Introduction
XPeng just launched its first-ever extended-range EV – the X9 PowerX – and we were in Guangzhou to have a closer look at the new version of one of the most futuristic MPVs in the market. The new version is hard to tell apart from the pure-battery model just by looking at it – it is 20 mm longer, but that’s really hard to spot on what is already a large car.
Design
The electric MPV sector is very popular in China, and the X9 has done very well for itself since its launch. The design of XPeng’s MPV is far from the usual box on wheels, and in the photos, it looks almost controversial.
But in person, it’s an entirely different story – its shape cleverly hides its bulk, making it look much smaller than it actually is. And after spending a day with it, we found it just makes sense.
Powertrain
Let’s start with the newest bit – the EREV part. XPeng spent a considerable amount of resources developing the new Kunpeng Super Range Extension System – quite a mouthful. There are three components to it: a 1.5 L turbocharged gas-powered generator, a 63.3 kWh battery, and a 281-horsepower electric motor that powers the rear wheels.
The gasoline generator sits at the front, where we usually find engines. The battery on its own can power the X9 for up to 281 miles and once it’s depleted, the generator kicks in and it can provide another 715 miles of driving range – that’s 995 miles in total. Of course, this is an estimate based on the very optimistic CLTC cycle, but even if the X9 PowerX manages to achieve 70% of this figure, that’s still a very impressive 697 miles.
XPeng predicts that thanks to the large battery, the X9 will be mostly used in its EV mode. Thanks to the advanced 800V architecture, the smaller-than-usual battery can recharge in record time – adding just over 186 miles of extra range takes 10 minutes.
Interior
To say the interior of the X9 PowerX is spacious would be a major understatement. Thanks to the enormous 10.37 ft wheelbase, passengers in all three rows have plenty of room. Of course, the middle row captain seats are the best place to be on any journey. They are super comfortable, they have heating and cooling, and come with a compulsory massage function.
There are USB ports in every seat and in the central console, plus there are wireless charging pads on the side of each seat.
The “zero gravity” option for the middle seats needs to realize how good it is. The seats extend to an almost horizontal position, with the head and knees of the passenger staying above the level of hips and ankles – a very relaxing position indeed. The seats are wide and soft; you feel like you are sinking into them, not sitting on them. By far they are the most comfortable seats in the X9.
The driver and front passenger have nothing to complain about, though. There is more than adequate room for people of any size; both front seats offer heating, cooling, and massage, and are upholstered in the highest quality materials. This is actually an overall impression of this vehicle – very high quality that honestly gives the likes of Mercedes and BMW a run for their money.
All the materials used inside the X9 are soft, the finish is superb, all the parts fit neatly, and the gaps are minimal, with all the parts aligned perfectly. There are no cheap plastics anywhere, even the bits out of sight are still of high quality – jumping into the X9 and closing the door feels like stepping into an oasis of silence. The double glazing probably helps a lot, but the quality of the interior is really impressive.
Back to the seating arrangement – the 3-seat bench in the rear is where MPVs usually make some compromises. Not here – the rear seat is fully adjustable, with the backseat split into individual parts so each passenger can recline as much or as little as they want. The sloping roofline and the steep rear window have no effect on the passenger comfort.
That steeply raked rear window does affect cargo space. With the rear seats up, you can only use the space up to the window line, really – but that’s still a huge amount of room. And if you don’t need the rear seats, they fold away neatly into the floor with a touch of a button. Once the back bench is out of the way, the cargo space is big enough for bicycles, bags, tents… It’s a true MPV.
The infotainment of the X9 is impressive, the built-in AI assistant is quick, and it delivers a true hands-off experience while driving. The driver can focus on the road and give the car instructions by simply speaking. Opening or closing windows, changing temperature, changing destination, adjusting seats, and audio – these are just basic functions that worked really well when tested. For the time being, it works best in Chinese, but with the new XPeng VLA 2.0, it will support many languages.
Riding inside the X9 is a pleasurable experience, thanks to the double glazing, the extra soundproofing that went into the chassis, and the air suspension, which came together to deliver a peaceful ride. It’s a bit boring, sure, but that’s a compliment on an MPV – the drive was smooth, silent, and uneventful. The silence was eerie, with no wind intrusion, and the tire noise was barely audible. Passengers from the rear bench can comfortably have a conversation with the driver without raising their voices. The middle row passengers can whisper to each other and be perfectly heard.
The air suspension evens out every road imperfection; there is no crashing over hard bumps, and there is absolutely zero sideways sway. In fact, the X9 felt more like a high-end German sedan than an MPV – it was poised and comfortable but not in the famous Chinese way. It was really composed.
As for the acceleration… Well, it was more of a wafting experience. The 0 to 62 mph sprint of 8 seconds won’t win any drag races, but the X9 PowerX can still be quick enough off the traffic lights. The powertrain is set up in a very progressive way, the acceleration is smooth and constant – never uncomfortable, never surprising. Overall, the vehicle delivers a very relaxed drive, and thanks to the rear-wheel steering, it is surprisingly easy to turn around even in very tight spaces.
We have to mention the XNGP – XPeng’s own ADAS. We only experienced it for a very short time, but it worked without a glitch. The initial impression was of a professional driver – smooth acceleration, assertive and well-indicated lane changes, all maneuvers were made safely and with confidence. It acted decisively in busy traffic situations, and it felt relaxed on the highway. It was easy to engage, and there was no need to take over during our short drive.
First impressions
We only spent a few hours in total with the new X9 PowerX, but we are left with very positive impressions. The powertrain is smooth and relaxed, and the range extender is a perfect backup for longer journeys where charging infrastructure is lacking. The interior is impressive, the comfort is up there with the best German brands, and the functionality is among the best MPVs on the market.
The X9 is coming to Europe in both the battery and EREV versions at some point next year. In China, the cheapest version is the MAX trim, which starts from about $43,500. The top-of-the-line Ultra version starts just under $46,500. Of course, once it lands in Europe, those prices will change quite a bit – but even if the X9 gets a $65,000 sticker price after all the taxes, the legacy automakers will have a tough time competing with it.
