From my perspective, the MG M9, launched in India on July 1, 2025, as a luxury electric MPV, promises a lot with its 90 kWh battery, 430–550 km range, and limousine-like interior. Priced at £52,000–£60,000 (₹65–75 lakh, $78,000–$90,000) and sold through MG Select dealerships, it aims to rival the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival. However, despite its premium features like 16-way captain seats and Level 2 ADAS, there are notable drawbacks that may make UK, Indian, or US buyers hesitate. Drawing from the MotorBeam YouTube video, web reviews, and X sentiment, here are the top 10 reasons to avoid the MG M9 in 2025. Let’s dive into why this MPV might not be the best fit for everyone.
Top 10 Reasons to Avoid the MG M9
1. High Price Tag for an Emerging Brand
From my perspective, the MG M9’s £52,000–£60,000 (₹65–75 lakh, $78,000–$90,000) price is steep for a brand like MG, which is better known for mass-market SUVs in India. Compared to the Kia Carnival (£45,000–£50,000) or even the Toyota Vellfire (£70,000+), the M9’s cost feels ambitious, especially without the premium badge of Toyota or Lexus, as noted on X (@autocarind). The ₹51,000 booking amount is refundable, but the price may deter UK buyers seeking proven luxury brands.
- Price: £52,000–£60,000, high for MG’s brand perception.
- Rivals: Carnival (£45,000), Vellfire (£70,000+).
- Booking: ₹51,000 refundable, but steep entry cost.
- Drawback: Lacks premium brand prestige.
2. Large Size Challenging for Urban Driving
From my perspective, the M9’s 5,270 mm length, 2,000 mm width, and 3,200 mm wheelbase make it a beast on cramped UK or Indian roads, as highlighted by ZigWheels. In cities like Mumbai or London, navigating tight streets or parking is daunting, especially compared to smaller MPVs like the Kia Carnival. The 19-inch alloys and low ground clearance (exact figures TBD) may struggle on Indian potholes, making it less practical for daily urban use.
- Dimensions: 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide.
- Challenge: Tough to maneuver in city traffic.
- Comparison: Smaller Carnival easier to handle.
- Issue: Low ground clearance for rough roads.
3. Detachable Screens as Paid Accessories
From my perspective, the M9’s detachable rear screens, a key entertainment feature, are sold as optional extras, as per the MotorBeam transcript. For a £52,000–£60,000 MPV, excluding such features feels stingy, especially when the Vellfire includes standard rear screens. This could frustrate Indian families or UK buyers expecting all-inclusive luxury, reducing the M9’s value proposition.
- Screens: Detachable, but not standard.
- Rival: Vellfire offers included rear screens.
- Cost: Extra expense for full entertainment.
- Issue: Undermines premium pricing.
4. Front-Wheel Drive Limits Performance
From my perspective, the M9’s front-wheel-drive setup, powered by a 90 kWh battery and 245 PS/350 Nm motor, lacks the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option found in rivals like the Vellfire, per CarDekho. This limits traction in slippery UK conditions or Indian monsoons, and the 9.9-second 0–100 kmph time feels sluggish for a luxury MPV. AWD could have boosted its appeal for performance-conscious buyers.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive only.
- Performance: 245 PS, 9.9 seconds to 100 kmph.
- Rival: Vellfire’s AWD option superior.
- Issue: Limited traction in tough conditions.
5. Touchscreen-Heavy Controls Reduce Intuitiveness
From my perspective, the M9 relies heavily on its 12.3-inch touchscreen for controls like climate, regen braking, and headlights, as noted in the transcript. This lacks the tactile ease of physical buttons, which UK or Indian drivers may prefer, especially in chaotic traffic. The Vellfire’s physical controls are more intuitive, and the M9’s setup could distract drivers, per web reviews.
- Controls: Touchscreen for climate, regen, lights.
- Rival: Vellfire’s physical buttons easier.
- Issue: Distracting in busy driving conditions.
- Design: Minimalist but less practical.
6. Unproven Real-World Range and Performance
From my perspective, the M9’s 430 km WLTP range (500–550 km estimated real-world, per MotorBeam) awaits real-world testing, as Motoring World notes. Indian roads or UK winters may reduce the range significantly, and the 90 kWh battery’s efficiency is unverified. The 160 kW DC fast charging (30–80% in 30 minutes) is promising, but untested reliability could concern buyers compared to the Vellfire’s proven hybrid system.
- Range: 430 km WLTP, 500–550 km estimated.
- Testing: Real-world range unproven.
- Charging: 160 kW DC fast, but reliability TBD.
- Rival: Vellfire’s hybrid more predictable.
7. Limited Dealership Network for MG Select
From my perspective, the M9’s exclusive MG Select dealerships (only 13 in India, per Times of India) limit accessibility for servicing or test drives, especially in rural UK or Indian areas. Compared to Kia or Toyota’s widespread networks, this could frustrate buyers needing prompt support. The CKD assembly in Gujarat may lower costs, but service delays could be a hassle.
- Dealerships: Only 13 MG Select in India.
- Rival: Kia, Toyota have broader networks.
- Service: Potential delays in rural areas.
- Issue: Limited access for maintenance.
8. No Direct Electric MPV Rivals, Yet High Expectations
From my perspective, the M9 is India’s only luxury electric MPV, but its £52,000–£60,000 price sets high expectations against established hybrids like the Vellfire or Carnival, per ZigWheels. Without direct EV rivals, buyers may question its value, especially with unproven long-term reliability in the EV space compared to Toyota’s hybrid pedigree. This makes it a risky investment for UK or Indian buyers.
- Market: Only electric MPV in segment.
- Rivals: Vellfire, Carnival have proven reliability.
- Price: High expectations for £52,000–£60,000.
- Risk: Unproven EV longevity.
9. Third-Row Comfort and Space Limitations
From my perspective, while the M9’s second-row captain seats are luxurious, the third row is cramped for adults, with limited headroom and legroom, as noted in web reviews. The sliding third row helps, but taller passengers may struggle on long UK or Indian trips compared to the Carnival’s roomier third row. The 945L boot (seats folded) is decent but not class-leading.
- Third Row: Cramped for adults, limited headroom.
- Rival: Carnival offers better third-row space.
- Boot: 945L with seats folded, not top-tier.
- Issue: Less practical for seven adults.
10. Lack of Brand Cachet in Luxury Segment
From my perspective, MG’s entry into the luxury segment with the M9 is bold, but its mass-market brand image lacks the prestige of Toyota or Lexus, as echoed on X (@ZigWheels). UK or Indian buyers spending £52,000–£60,000 may prefer the Vellfire’s established luxury appeal. The M9’s MG Select exclusivity helps, but building trust in this price bracket will take time.
- Brand: MG lacks luxury segment prestige.
- Rival: Vellfire’s Toyota badge more trusted.
- Price: £52,000–£60,000 demands premium image.
- Issue: Building trust will take time.
