MG M9 vs Kia Carnival - Which One Should You Buy
MG M9 vs Kia Carnival Comparison at CarHP India. Compare MG M9 and Kia Carnival Prices, Mileage, Features, Specs, Colours and much more.
The MG M9 comes in 2 variants. The selected variant is priced at ₹79.95 Lakh. The cheapest variant, Presidential Limo, costs ₹79.95 Lakh, while the top-end variant, MG M9 Couture Edition, is priced at ₹84.94 Lakh. The Kia Carnival comes in 1 variants. Engine options include Diesel as per the selected variant, paired with automatic transmissions. The selected variant is priced at ₹59.65 Lakh. The cheapest variant, Limousine Plus, costs ₹59.65 Lakh, while the top-end variant, Limousine Plus, is priced at ₹59.65 Lakh.
₹ 79.95 Lakh
₹ 59.65 Lakh
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Smart Summary for Car Selection
Why Choose MG M9?Why choose the MG M9
- Its 945-litre boot with all three rows up plus a 55-litre front compartment means a full seven-seat airport run still swallows everyone's luggage.
- A 90kWh battery claiming 548km makes an intercity run realistic on electric power, so the running cost per kilometre undercuts any diesel MPV.
- It holds a 5-star Euro NCAP result with seven airbags and Level 2 ADAS, so protection is backed by an independent test.
- Its second-row captain's chairs recline with massage, heating, cooling and fold-out ottomans, so a passenger on a four-hour run travels closer to a business-class seat than a car seat.
- Electrically sliding rear doors open at the touch of a button, so a passenger stepping out in a tight parking bay needs no swing space.
Why not choose the MG M9
- It comes in a single version, so a buyer has no way to trade features for a lower price or pick a different specification.
- Its 180mm ground clearance is only an estimate rather than a published figure, so the margin over a tall speed breaker is less certain.
- Its claimed top speed of 180kph is modest for the money, so sustained fast highway cruising is not its strength.
- As an electric MPV it depends on charging infrastructure on long routes, so an intercity trip needs planning the Carnival does not require.
- At 5,270mm long and 2,000mm wide it is larger than the Carnival in both directions, so city manoeuvring and parking are harder still.
Why Choose Kia Carnival?Why choose the Kia Carnival
- Its 2.2-litre diesel makes 190bhp and 441Nm through an 8-speed automatic, so a fully loaded seven-seat highway climb needs no planning.
- Being diesel, it refuels anywhere in minutes, so a long intercity trip requires no charging stops or route planning.
- Its second-row lounge seats add power recline, leg rests and ventilation, so a passenger on a long journey can stretch out instead of sitting upright throughout.
- Eight airbags come with Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, front and rear disc brakes and tyre pressure monitoring, so the safety kit is thorough.
- Its 540-litre boot expands past 1,600 litres with seats folded, so bulky loads are handled when the third row is not needed.
- Its 180mm ground clearance is a published figure adequate for Indian road conditions, so speed breakers and rough approaches are predictable.
Why not choose the Kia Carnival
- It is available only in a single fully loaded version and in two colours, so a buyer's choice of specification and finish is very limited.
- Its 540-litre boot with all rows up is far smaller than the M9's 945 litres, so a full seven-seat trip carries less luggage.
- Its rated mileage of 14.85kpl means a heavy monthly distance costs considerably more in fuel than the M9 costs in electricity.
- Its safety rating has not been officially revealed in India, so the 5-star result it holds comes from an overseas programme.
- Its 3,090mm wheelbase is 110mm shorter than the M9's, so there is less cabin length to distribute across the three rows.
- Its rear doors are not electrically operated like the M9's, so a passenger stepping out in a tight bay must swing a heavy door by hand.
Our Recommendation For Most BuyersWho should buy the MG M9
The M9 is the pick for a buyer who wants a luxury MPV with the lowest running cost per kilometre. Its 945-litre boot with all rows up plus a front compartment outstrips the Carnival for luggage, a 90kWh battery claiming 548km makes intercity travel realistic, and a 5-star Euro NCAP result with seven airbags backs its safety. Reclinable captain's chairs with massage and ottomans plus electrically sliding doors make the second row exceptional.
The compromises are choice and infrastructure. It comes in a single version with no specification flexibility, its ground clearance is only an estimate, and the claimed top speed is modest. Long routes depend on charging, and the body is larger than the Carnival in both length and width. For a chauffeur-driven owner charging at home, it makes sense.
Who should buy the Kia Carnival
The Carnival suits a buyer who needs a large MPV that refuels anywhere without route planning. Its 2.2-litre diesel with 441Nm and an 8-speed automatic handles a fully loaded highway climb easily, diesel refuelling takes minutes, and second-row lounge seats with power recline, leg rests and ventilation deliver real comfort. Eight airbags with Level 2 ADAS and a published 180mm ground clearance complete a practical package.
Its limits are choice, luggage and fuel costs. Only one fully loaded version in two colours is sold, the 540-litre boot with all rows up is far behind the M9's, and 14.85kpl makes heavy mileage expensive. Its Indian safety rating has not been revealed and the wheelbase is shorter. For long unplanned journeys, the Carnival is the easier choice. For an owner covering long, unplanned intercity journeys where charging cannot be relied upon, the Carnival is the easier of the two to live with.
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EMI Cost Comparison
Assuming 20% down payment, 9.5% interest, 60-month tenure
Loan Amount
Interest: 9.5%
Down Payment (20%)
Loan TenureLoan AmountInterest: 9.5%Down Payment (20%)Loan TenurePros & Cons Comparison
Things We Like in MG M9
- Second row lounger seats with heating, ventilation, multi-mode massage, and footrests provide outstanding comfort on long journeys.
- The 90 kWh battery offers long distance trips with strong usable capacity for single-charge travel.
Things We Like in Kia Carnival
- ADAS Level 2 packs 23 autonomous safety features as standard.
- Second-row powered relaxation seats offer ventilation, heating, and leg support.
Things We Don't Like in MG M9
- Real world range will drop when the car is fully loaded or air conditioning is heavily used.
- Public charging footprint and dealer network for luxury MG Select customers is growing but may not match established OEM coverage.
Things We Don't Like in Kia Carnival
- Only available in 2WD. No all-wheel-drive option offered.
- Only two exterior colour choices limit personalisation.
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