Maxus G10 Executive MPV 2.0T 9-seater (A) Review

When it comes to delivering maximum family-focused space, utility and practicality, a large MPV certainly fits the bill. After all, for such cars, it's really all about functionality. And if you really want to go large, or even extra-large, then the Maxus G10 is undeniably a tenable option.

Previously offered in a seven-seater variant, Maxus authorised agent Cycle & Carriage has now added a new nine-seater variant to cater to those with greater passenger-carrying needs. 

Woah, nine seats...

With its substantial size, the Maxus G10 is configured in three two seat rows, as well as an additional three seat row right at the back. And, it's not just for kids, either. Yes, you need to do a little bit of back and forth adjustment on the rear three rows of seats, but you can definitely seat nine adults comfortably, albeit with quite snug knee-room.

The addition of the extra row of seats means that boot space has been notably compromised (the body shell hasn't changed from the seven-seater). With all the seats upright, there's barely any usable boot space to speak of. However, you can fold up the last row of seats and open up a sizable amount of usable boot space.

So they just added more seats? 

The Maxus G10 has also been updated slightly, and there are some slight differences that we noticed between the nine-seater and the seven-seater that we had previously driven. Most notably, the infotainment interface in the nine-seater has been updated for 2020, and it is definitely more user-friendly and modern compared to two years ago.

The nine-seater also has a five link rear suspension compared to the Nivomat self-leveling suspension in the seven-seater, and runs 16-inch wheels compared to 18-inch on the seven-seater. Also, you don't get the rear-mounted LED monitor and panoramic sky view roof in the nine-seater. 

Is it tough to drive such a big vehicle? 

Surprisingly, the Maxus G10 is quite easy to drive. Power comes willingly from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 215bhp and 350Nm of torque. And, in spite of the 3,198mm wheelbase, the car's 5.8m turning radius is actually quite good, courtesy of plenty of steering angle from lock to lock. And, the car drives quite comfortably, though there is some rattling from the seat fixtures when you run over bumps.

Notably, visibility out of the G10 is plentiful. The driving position is high, the front windscreen massive, and the wing mirrors also very big. And, the car comes with a top-down 360-degree camera mode, which is certainly helpful in tighter spots.

On the subject of tighter spots, you do have to be a tad more selective about the places you go. Measuring at 1,928mm tall, the Maxus will not fit in some carparks in Singapore.

Who's in the market for a nine-seater? 

To be very honest, the appeal of this nine-seater G10 is limited, especially for private individual owners. Very few people will have such a high passenger carrying requirement. However, for those individuals, the G10 is the only S-plate nine-seat option available to them, so that certainly counts for something.

However, we can imagine that fleet owners or people engaged in any form of ferrying services will definitely find appeal in the Maxus G10 nine-seater. It delivers plenty of function to satisfy such people-carrying needs.

Want to see just how much space this nine-seater has to offer? Why not watch our video review of the car here as well!