Maxus is best known locally for its electric LGVs. But ever since the brand was launched in Singapore more than a decade ago, they’ve always had some kind of MPV in their local line-up.

Yes, Maxus isn’t a marque that’s new to Singapore. Unlike a lot of its Chinese rivals, Maxus has been here since 2015, and their first models offered for sale here weren’t even electric. Then in 2021, the SAIC-owned brand launched its first fully-electric van, which took the form of the eDeliver 3.

They then followed it up two years later with their first-ever Passenger EV – the Maxus MIFA 9. (Which, fun fact, was also rebadged by fellow SAIC sub-brand MG as the M9). But not everyone is in -the market for an Alphard-fighter.

In fact, most families just want a sensibly-sized and reasonably-priced 7-seater. So for almost $70,000 less (prices accurate at the time of publishing), they can now purchase a smaller MPV, in the form of a new, Category A COE variant of the MIFA 7.

What is the MIFA 7?

Where the MIFA 9 straddles the line between being a practical family car and being somewhat of a pseudo-luxury vehicle, the MIFA 7 makes its priorities crystal clear from the get go. It does away with the excessive use of chrome highlights of its larger sibling, whilst also being physically and visually smaller.

In fact, the general styling is also far more minimalistic. No split lights here – the MIFA 7’s DRLs and headlights are a pair of singular ‘T’-shaped units. There’s what looks like a light bar connecting the two clusters, but they are nothing more than just a piece of trim. Cost-cutting perhaps, but it is refreshing having a car that lacks the fuss that most modern vehicles try to incorporate.

Aside from the window trim, there’s no additional brightwork on the profile of the vehicle. It is plain, simple, and utilitarian, but again in a good way. The exposed raw plastic trim panels feel like they’d better be able to withstand road grime and the elements without the risk of scuffs and scratches that you’d eventually experience with painted panels.

The same design ethos has been applied to the rear end. No chrome or unnecessary highlights here, just a pair of rear lights, the pseudo-lightbar and a pair of reflectors on the bumper. Now don’t get us wrong – we are not hating on the MIFA 7’s design. Rather, we actually really like its refreshing simplicity.

Practicality-Focused

Fancy screens, massage seats and fridges are some of the equipment that this car doesn’t have. But again, the exclusion feels intentional, as it seems like Maxus really understands this car’s intended market.

All of the must-have basic features are included – you have an infotainment screen that works flawlessly with Android Auto, and a wireless charger that is surprisingly efficient. The general user experience, at least upfront, is also very good too.

Maxus has included a bank of capacitive hotkeys on the centre console, which allows you to access features like the demisters, lock/unlock and the power doors. On the touchscreen itself, you also have shortcut icons to control your climate settings, so it is properly headache-free to navigate and settle in.

No moonroof here – but the MIFA 7 doesn’t really need it. There’s sufficient light flooding the cabin due to its large windows, so it feels like there’s a lot of room. In reality there is actually a lot of space, with passengers in all rows having sufficient leg, head and knee room. Just don’t expect to have power or massage seats in the middle and third row.

Road Manners?

The sensibility extends to the way it drives. There’s nothing about the driving experience that’d even egg you on to drive in a way a family-centric MPV wouldn’t want to. The MIFA 7 Elite comfortably sits in Category A COE, which means it develops 145 bhp, just under the 147 bhp cut-off.

That translate into an EV that doesn’t give you a huge shove into the seat when you take off. Which, again, is perhaps a desirable trait when you are carrying your loved ones. But it isn’t just in a straight line in which the MIFA 7 doesn’t excite. It just doesn’t have the corner grip or composure that something like the Sienta has.

Which happens to be the intended target market Maxus is shooting for. A lot of this probably has to do with the tyres the car has been fitted with – when TC is triggered, the car cuts regen off, which was a little jarring initially (but you soon get used to it).

In its current form, the range estimate is also a little optimistic. Maxus claims it’d do 410 kilometres on a single charge. However, in the real-world, we achieved something closer to 350 kilometres. Again, a lot of these could be a direct result of the rubber the car wears stock – less wheelspin and more grip should automatically make it go, stop and corner far better, and for far longer.

Family Transport Sans The Frills

The Maxus MIFA 7 Elite feels like a vehicle that knows exactly what it wants to be. Rather than chasing luxury appointments or flashy gimmicks, it focuses on the fundamentals that matter most to families: space, practicality, ease of use and affordability.

It offers a refreshing alternative that delivers genuine people-moving capability without stretching the budget. Everything feels intentionally pared back, but never to the point of feeling incomplete. There is enough technology to satisfy modern expectations, enough room to comfortably transport seven occupants, and enough performance to make daily driving fairly effortless.

Ultimately, the MIFA 7 Elite succeeds by prioritising sensibility over spectacle. It may not be the most exciting MPV on sale today, but for families seeking an electric seven-seater that is practical, spacious and significantly more attainable than larger alternatives, it presents a compelling proposition. Sometimes, getting the basics right is exactly what buyers are looking for.

They don’t quite sit in the same class, but here‘s another six-seater that you may want to have a look at!