MAXUS Dajia 9

The SAIC MAXUS Dajia 9 is a flagship executive new energy MPV under the SAIC MAXUS stable. First introduced in 2023 as a fully electric model (MIFA 9), the MPV later expanded its lineup with a Super Hybrid (plug-in hybrid) variant. Key rivals to the Dajia 9 include premium MPVs such as the Buick GL8 PHEV, Denza D9 DM, and ZEEKR 009.

Overview

Slotted as a large MPV, the Dajia 9 is tailored for premium chauffeur services and large family transport. The 2025 all-electric range is priced from RM269,900 to RM419,900; the 2024 Super Hybrid range retails between RM259,900 and RM309,900, alongside the 2025 Super Hybrid Dingfeng Zhizao Edition at RM299,900. The fully electric Executive 7-seater variant launched in December 2025 carries a recommended retail price of RM290,900.

Design Language

The Dajia 9 is available with either a fully enclosed front fascia or a conventional front grille; the former features a full-width light bar, while the latter adopts a semi-enclosed design. Up front, it sports a split lighting setup comprising an upper full-width LED daytime running light bar and lower bumper-integrated matrix LED headlights. Prominent "MAXUS" badging across the bonnet's leading edge elevates its brand presence.

In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,840 mm in height (1,848 mm for selected variants), with a generous 3,200 mm wheelbase. These exterior proportions provide a solid footprint for its spacious three-row seating layout. It features a floating roof design, dual power-sliding side doors, and an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. At the rear, the MPV gets vertical full-width LED tail lamps extending downward on either side in a distinctive halberd motif.

Inside, the cabin takes on a sleek, minimalist high-tech aesthetic, complemented by a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a column-mounted electronic gear selector. Extensive use of soft-touch materials, accented with fine wood-grain trims and satin metallic garnishes, delivers a distinctly upscale ambience.

Powertrain and Performance

The Dajia 9 is offered in two powertrain options: fully electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The EV variant features a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 180 kW (approx. 245 PS) and 350 Nm of peak torque across the range. Battery duties are handled by either a 77 kWh or 90 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack with CATL-sourced cells. CLTC-rated pure electric driving ranges are rated at 480 km, 540 km, and 560 km depending on the trim. Via DC fast charging, a 10-minute top-up can recover approximately 200 km of range.

The Super Hybrid variant is powered by a 1.5T plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a P1/P3 dual-motor setup. The combustion engine produces 110 kW and 235 Nm, while the traction motor delivers 176 kW and 390 Nm. Power is channelled through a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Battery choices include a 24.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack (Long Range) and a 39.7 kWh ternary lithium pack (Ultra Long Range). Pure electric range (CLTC) is rated at 115 km for the Long Range and 225 km for the Ultra Long Range variant, with a total combined cruising range of up to 1,309 km. Under battery-depleted conditions, WLTC fuel consumption stands at 6.7 L/100 km. A 6.6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function comes standard across all variants.

Ride and Handling

Under the skin, the Dajia 9 features front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link independent suspension across the board. The sophisticated rear multi-link setup is a standout in this segment, working alongside Quapact multi-link technology to deliver superior rolling refinement and ride comfort. The chassis setup is tuned for a planted and supple ride quality, particularly over smooth tarmac. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack, delivering drive to the front wheels (FWD). Braking is managed by ventilated front discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). In terms of rolling stock, the EV variant is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels (235/55 R19), while the Super Hybrid gets 18-inch star-spoke alloys wrapped in 225/60 R18 tyres.

Cabin and Equipment

Taking centre stage in the cabin is a pillar-to-pillar triple-screen setup, which integrates a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated 12.3-inch front passenger display. The infotainment suite is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor running on the Zebra Zhixing operating system. For added safety and convenience on the move, the front passenger can search for navigation destinations and beam them directly to the main centre console screen.

Seating arrangements include 2+2+3 seven-seater and 2+2+2 six-seater layouts. The second row features individual VIP captain chairs complete with multi-way power adjustment, ventilation, heating, and massage functions. These middle-row seats glide along ultra-long 1.1-metre electric sliding rails. The third-row seats also slide fore and aft to effortlessly balance passenger legroom and luggage space. All seats are swathed in premium Nappa leather upholstery. Boot capacity stands at 1,010 litres in standard 7-seat configuration, expanding to a massive 2,179 litres with the third-row seats folded flat. A 55-litre front boot (frunk) provides additional storage under the bonnet.

In-car entertainment is elevated by a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system. Other equipment highlights include dual power-sliding doors, a panoramic glass roof, 64-colour ambient lighting, a Qi wireless charging pad, rear privacy glass, and thoughtfully positioned B-pillar grab handles at a boarding height of 919 mm.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Dajia 9 is engineered with an 80% high-strength steel body structure, including 26.07% ultra-high-strength steel. All variants come factory-fitted with 7 airbags (including full-length extended side curtain airbags).

Active safety is bolstered by a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as standard. The safety suite includes Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and a 360-degree surround-view monitor. Higher-spec variants add an automated park assist function. A Driver Monitoring System (DMS) with facial biometric recognition is also included to detect driver fatigue.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Dajia 9's domestic sales figures have remained comparatively modest, registering a total volume of 1,754 units throughout 2025 to rank 30th in monthly MPV sales. In March 2026, the Dajia 9 BEV recorded 472 deliveries, bringing year-to-date sales to 1,083 units. Conversely, the model has enjoyed immense success in the Hong Kong market, even outselling the stalwart Toyota Alphard at its peak. The Dajia 9's core strengths lie in its: cavernous class-above interior space afforded by a 5.2-metre-plus length and 3,200 mm wheelbase, commendable range capability of 560 km (EV) and 1,309 km (Super Hybrid), an advanced digital cockpit powered by a triple-screen layout and Snapdragon 8155 chip, and exceptional value-for-money with entry pricing starting at RM269,900. On the downside, the brand commands lower badge prestige in the premium MPV space compared to established giants like the Buick GL8 and Denza D9, leading to an obvious sales disparity; some owners have also noted that interior fit and finish still have room for refinement. Overall, by pairing expansive cabin space, long-distance touring capability, and extensive standard equipment with an accessible price tag, the Dajia 9 remains a formidable, value-packed proposition for both business and family buyers in the RM250,000–RM400,000 new energy MPV segment.