Maxus, in collaboration with Lombardi, an Indonesian company that specialises in customising executive MPVs such as the Lexus LM, Toyota Alphard and Mercedes V-Class, has introduced a more luxurious version of the MIFA 9.
At an international media event recently, we had a chance to get up close with the Maxus MIFA 9 and examine its various customisations in detail. Here’s everything we found out:
Design
Inspired by ultra-luxury European marques such as Mercedes-Maybach, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, the Maxus MIFA 9 Lombardi Edition has a stately appearance, with an elegant two-tone paint scheme.
Lombardi has finished the bonnet, A-pillars, door mirror caps, cant rails and roof rails in silver, while the rest of the body is painted gloss black.
Chrome accents provide further contrast on the bumpers, rocker panels, door handles, around the greenhouse in a Z-shaped pattern, and beside the outer edges of the tail lamps in an inverted-L shape. However, these are all part of the factory equipment.
The factory-fitted 19-inch alloy wheels feel like a missed opportunity. A distinctive wheel design can significantly alter such a vehicle’s character, and monoblock-style alloys would have better complemented this example’s stately appearance.
Interior
The interior is where the Maxus MIFA 9 Lombardi Edition differs most clearly from the regular model.
Lombardi has installed a full-height partition between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment. Its wide upper glass panel can be raised or lowered and switched between transparent and opaque states.
Below the glass panel sits a large TV, accompanied by two fold-out tray tables with cupholders, a pull-out storage bin and a pair of fold-down footrests.
A dedicated touchscreen operates functions such as the privacy glass, intercom and ambient lighting, further enhancing comfort and convenience for second-row occupants.
The regular MIFA 9’s 2+2+3 seating layout remains unchanged, with two VIP seats in the second row and a three-seat bench in the third. The VIP seats can slide forward and outwards towards their respective doors, widening the central aisle for easier access to and from the third row.
Specifications
The Maxus MIFA 9 Lombardi Edition is 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and 1,840 mm tall and has a 3,200 mm wheelbase. It uses a front-mounted motor producing 180 kW (241 bhp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, along with a 90 kWh NMC battery pack.
The battery pack can be charged at up to 11 kW on AC and up to 130 kW on DC. It takes 8.5 hours for a 5-100% AC charging session and 30 minutes for a 30-80% DC charging session. When fully charged, it can provide the vehicle with an NEDC range of 520 kilometres (323 miles).
First Drive Experience
We also had the opportunity to take a brief test drive in the regular MIFA 9 after examining the Lombardi Edition.
In Normal mode, the MIFA 9 hesitated for a second or two when we pressed the accelerator fully. Once it responded, acceleration was brisk, taking us from a standstill to around 35 mph in approximately four seconds. Sport mode delivered a more immediate and natural response, with easily enough performance for city driving.
Interestingly, the suspension felt on the firmer side, giving the large MPV a planted character and avoiding the wallowy sensation often associated with MPVs. It also dealt with speed bumps better than the MIFA 7. Although the impacts were audible inside the cabin, very little of the disturbance made its way through the seats.
Release Date
Maxus has not disclosed the price of the MIFA 9 Lombardi Edition. The company is unlikely to offer this customised model in the UK, where it sells the regular MIFA 9 in 7- and 8-seat versions.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
