SEVENTH HEAVEN ? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Chinese maker Maxus brings us a family seven-seat all-electric MPV, the MIFA 7. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 36

The Maxus MIFA 7 is a seven-seat all-electric MPV that aims to blend luxury and comfort with cutting-edge technology and efficiency. If you've a growing family and you're ready to go all-electric, it's worth a look.

Backgroundword count: 128

It took the car industry quite a long time to get around to bringing us a seven-seat family-sized full-electric model that wasn't a glorified airport shuttle bus. But in 2024, two such models arrived, the Peugeot E-5008 and the subject of this test, the Maxus MIFA 7. It's the Maxus you're less likely to have heard of, a Chinese brand sold here by an Irish importer (The Harris Group). Until early 2024, the company sold only vans in the UK, but then expanded into the passenger car market with the MIFA 9, a huge Mercedes V-Class-like MPV with an interior like a luxury limo. The MIFA 7, as its name suggests, is that top model's only slightly smaller, more affordably accessible showroom stablemate. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 214

MIFA 7 customers choose between two battery sizes, a standard 77kWh one offering up to 255 miles of range. And a larger 'high density' 'One Pack' 90kWh version, offering up to 298 miles from a single charge. All versions use the same 245PS electric motor, which offers 350Nm of torque, so you won't be short of pulling power. With all models there are three driving modes - 'Normal', 'Eco' and 'Sport'; and three steering settings ('Standard', 'Sport' and 'Comfort'); plus two brake feel levels ('Standard' and 'Sport'). As with a lot of Chinese cars, don't expect a particularly involving driving experience. And stand by for a range of often fairly intrusive camera safety systems. Body roll isn't quite as bad through fast tight turns as you might fear, thanks to the usual EV ultra-low centre of gravity. But given the 2.8-tonne kerb weight and slab-sided profile, you won't be surprised to hear that the MIFA 7 doesn't enjoy being hustled along. Its speciality is of course highway cruising - though that's not as silent as you might hope and will certainly not be unless you can disable the constant lane assist system beeping. Plus the substantial body width will take some getting used to on a typical British country road. Top speed is 112mph.

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