SINGAPORE – The van-as-a-limousine is a strange but surprisingly successful genre created and dominated by Toyota, which has the lion’s share with its Alphard and Vellfire models.

Now, Chinese wannabes are nipping at Toyota’s heels. The latest to do so here is the MG M9, an electric seven-seater measuring 5,270mm long, 2,000mm wide and 1,840mm tall, and with a 3,200mm wheelbase.