Another Chinese people-mover is eyeing Australia: LDV MIFA 7 EV under evaluation as MPV battle explodes

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Australia’s rapidly expanding field of Chinese electrified people-movers could be about to get another entrant, with the LDV Mifa 7 electric MPV under evaluation for local sale.

The seven-seat battery-electric Mifa 7 has appeared again in Australian Government homologation document after first appearing in 2024.

It is understood LDV’s Australian distributor Ateco Automotive is currently evaluating the Mifa 7 for local sale.

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The development comes as what was once one of the quieter corners of the Australian new-car market attracts an extraordinary influx of Chinese brands and electrified models.

2026 LDV Mifa 7.
2026 LDV Mifa 7.

The GAC M8 plug-in hybrid, battery-electric Zeekr 009, Denza D9 and XPeng X9 are here or coming. BYD’s M9 plug-in hybrid is joining the battle, while GWM’s new Wey premium brand has gained Australian approval for hybrid and PHEV versions of its G9.

New Chinese brand Forthing has confirmed an electric and plug-in hybrid people-mover for the first half of 2027.

Beyond China, Korea’s Kia is getting in on the action too, with the battery-electric seven-seat PV5 Passenger due to join the Australian market.

The MIFA 7 is produced by SAIC Maxus, the Chinese arm of state-owned SAIC Motor whose vehicles are sold under the LDV badge in Australia. In its home market the people-mover is now known as the Maxus Dajia 7, while MIFA 7 is used in export markets and is the name listed on its Australian homologation documents.

At 4907mm long, 1885mm wide and 1756mm high, with a 2975mm wheelbase, it is significantly more compact than the large luxury-focused electric MPVs that have led the Chinese charge. Those dimensions are confirmed by the Australian approval documentation.

By comparison, the Denza D9 stretches to 5250mm and the BYD M9 plug-in hybrid is 5145mm long.

The MIFA 7 is also substantially smaller than LDV’s own MIFA 9, which pioneered the battery-electric people-mover segment in Australia when it launched in 2022.

The MIFA 9 is no longer part of LDV’s active Australian model range. LDV paused sales of both the petrol MIFA and electric MIFA 9 late last year as it monitored the people-mover market, although it stopped short of formally discontinuing either model.

2026 LDV Mifa 7.
2026 LDV Mifa 7.

The smaller MIFA 7 could potentially give LDV another way into a segment that has changed dramatically since the MIFA 9 arrived.

The latest Australian Road Vehicle Descriptor lists two MIFA 7 variants, both configured with seven seats and a single 180kW electric motor. Battery capacities are 77kWh and 90kWh.

The government documentation doesn’t specify driving range, but overseas versions provide a useful guide. In Hong Kong the 77kWh MIFA 7 is rated at 410km WLTP and the 90kWh version at 480km WLTP, with the electric motor producing 180kW and 350Nm.

Both Australian-approved variants have a 1500kg braked towing capacity, while tare weight is listed at 2159kg for the 77kWh model and 2239kg for the 90kWh version.

In China, a plug-in hybrid powertrain is alo offered.

Australian approval documents for the model first emerged in 2024, when it appeared likely to become LDV’s second electric people-mover, but the vehicle never progressed to a local launch.

The Mifa 7 has been on sale in the right-hand drive UK market since 2024.

The post Another Chinese people-mover is eyeing Australia: LDV MIFA 7 EV under evaluation as MPV battle explodes appeared first on EV Central.

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