Introduction:
On the first day of 2024, Xpeng made a grand entrance into the automotive world with the launch of its new car, the Xpeng X9. While the X9 may be a relatively niche pure electric MPV, it managed to create quite a buzz in the automotive industry on the evening of January 1st. The reason? Its remarkably disruptive pricing, ranging from $51,660 to $60,100. So, what can we expect from the Xpeng X9 at this price point? Let’s delve deeper into its features and offerings.
Xpeng X9 Exterior Design: A Break from Tradition
In the realm of MPVs, we can typically categorize exterior designs into three main styles. Some draw inspiration from the likes of the Toyota Alphard, featuring prominent chrome accents, while others follow a sleek, elongated, travel-oriented design reminiscent of models like the Kia Carnival and the Volvo EM90. Then, there are those that break away from traditional MPV thinking, aiming for a blend of personality and practicality. The Xpeng X9 squarely falls into this category.
The front-end design of the Xpeng X9 features a traditional family-style design in the upper portion, characterized by distinctive three-section daytime running lights and a split-headlight arrangement. Below, you’ll find the “borderless” style grille, designed to assist the laser radar used for driving assistance, cleverly integrated into the “fog light” area.
A Striking Element and Low Coeffcient
However, the Xpeng X9’s most striking design element is its side profile. The large, sloping front windshield extends in a completely straight line to the roof, and the slightly downward-slanting roof is remarkably flat. What truly sets it apart is the design of its rear windshield. Unlike most MPVs with a more vertical design, the Xpeng X9 boasts an oversized, sloping rear windshield.
The vehicle’s top line appears as though it were cut from a rectangular block, giving the side profile a unique and distinctive look. Additionally, the large front and rear windshields help reduce the car’s drag coefficient to 0.227Cd, which, while not matching the Hyundai Staria S, is quite impressive for an MPV. The sharp character lines along the doors add to the vehicle’s sense of sharpness. The official term for the X9’s exterior design is “Starship.”
In terms of dimensions, the Xpeng X9 maintains a length of just under 5.3 meters, with a height of only 1785mm. However, in width, the X9 adheres to the principles of new energy vehicles, leaving space on both sides for battery safety, resulting in a width of 1988mm. The wheelbase measures 3160mm, shorter than the Jidu EM90 and the Staria S. The specific wheel size on the Xpeng X9 we examined was 235/50 R20 Michelin e·PRIMACY tires, available for an additional $600.
The standard tire size is 235/55 R19, with no extra cost. Aside from the large, sedan-like rear window, the Xpeng X9’s design remains largely unembellished, following the brand’s clean and minimalist design philosophy. As for colors, the Xpeng X9 offers four choices, including the one we examined, “Starshimmer Gold” for an extra $1,200, along with three no-cost options: “New Moon Silver,” “Stardust White,” and “Midnight Black.” Personally, I find the Xpeng X9 in Midnight Black to be exceptionally striking.
Interior of Xpeng X9: Redesigned with Precision
In contrast to the Hyundai Staria S, which closely mimics the design of the L9, the Xpeng X9 has undergone a complete redesign. The center console features a multi-layered structure that enhances the sense of depth and symmetry, aligning with traditional Asian aesthetics. In the middle, there’s a 17.3-inch touchscreen featuring the latest XOS Tianji intelligent cockpit system. Compared to previous designs, the focus here is on usability, with the ability to split the screen for navigation while simultaneously playing music or controlling the vehicle, making the most of the 17.3-inch screen’s display area. The infotainment processor is the standard high-performance Qualcomm 8295, ensuring smooth operation.
Beneath the center screen, you’ll find metal-trimmed air vents with an impressive texture, equipped with automatic airflow sweeping functionality. Below that, there are two slanted 50W wireless charging panels for smartphones, as well as two cup holders. The Xpeng X9’s steering wheel adopts a minimalist two-spoke design with a flat bottom, providing a modern touch. However, it’s worth noting that the Xpeng X9’s logo is not centered on the airbag cover but is positioned slightly to the left of the golden section line on the steering wheel, which may not be preferred by those with strong attention to symmetry.
The Xpeng X9 is generous with its interior materials, utilizing soft-touch materials wherever you reach. Even the speaker areas are covered with acoustic fabric, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, even in the front row.
Second-Row Comfort: Where It Highlights in Xpeng X9
For MPV users, second-row comfort is often a top priority. The Xpeng X9 has equipped with the optional $2,200 Cabin Upgrade Package for the second row. This package includes two large aviation-style seats with one-touch zero-gravity functionality, as well as heating, ventilation, and massage features. However, due to the width of the aviation seats, there is no central aisle for third-row access.
If you don’t require extremely luxurious second-row seating and frequently need access to the third row, you can opt for standard second-row seats. In this configuration, the X9 retains two individual seats in the second row, offering power adjustment, power legrest, heating, ventilation, and massage features, with a spacious 180mm aisle in the middle.
In addition to these features, the Xpeng X9 boasts a 21.4-inch display screen with voice, remote, and touchscreen capabilities. It supports smooth adjustment from 0 to 75 degrees, ensuring optimal viewing angles even with the zero-gravity seats engaged. Furthermore, the X9 features a 10.8-liter refrigerator driven by a compressor with electric opening and closing.
The second row has two small tables, offering greater practicality compared to models with only one small table. Overhead, the Xpeng X9 has an expansive panoramic sunroof, flooding the interior with natural light when open. Combined with the 3.6-meter ambient lighting strip, it ensures a well-lit interior that even the most light-sensitive individuals will appreciate. The surrounding the light strip features numerous perforations, housing air vents and rear audio speakers.
Spaciousness and Versatility: A Winning Combination
In terms of space, a 183cm-tall and 85kg tester had headroom to spare with the front seats adjusted to their lowest position. Moving to the second row with the seats adjusted all the way back, there’s more than a forearm’s length of legroom and a fist’s worth of headroom. If we move the second-row seats forward to provide two fist-lengths of legroom, a 183cm-tall passenger in the third row still has three fingers of legroom and four fingers of headroom. The Xpeng X9 is quite spacious, regardless of where you seat.
Outstanding Performance of Xpeng X9: Surprisingly Agile
The Xpeng X9 we examined was equipped with the long-range all-wheel-drive model. Under the hood, it features an electric motor with a maximum power output of 238hp and a maximum torque output of 390N·m. The front and rear axles are each equipped with a motor, resulting in all-wheel drive. The 0-100km/h acceleration time is at 7.4 seconds to the publich, which is respectable for a large MPV.
In terms of suspension, the Xpeng X9 employs a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, paired with an air spring system, providing a balance between comfort and handling. It should be noted that the Xpeng X9 features a fully enclosed chassis, which not only improves handling stability but also significantly reduces wind and tire noise.
Charging and Range: A Convenient Companion
The Xpeng X9 has equipped with a ternary lithium battery pack with a capacity of 100kWh. It supports 800V fast charging and can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. The NEDC-rated range is 650km, and in an ideal situation, it can even exceed 700km. For daily use, you can charge it every three to four days, ensuring convenience. However, it’s worth noting that the fast-charging cable is not included as standard equipment and must be purchased separately for $800. Additionally, the Xpeng X9 comes with a 220V/16A portable charging cable, which can be used for emergency charging when a charging station is not available.
Safety: A Comprehensive Suite
The Xpeng X9 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
- Driver Monitoring System (DMS)
- Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
These features work together to enhance driving safety and assist the driver in various scenarios.
Price and Packages: A Pleasant Surprise in Xpeng X9
Finally, let’s talk about the pricing and packages. The Xpeng X9 offers a range of models to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s an overview:
| Xpeng X9 Base | 5280x1988x1785 mm | 3160 mm | $51,660 (Standard) |
| Xpeng X9 Plus | 5280x1988x1785 mm | 3160 mm | $54,100 (Standard) |
| Xpeng X9 Pro | 5280x1988x1785 mm | 3160 mm | $60,100 (Standard) |
| Xpeng X9 Base | 5280x1988x1785 mm | 3160 mm | $53,950 (Long Range AWD) |
| Xpeng X9 Plus | 5280x1988x1785 mm | 3160 mm | $56,390 (Long Range AWD) |
| Xpeng X9 Pro | 5280x1988x1785 mm | 3160 mm | $62,390 (Long Range AWD) |
Conclusion: A Game-Changer in the MPV Segment
In summary, the Xpeng X9 has certainly disrupted the traditional MPV market with its unique design, well-appointed interior, agile performance, and impressive range. With a starting price of $51,660, it offers a compelling package that’s hard to match in its segment. Whether you’re looking for a family vehicle or a comfortable and spacious ride for long journeys, the Xpeng X9 deserves serious consideration. Its combination of style, versatility, and affordability makes it a game-changer in the MPV segment.