The latest model in China’s ‘Year of the MPV’ is set to launch on April 29th in the form of the Maxus G90.
If you think you’ve seen it before, it’s because you probably have. The G90 is the ICE-powered twin of the electric MIFA 9 MPV which launched in China last November.
Bigmouth Strikes Again
By now all MPV manufacturers know the drill – if you’re going to produce an MPV, it needs to boast the largest grille you can muster, and here the G90 doesn’t disappoint.
The huge square grille, framed by vertical chrome strips and with a v-shaped mesh pattern, gives the G90 a very angular and blocky appearance and ensures the car won’t be winning any aerodynamic contests.
Narrow hockey stick-shaped running lights sprout sideways from the top of the grille while the main headlight units sit in trapezoidal flares on either side, also trimmed with heavy lashings of chrome that connect via a front splitter.
The G90’s boxy appearance continues into the side profile with a distinct two-box design, squared-off bonnet, and gently sloping roofline.
Chrome features continue alongside a Z-shaped strip running from the bonnet, along the waistline, up the C-pillar, and along the roofline. Another runs between the wheels along the skirts.
Large electric sliding doors for the second row are present on both sides of the car and should make ingress and egress a simple affair.
Five-twin-spoke alloys with a star-shaped boss help the G90 look pretty sharp as a result.
Is it big? Absolutely. The G90 comes in at just under 5.3-metres long, 2-metres wide, and 1.845-metres tall, with a 3.2-metre wheelbase.
X-Factor
At the rear, the G90 exactly matches its MIFA 9 brethren with a distinctive X-shaped LED light running horizontally below the rear window and down the rear corner of the car, the vertical strands helping to break the impression of height.
Additional lights sit in the triangular recess between the running lights, as well as below yet another chrome strip right at the base of the G90 rear.
Wraparound windows are also a welcome design feature along with a small spoiler for aerodynamic purposes.
High-end Features All Round
Both drivers and passengers will feel at home in the G90 with some heavy-duty technological kit on display.
Upfront, a full-width digital unit consisting of three screens dominates the dashboard, while a 10-inch heads-up display helps the driver keep eyes on the road. The multimedia system runs on Maxus’ Spider Wisdom 2.0 system.
Ventilation outputs sit just under the screen unit and can be operated by touch-sensitive buttons on the shelf below the vents. On the centre console, a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and a dual-lid storage box all feature.
Drive is selected via a stalk behind the steering wheel, and a facial recognition camera on the A-pillar identifies the driver and remembers their settings.
In the rear, yet more luxury is on show. Four captain’s chairs with arms and footrests ensure all passengers get the star treatment.
Second-row passengers also benefit from integrated digital screens in the armrests which control features on the 10-inch screens that sit on the back of the front seats.
Other uses include changing the 64-colour ‘intelligent rhythmic mood lights’, ventilation settings, and massage functions built into the chairs. Above, twin opening sunroofs create a light interior, while JBL’s flagship audio system builds on an already impressive kit list.
The chairs are electrically adjustable and also feature built-in cupholders and tray tables.
Fetching two-tone leather upholstery caps off a rather stylish interior with gold elements adding the final flourish.
Front seats 
Armrest screens 
Tablet screens 
Third row seats 
Twin sunroofs 
Headlight 
Wheel 
Rear lights 
Front 3/4
Powertrains and Prices
The G90, as a car that will be made available in overseas markets, comes equipped with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 230hp or a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with just 120hp.
Prices will come in below those of the MIFA 9 with a starting price of just 230,000RMB ($35,200), rising to 350,000RMB ($53,500).
Expect the Maxus G90 to compete with the GAC M8 in its home market.
Maxus is part of the Shanghai-based SAIC group.
