Instead of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class: choosing a business-class MPV

Premium MPVs are a fairly niche category of vehicle, but their niche is far wider than it might first appear. These aren't just for corporate fleets serving hotels and other businesses; they're also personal transport for businesspeople who've discovered that an MPV is far more comfortable than a saloon. Then there are affluent buyers with large families who value comfort on long journeys and daily commutes alike. And since none of these buyers have disappeared, demand for luxury MPVs remains strong. So what does today's market have to offer in response? Here are the top five options.

Business buyers tend to favour tried-and-tested options and a conservative approach. Private buyers, by contrast, usually want the latest technological solutions. Manufacturers cater to both camps, which is why the market offers something for every taste.

JAC RF8

A prime example of the conservative approach is the JAC RF8. This imposing MPV, measuring 5.2 metres in length with a 3.1-metre wheelbase, relies on conventional mechanicals with no electric assistance. The two-litre turbocharged engine with direct injection produces 236 bhp and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox – the 'gold standard' powertrain for a business audience. The second row is, of course, reserved for the most important passengers, offering ottomans, ventilation, heating, massage, fore-and-aft adjustment, adjustable armrests, fold-out tables and a host of other comfort features. The three-zone climate control allows individual temperature settings for passengers in the main cabin. And behind the third-row seats there's ample room for a full set of suitcases: 700 litres is the standard boot capacity, not the maximum, and it can be expanded to 2,500 litres if needed. What's more, GAC doesn't make you agonise over trim levels: there's just one, the fully loaded Flagship, priced at 5,074,000 roubles.

Wey 80

One representative of the progressive school in the MPV class is the Wey 80. It offers far more impressive figures, and not just in the 'power' and 'torque' columns. For a start, there are two length and wheelbase options: in the Premium version these are 5,045 mm and 3,085 mm respectively, while the Premium Lounge offers an extended wheelbase of 3,275 mm and a substantial 5,045 mm overall length. Regardless of dimensions, the Wey is a series hybrid in which the 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 152 bhp acts as a generator, charging the battery. The driving force comes from two electric motors with a combined output of 487 bhp, delivering 762 Nm of torque and propelling this vast MPV from 0-100 km/h in under six seconds. As for equipment, the Wey offers exactly that element of choice: it can be a vehicle for a corporate fleet or a large family, or it can be a luxurious mobile office for a successful entrepreneur. The Premium version is a seven-seater, generously equipped with three-zone climate control, air ionisation, heated and ventilated second-row seats that also feature a 'zero gravity' mode. In the Premium Lounge specification, the third row also gets two individual seats with heating, ventilation and electric adjustment, while the second row features aviation-style seats with massage, memory settings, ottomans and other amenities. The cabin is upholstered in nappa leather, and the premium audio system boasts 20 speakers. The Premium trim will set you back 7.2 million roubles, while the Premium Lounge comes in at 8.8 million.

GAC M8

For those seeking even more personal space in the cabin, the market offers the GAC M8. It combines conventional mechanicals with an interesting interior configuration. There's a single engine option – a 2.0-litre petrol unit producing 231 bhp, paired with an 8-speed Aisin automatic gearbox. The length and wheelbase aren't record-breaking: 5,212 mm and 3,070 mm respectively. But the M8's party trick is that it lets you choose between seven-seat and four-seat layouts. In the first configuration, it's a traditional MPV with three rows of seats, where the third row seats three and the second row features individual chairs. The Lounge version, however, dedicates all the rear space to two VIP passengers. Their cabin is separated from the driver by a sliding partition with a 34-inch television, and at their disposal are not just electric adjustment, ventilation, massage, ottomans and fold-out tables, but also a 'starry sky' headliner, a mini-bar, wireless charging pads and much more besides. Prices for the seven-seat versions start at 6.25 million roubles, while the Lounge specification is priced at 8 million before any discounts.

Voyah Dream

Buyers expecting maximum ride comfort from a luxury MPV will want to see air suspension on the equipment list. And it's there, for example, on the Voyah Dream, which in addition offers impressive power and several powertrain options. The MPV is available as a series hybrid: this version produces 422 bhp and 620 Nm of torque. The performance is equally remarkable by class standards: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 143 bhp charges the battery, just as in the Wey 80. The fully electric variant offers 435 bhp, while the parallel hybrid produces 394 bhp but can use the petrol engine to drive the wheels directly. The Dream's cabin is strictly seven-seat, but the 5.3-metre length combined with a 3.2-metre wheelbase guarantees nobody will feel cramped. And the equipment list is just as extensive: even the base specification includes three-zone climate control with air ionisation and fragrance, second-row seats with ottomans, ventilation and massage, a premium audio system, ambient interior lighting and much more. Voyah prices need to be confirmed individually, but offers on cars in stock start from 6.5 million roubles.

Hongqi HQ9

Many expect not only outstanding comfort and impressive performance from a premium business MPV, but also genuine prestige. And here the undisputed leader is the Hongqi HQ9, for this brand first made its name as a manufacturer of cars for China's highest-ranking officials. Now, however, a car with the red flag on its bonnet can be bought on the open market. The Hongqi is instantly recognisable thanks to its imposing 'waterfall' radiator grille and that very red flag cascading down from the bonnet. It's precisely because of its looks that the Hongqi is often chosen not just as a car but as a statement – sometimes even on screen: it recently appeared in the new TV series 'Kholod' (Cold). On screen it underscored strength of will, and on set it demonstrated the trust placed in the brand's status.

This large MPV, 5.2 metres long, has a 3.2-metre wheelbase – one of the longest in its class. What does that mean? Above all, that the second row will be spacious regardless of whether there are passengers in the third. Yes, the Hongqi only offers a practical three-row layout, but it ensures maximum comfort for those in the captain's chairs.

The HQ9's mechanicals come from the 'conservative' camp. There are no hybrid additions here; the sole source of power is a two-litre turbocharged engine producing a hefty 245 bhp. The gearbox is, naturally, a hydromechanical automatic with eight speeds and Japanese origins. Thanks to its powerful engine, the Hongqi may not surprise with its acceleration the way hybrid models do, but it still inspires confidence, reaching 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

There are two trim levels for the HQ9: very generously equipped and ultimate. The differences lie in details that many wouldn't even think of, so extensive is the standard equipment list. The climate control is, of course, three-zone, with an air quality sensor and ionisation. Even the third-row seats have electric adjustment, while the second row offers massage and ottomans. A high-quality Dynaudio audio system with 12 speakers also comes as standard. So what sets the higher-spec Business trim apart? Small but important details, such as acoustic glazing, sliding sunblinds for the side windows, a power-adjustable centre armrest, wireless charging for second-row passengers, and a massage function with a special 'hot stones' mode.

How much do you need to pay for these 'extras'? Relatively little by premium standards: while the Deluxe version costs 6,650,000 roubles, the Business comes in at 7,350,000 roubles. And to work out whether the premium is justified for you personally, the best approach is to get acquainted with the car at an official dealer such as Major Auto. Fifteen minutes of 'hot stones' massage with the blinds drawn – and the question will be settled once and for all.

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