The Indian automotive landscape is witnessing a quiet revolution. No longer is “luxury” defined solely by low-slung sedans or rugged SUVs. Today, India’s business elite, celebrities, and high-net-worth families are moving toward Luxury MPVs-vehicles that prioritize “lounge-on-wheels” comfort over everything else.
In 2025, the market has reached a fascinating crossroads. On one side, we have the Toyota Vellfire, the undisputed king and global benchmark for chauffeur-driven excellence. On the other, the MG M9, a bold, all-electric disruptor from MG’s premium MG Select retail channel. While the Vellfire carries the weight of a legendary legacy, the MG M9 is making a compelling case that traditional luxury might finally be overpriced.
Design Philosophy & Street Presence
When you are spending upwards of ₹70 lakh, presence is non-negotiable. However, these two vehicles offer two very different visual statements.
| Aspect | MG M9 (Electric) | Toyota Vellfire (Hybrid) |
| Length / Wheelbase | 5270 mm / 3200 mm | 5005 mm / 3000 mm |
| Styling Cues | “Star River” Minimalist, Futuristic | Bold Chrome, Massive Grille, Executive |
| Lighting | Full-width LED bars (Front & Rear) | Sharp, Triple-LED adaptive headlamps |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 160 mm |
The Toyota Vellfire is designed to look like a private jet for the road. Its massive chrome grille and tall, boxy silhouette command immediate respect at five-star hotel porches.
In contrast, the MG M9 is significantly larger-measuring 265 mm longer than the Vellfire. This extra length, combined with its 3.2-meter wheelbase, doesn’t just add to the road presence; it creates a noticeably more spacious cabin. The M9 also features 19-inch self-sealing ContiSeal tyres, which can automatically repair minor punctures-a high-tech touch that the Vellfire currently lacks.
The Cabin: A Battle of “Thrones”
In this segment, the front seats are for the staff; the second row is for the owner.
The Toyota Vellfire “Executive Lounge”
Toyota has mastered the art of the second row. Its VIP Executive Lounge seats feature memory foam, heating, and cooling. The standout feature is a detachable, smartphone-like control device that allows you to adjust the sunroof, climate, and massage settings from a reclined position. It feels classic, sturdy, and unapologetically premium.
The MG M9 “Presidential Suite”
The MG M9 uses its electric architecture to its advantage. Because there is no transmission tunnel, the floor is completely flat. Its 16-way power-adjustable Ottoman seats offer double the adjustability of the Vellfire (which offers 8-way).
- Unique Features: The M9 includes a Digital IRVM (Internal Rear View Mirror) that shows a clear camera feed, ensuring the driver can see behind even if the cabin is full of luggage or tall passengers.
- Sunroofs: While the Vellfire has two small, fixed glass panels, the M9 offers a massive Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof where both sections actually open.
Powertrain: Hybrid vs. Electric
The driving experience is where these two diverge most sharply.
- Toyota Vellfire (2.5L Strong Hybrid): It combines a petrol engine with a self-charging hybrid system. It is silent at low speeds and incredibly efficient (19.28 kmpl), making it the perfect choice for long-distance interstate travel where charging infrastructure might be a concern.
- MG M9 (90 kWh All-Electric): The M9 produces 245 PS and 350 Nm of torque-outperforming the Vellfire’s power output. The drive is pin-drop silent across all speeds. With a MIDC-certified range of 548 km, it can easily handle a week of city commutes or a trip from Delhi to Jaipur on a single charge.
The “Value” Factor: Why the M9 Makes More Sense
This is where the comparison becomes one-sided. In the luxury segment, “value” is often ignored, but the price gap here is too massive to overlook.
| Metric | MG M9 (Presidential Limo) | Toyota Vellfire (Hi-Grade) |
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹69.90 Lakh | ₹1.20 Crore – ₹1.32 Crore |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags | 6 Airbags |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star (Euro NCAP / ANCAP) | 4-Star (JNCAP) |
| Running Cost | ~₹1.5 per km (Electric) | ~₹10-12 per km (Hybrid) |
The ₹50 Lakh Question
The MG M9 is priced at roughly half the cost of the Toyota Vellfire. For ₹70 lakh, you are getting a vehicle that is:
- Larger in every dimension.
- Safer, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating vs. the Vellfire’s 4-star.
- Faster and more powerful.
- Cheaper to maintain, as EVs have fewer moving parts and zero fuel costs.
While the Toyota brand carries immense resale value and a bulletproof reputation, the MG M9 offers nearly identical (and in some cases, superior) luxury features for the price of a mid-range SUV. For a business owner looking to optimize their fleet or a family wanting modern tech, the M9 provides double the car for nearly half the price.
Final Verdict
The Toyota Vellfire remains the choice for the traditionalist-the person who wants the “Vellfire” badge and the peace of mind that comes with Toyota’s hybrid reliability for 1000-km road trips.
However, if you are looking at this logically, the MG M9 is the smarter buy for 2025. It offers a more futuristic design, a more spacious “Presidential” cabin, and a silent electric drive, all while saving you over ₹50 lakh at the time of purchase.
In the battle of MG M9 vs Toyota Vellfire, the M9 doesn’t just compete; it redefines what we should expect from a luxury MPV in India.
