SAIC MAXUS Deliver 9

Model Overview

The SAIC MAXUS Deliver 9 stands as a benchmark in the wide-body light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, sold domestically in China as the V90. Serving as the flagship model of the SAIC MAXUS LCV line-up, the Deliver 9 made its global debut at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, marking a pivotal step in the brand's push into the premium commercial van arena. Developed from the ground up via comprehensive forward engineering, the model line-up is offered with both internal combustion engine (Deliver 9) and fully electric (eDeliver 9) powertrains across multiple global markets. In its home market, the Deliver 9 carries an official retail price spanning from RM128,800 to RM236,600, varying across variants and target applications. The platform offers multiple wheelbases, various roof heights, and seven body configurations, catering to diverse use cases including commuter and tourism transport (Zhida), multi-purpose passenger ferrying (Zhiduoxing), and urban cargo logistics (VAN). It is configurable in 2- to 15-seater seating layouts, offering up to 12.4 cubic metres of cargo volume and an expansive maximum load capacity. As the technological flagship of the SAIC MAXUS LCV family, the Deliver 9 spearheads the brand's overarching strategy towards premiumisation, electrification, and global market expansion.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Deliver 9 adopts SAIC MAXUS's signature family design language, breaking away from the utilitarian and utilitarian aesthetic typical of traditional commercial vans. The front fascia centres around a broad octagonal chrome radiator grille, flanked by full-LED starlight headlamps and distinctive dagger-profile daytime running lights (DRLs) to deliver a bold, commanding road presence. The 2024 model year and subsequent facelifts brought a further update with an integrated matrix front grille, featuring 5D-cut arrow motifs that impart an SUV-like stance, whilst auto-sensing LED headlights and front/rear fog lamps are standard across the entire range. Along the sides, the van retains the sculpted shoulder line characteristic of the wide-body LCV family, complete with optional powered sliding side doors and an electric retractable side step, alongside 180-/270-degree barn-style rear cargo doors for hassle-free loading and unloading. Inside, the Deliver 9 eschews Spartan commercial cabin appointments in favour of a passenger-car-inspired interior layout. The dashboard incorporates horizontal lines and sleek trim panels that evoke an MPV-like ambience, equipped with a 10.1-inch or 12.3-inch high-definition floating touchscreen infotainment display alongside a 4.2-inch LCD multi-info instrument cluster supporting dual-screen interaction. With an interior standing height of up to 1.8 metres and a 280 mm central aisle, occupants can move about effortlessly; the leatherette-wrapped seats feature a 488 mm cushion depth and a generous 750 mm seat pitch for long-haul touring comfort.

Powertrain & Performance

The Deliver 9 model range offers a comprehensive array of turbodiesel and pure electric powertrains tailored to diverse commercial requirements. The ICE variant is powered by SAIC's in-house developed "SAIC π" 2.0-litre high-performance turbodiesel engine, which earned a spot on the prestigious "China Heart" 2020 Top Ten Engines list. The oil-burner incorporates eight state-of-the-art technologies, including a 2,000-bar high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, a continuously variable swirl intake valve, and a two-stage variable displacement oil pump. Power outputs range from 110 kW to 130 kW, with peak torque spanning between 375 Nm and 420 Nm. Transmission options for the diesel model include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automated manual (AMT), a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, an 8-speed automatic, and a 9-speed automatic transmission, available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) layouts. Under the WLTC test cycle, combined fuel consumption dips to as low as 7.5 L/100 km, offering standout running-cost efficiency in its segment.

The all-electric eDeliver 9 is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor with multiple power and battery pack configurations. The standard motor pushes out a maximum output of 150 kW (approximately 204 PS) and 310 Nm of peak torque, delivering smooth power delivery and instant low-end throttle response. For European and Australian markets, three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery capacities are available: 65 kWh, 72 kWh, and 88.55 kWh. On the WLTP cycle, the zero-emission driving range spans between 150 km and 280 km depending on the body style—delivering 150 km on the Cab Chassis variant and up to 280 km on the long-wheelbase mid-roof panel van. Top speed is electronically governed at 100 km/h, well suited for urban and suburban logistics duties. For charging, the eDeliver 9 supports up to 80 kW DC fast charging, taking approximately 36 to 45 minutes to top up the battery from 20% to 80% state of charge.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the Deliver 9 platform utilises diverse suspension configurations tailored to specific body styles and operational demands. Up front, MacPherson independent strut suspension is standard across the line-up, while the rear axle employs either non-independent leaf springs or a heavy-duty multi-leaf spring setup, striking a practical balance between front-end ride compliance and heavy rear axle payload capacities. Drive layouts are primarily front-engine front-wheel drive (FWD) or front-engine rear-wheel drive (RWD), with no four-wheel-drive (4WD) option available. Electric power steering (EPS) is fitted as standard across all variants, providing a light, effortless, and precise steering feel. In terms of driving modes, the diesel version provides multiple drive modes to suit various topographies, letting drivers toggle between mountain, city, and highway presets; the eDeliver 9 offers Eco, Normal, and Power modes, where Eco prioritises energy conservation and smooth coasting, while Power mode sharpens off-the-line pickup and low-speed tractive effort. Braking is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, backed by standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) for confident stopping power. A compact 6.65-metre minimum turning radius ensures tight manoeuvrability in congested urban settings. While unladen ride quality can be somewhat stiff and unsettled over bumps due to the rear leaf springs, the vehicle's body control, straight-line stability, and cornering poise improve markedly under load.

Cabin & Equipment

The Deliver 9's cabin is configured with a strong emphasis on utility, ergonomic efficiency, and digital connectivity. Equipment-wise, a 4.2-inch LCD instrument display comes standard, while higher-spec trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch high-definition floating touchscreen that supports multimedia entertainment and smartphone mirroring. Running on the proprietary Spider Connectivity operating system, the infotainment suite supports nearly a hundred connected services, including remote climate control activation, remote door lock/unlock, voice command recognition, and in-car social apps, with additional bespoke styling and kit options available via the Spider Smart Selection ordering platform. A column-mounted electronic gear selector frees up valuable storage real estate along the centre console, while keyless entry, engine push-start button, high-capacity heating and air-conditioning, and a PM2.5 cabin air purification system come standard. Seating comfort is well catered for with leatherette upholstery and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, alongside a front passenger dual-bench setup that enables a three-seater front row. Storage practicality is abundant, featuring an overhead parcel shelf, under-seat storage compartments, and deep door bins. On the NVH front, the V90 series is widely lauded for its refined cabin acoustics, registering an idle sound level as low as 47 dB—an impressive feat within the commercial van class. Furthermore, the Deliver 9 is among the most popular donor platforms for Class B campervan conversions in China; capitalising on its forward-engineered OEM foundation, factory-built motorhome spin-offs like the Explorer V90 are regularly exported to overseas markets, including Australia.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety is a headline capability for the Deliver 9 family, achieving top-tier ratings in international commercial vehicle evaluations. Both the ICE and EV versions come standard with dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, with European-spec models featuring full front and side curtain airbag coverage across the entire line-up. In Euro NCAP's commercial van safety assessments, the 2024 eDeliver 9 secured a Gold Rating and a 4-star safety score, achieving 74% in the Safety Assist category and scoring a perfect 100% in the cyclist detection and intervention assessment—the sole contender in its segment to achieve full marks in that discipline. In a subsequent 2025 reassessment, the eDeliver 9 was elevated to a maximum 5-star safety rating with an improved 77% Safety Assist score, solidifying its status as one of the safest commercial vans on the market.

Active safety is bolstered by an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, integrating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and a Speed Assist System. The AEB system reliably identifies vulnerable road users—including pedestrians and cyclists—as well as other vehicles, successfully mitigating or avoiding collisions across all standardised test scenarios. The Lane Support System applies gentle steering torque when unintended lane drift is detected, actively intervening in critical conditions to keep the vehicle safely within its lane. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and seatbelt reminders for all occupants are standard across the board. In terms of passive crash safety, the Deliver 9 is built using PHS hot-stamped high-strength steel and a 9.2-metre laser-welded body structure, forming a rigid safety cell that offers exceptional impact protection for all occupants.

Market Performance & Reception

The Deliver 9 range continues to record strong sales performance across global markets. In 2025, SAIC MAXUS's global volume surpassed 222,000 units, with domestic new energy vehicle (NEV) deliveries exceeding 54,000 units and monthly NEV penetration surpassing 50% for the first time—ranking first among traditional commercial vehicle manufacturers. In the first half of 2025, domestic sales reached 107,467 units, with NEV volume surging 69% year-on-year and the wider MAXUS LCV family capturing a market share of over 35%. In September 2025 alone, SAIC MAXUS shifted 9,630 units, capturing a 22.06% market share and charting a 77.12% year-on-year growth. As the brand's flagship LCV, the V90 consistently ranks among the top performers in customer satisfaction and reliability surveys across its segments. In international markets, the zero-emission eDeliver 9 has established itself as the green fleet vehicle of choice for courier, postal, and retail titans (such as DPD, DHL, and FedEx) across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and continental Europe; the long-wheelbase high-roof van delivers a 12.3-cubic-metre cargo capacity, capable of accommodating two Australian standard pallets or 3 to 4 Euro pallets with ease. Owner feedback routinely praises its punchy engine performance, refined NVH suppression, robust chassis dynamics, supportive seating, and low fuel consumption, though minor complaints point to a firm unladen rear suspension and relatively thin exterior paintwork. Automotive industry commentators widely agree that with its passenger-car-grade cabin refinement, comprehensive ADAS equipment, versatile powertrain portfolio, and stellar international crash safety credentials, the Deliver 9 has reset the value benchmark for premium wide-body LCVs, serving as a flagship exemplar for Chinese commercial vehicles competing on the global stage.