MG M9 Review: India’s First Luxury Electric MPVby Torque Tales / July 9, 2025Cars Tested by Bharat NCAP in 2025—5-Star Ratings Revealed
India’s Safer Drive Forward
Bharat NCAP, India’s indigenous vehicle safety authority, has already tested 10 cars in 2025 till June. These include popular mass-market hatchbacks, futuristic electric SUVs, and even premium MPVs. Most of them delivered stellar results with 4- and 5-star safety ratings in both Adult and Child Occupant Protection categories.
All Bharat NCAP Crash Test Ratings (Jan–Jun 2025)
Toyota Innova Hycross — Hybrid MPV Scores a Clean 5-Star
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (30.47/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (45/49)
✔️ Toyota’s first BNCAP-rated model
✔️ Strong hybrid with Toyota Safety Sense
✔️ Safety features: 6 airbags, lane assist, radar cruise control
⚠️ None noted; exceptional performance in frontal and side impacts.
Maruti Dzire — Maruti’s Safety Debut Impresses
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (29.46/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (41.57/49)
✔️ First Maruti to be crash tested under Bharat NCAP
✔️ Strong structure and protection for adults & children
⚠️ Driver chest scored marginal in frontal crash
Tata Harrier EV — Tata’s Safest Car Yet
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (32/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (45/49)
✔️ Full marks in both adult and child tests
✔️ Reinforced EV body shell with excellent crash energy absorption
Mahindra XEV 9e — Matches Harrier EV on Safety
XEV 9e_FRONTAL IMPACT_DURING TEST
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (32/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (45/49)
✔️ Highest scores in Mahindra’s lineup
✔️ Full protection in all dummy impact zones
Mahindra BE 6 — Premium EV SUV with Solid Safety
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (31.97/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (45/49)
✔️ Only slight loss of points in driver tibia rating
✔️ All other areas received ‘good’ crash protection
Skoda Kylaq — Safest Sub-Compact SUV Tested
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (30.88/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (45/49)
✔️ Class-leading protection in the sub-4m SUV category
✔️ Rear child safety test scored perfectly
⚠️ Minor deductions for driver tibia and chest
Kia Syros — Debut Crash Test, Stellar Outcome
SYROS_SIDE IMPACT_DURING TEST.
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (30.21/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (44.42/49)
✔️ Excellent structural strength
✔️ Great side crash performance
⚠️ Minor issues in driver tibia and chest in frontal crash
Maruti Baleno (2 Airbags) — 4-Star, But Lags Behind
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (24.04/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐ (34.81/49)
✔️ Good structure for head and neck protection
✔️ Full side pole crash protection for child dummies
⚠️ Lower scores in frontal crash COP test
Maruti Baleno (6 Airbags) — Slightly Safer Version
- AOP: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (26.52/32)
- COP: ⭐⭐⭐ (34.81/49)
✔️ Stronger chest and pelvis safety vs 2-airbag version
✔️ Side pole protection for children rated ‘good’
⚠️ Still lacks behind rivals in overall COP score
Bharat NCAP 2025 Crash Test Scorecard
| Model | AOP Score | COP Score | AOP Stars | COP Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 30.47 | 45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maruti Dzire | 29.46 | 41.57 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tata Harrier EV | 32 | 45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mahindra XEV 9e | 32 | 45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mahindra BE 6 | 31.97 | 45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skoda Kylaq | 30.88 | 45 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kia Syros | 30.21 | 44.42 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Baleno (2 Airbags) | 24.04 | 34.81 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Baleno (6 Airbags) | 26.52 | 34.81 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Our Take: Toyota’s Entry Cements the 2025 Safety Wave
With the Toyota Innova Hycross now joining the 5-star club, Bharat NCAP’s credibility and impact continue to grow. Carmakers like Maruti, Mahindra, Tata, Kia, and now Toyota have shown real commitment to occupant safety in India.
As crash test transparency increases and 6 airbags become standard, India’s roads are finally set to get safer — not just for drivers, but for families, children, and pedestrians alike.
Related Posts
MG M9 Electric MPV Packs Luxury, ADAS & Long Range
MG M9 Electric MPV Detailed: Features, Specs, Launch Timeline
Introduction
MG Motor India is gearing up to launch its most premium EV yet — the MG M9. Touted as India’s longest and widest MPV, the M9 will arrive via the CKD route and retail exclusively through MG Select premium outlets. Ahead of its expected late-July launch, the brand has officially revealed detailed specifications and features for the India-bound model.
Exterior Design Highlights
The MG M9 gets a commanding road presence with luxury-focused design elements. Offered in three colour options — Metal Black, Concrete Grey, and Pearl Lustre White (the latter two with black roof for a dual-tone look) — the M9 is styled like a presidential limo.
Key Exterior Features:
- LED headlamps & DRLs
- LED rear fog lamp
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Sliding doors for easy rear access
- Rear wiper for enhanced visibility
Premium Interior & Comfort Features
Step inside the MG M9, and the luxury becomes evident with its Cognac brown leather upholstery, dual sunroof, and ottoman-style rear seats. This MPV redefines comfort with first-in-segment features.
Interior & Comfort:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 55-litre frunk (front trunk)
- 7-inch digital driver’s display
- Digital IRVM (internal rearview mirror)
- 12-way power driver seat with lumbar
- 8-way power co-driver seat with lumbar
- Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
- Sliding third-row seats
- Powered rear sunshades
- One-touch up/down power windows (all doors)
- Auto-folding ORVMs with memory
- Rear seat Boss Mode
- Wireless phone charger
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) & Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging
- 16-way power adjustable ottoman rear seats with massage
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Integrated air purifier
Infotainment & Tech
MG has packed the M9 with top-tier infotainment and in-cabin entertainment systems to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Infotainment Highlights:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 13-speaker JBL premium sound system
- Steering-mounted audio & cruise controls
Advanced Safety Suite
The M9 is not just luxurious — it’s also one of the safest MPVs in its class, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It features a comprehensive Level-2 ADAS suite and other active & passive safety features.
Safety Features:
- 7 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- 360-degree camera
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto headlamps
- Seatbelt reminders for all rows
MG M9 Powertrain & Range
Under the floor lies a massive 90 kWh battery pack, powering a single front-wheel-drive motor. MG claims over 500 km of range, making it ideal for both city and highway luxury cruising.
Powertrain Specs:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 90 kWh |
| Motor | Single (FWD) |
| Power Output | 245 PS |
| Torque | 350 Nm |
| Claimed Range | 548 km (internal testing) |
Expected Price and Rivals
The MG M9 will be positioned as a premium electric MPV with an expected starting price of ₹60–70 lakh (ex-showroom). While it won’t have a direct EV rival at launch, it will stand as an electric alternative to luxury MPVs like the:
- Toyota Vellfire
- Kia Carnival (Diesel only)
Our Take
The MG M9 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the premium MPV space — offering limousine-level comfort, segment-first EV features, and future-ready safety tech. With a compelling spec sheet and luxury credentials, it could attract buyers seeking a zero-emissions upgrade without compromising on space or sophistication.
Also read:
Tata Harrier EV Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating
Toyota Innova Hycross Tops BNCAP Safety Charts
Toyota’s flagship MPV, the Toyota Innova Hycross, has achieved a full 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP, reinforcing its place among India’s safest family vehicles.
Top Scores in Crash Tests
In the BNCAP evaluation, the hybrid variant scored:
- 30.47/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
- 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP)
These results highlight its solid body structure and focus on occupant safety.
Hybrid Power Meets Practicality
HYCROSS_FRONTAL IMPACT_ DURING TEST
The Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, producing a combined 181 bhp and 191 Nm, plus 206 Nm from the e-motor, ensuring efficient city and highway performance.
Loaded with Safety Features
Especially in the top-end ZX(O) variant, you get Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes:
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Trace Assist
- Pre-Collision System
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Auto High Beam
It also packs:
- 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and reverse camera
- EPB with auto-hold, 360° panoramic view monitor, and seatbelt reminders for all rows
- Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) for pedestrian safety
Also read
Tata Harrier EV Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating
Variants & Layouts
- Petrol-only: G-SLF, GX, GX(O) (7 & 8-seaters)
- Hybrid: VX, VX(O), ZX, ZX(O) (VX trims in both layouts; ZX trims in 7-seat only)
Our Take
With class-leading safety scores, a strong hybrid powertrain, and Toyota’s advanced safety tech, the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid sets a new benchmark for MPVs in India.
