch of two electric MPVs – Kia Carens Clavis EV on July 15 and MG M9 by the end of July.
India’s electric car revolution is set for a family-friendly twist this month, as two very different electric MPVs come out of the woodwork. The Kia Carens Clavis EV will go on sale on July 15 and will become the country’s cheapest 7-seater electric MPV. And then there’s the Dracne M9, which aims for the luxury end of the market with presidential style features — and a price to match.
Kia Carens Clavis EV: More Electric for Less
Battery Pack And Range Details
The Carens Clavis EV will feature a 51.4kWh battery pack which reportedly offers a claimed range of 490km. This has a solid range of 17km more than the Hyundai Creta Electric which uses the same battery technology. Lower trims will likely get a 42kWh battery option in-line with the Creta Electric’s double-battery approach.
The front electric motor develops 171PS and 255Nm, which is more than enough performance for the school run and grocery shopping. Its battery also supports DC fast charging, which brings it up from 30-80% in about 30 minutes.
Features And Interior
The MPV electric maintains the ICE Carens Clavis’ interior design layout but presents a dual tone black and white interior color scheme. Key features include:
- 12.3-inch infotainment and driver-information screens on the two-tier dashboard
- Branching sunroof topper for better feels in cabin
- Front seats are ventilated and power-adjustable
- 360 surround view camera and L2 ADAS
- Safety Six airbags and electronic parking brake with auto-hold
Pricing And Market Position
Pricing of the Carens Clavis EV Prices for the Clavis EV are expected to be Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom) making it India’s most affordable 7-seater electric MPV. This puts it well below the BYD eMax 7 that begins at Rs 26.90 lakh.
MG M9: Luxury Redefined
Powertrain Specifications
The MG M9 gets a massive 90kWh battery pack working together with a 245bhp, 350Nm motor mounted at the front. The premium MPV boasts a 500km per charge range and 30 minutes for a 30-80% of a charge with DC fast charging.
The battery can be charged from 5 per cent to 100 per cent in around 8.5 hours while using an 11kW AC charger and can also take up to 125kW DC fast charging.
Presidential Features
The M9 is a first in many ways for MG in India:
- 16-way power adjustable ottoman rear seats including heating, ventilation, massage and extendable leg rest
- Double sunroof – front is normal size while rear is panoramic
- Second-row captain seats that are roommate lounge-like
- 7.0-inch and 12.3-inch digital displays, respectively
- 64 color ambient lighting and 12 speaker audio system
- 55-litre frunk storage – MG’s first in India
Dimensions And Luxury Positioning
At 5,270mm long, 2,000mm wide, and 1,840mm tall with a 3,200mm wheelbase, the M9 will be one of the largest MPVs in India. The seven-seat cabin doubles up as a 945-litre boot and there’s also Level 2 ADAS for added safety.
Expected pricing will be between Rs 65-70 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be lined up against cars like the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival.
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Market Impact And Competition
The Carens Clavis EV will fill a huge void in India’s EV market – budget family electric motoring. At the moment it’s the only MPV electric option for MPV out there, not available for everyone and this gives a huge window of opportunity for Kia’s more affordable offering.
The MG M9, on the other hand, elevates its style and design to a corporate level of a limousine in the electric MPV category, with prospective buyers looking for a car with premium features but is also eco-friendly.
Both launches reflect enhanced confidence in the electric ecosystem in India and an increasing acceptance by consumers for electric family vehicles. The two directions of travel – mass-market availability against luxury positioning – hint at the potential array of the electric MPV market.
But wait, there’s a twist: Though both MPVs claim to offer impressive range numbers but it’s their performance in the real world, in India’s conditions that will play the deciding whether they succeed or don’t. If the Carens Clavis EV’s cost makes it a democratizing force in electric family transport, then the M9’s available luxury touches have the potential to set a new benchmark for what people expect from premium electric mobility.