XPENG X9

The cabin of the Xpeng X9 looks very simple but highly advanced, thanks to the presence of two large-shaped screens – a 10.25-inch full-TFT instrument console behind the quirky-looking two-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and a centrally-placed 17.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which controls all the functions of the vehicle, including the climate control and drive mode settings.

Draped in Nappa leather upholstery, the dual-tone black and beige themed cabin of the Xpeng X9 is further equipped with state-of-the-art features like a foldable roof-mounted 21.4-inch touchscreen entertainment screen for rear passengers, 23-speaker XOPERA surround sound system, ‘Hey Xpeng’ voice assistant, 5 USB charging ports, integrated refrigerator and air purifier with intelligent fragrance system. 

The comfort of the occupants in the Xpeng X9 is further enhanced by advanced features like five-zone automatic climate control with a wraparound air conditioning system, ambient lighting, 12-way powered front seats and 18-way powered second-row seats with heating, ventilation, memory and massage functions and one-touch foldable and accessible third-row seats. 

The Xpeng X9 looks dramatic for an MPV, with its long profile and futuristic design language giving it a jaw-dropping appearance. At the front, the Xpeng X9 has a ‘robot face design’ with a fluidic design language that comprises a crystal-themed closed grille with horizontally stretched LED DRLs and sleek trapezoidal all-LED headlamps placed below the LED DRLs on the corners.

The steeply angular design for the A and D pillars of the Xpeng X9 gives it a very low drag coefficient of 0.236, with the MPV getting flush-type door handles and dynamic-looking 20-inch machined alloy wheels. The starship-inspired design language adds more sharpness to the side profile of the X9. At the back, the Xpeng X9 has a 23-degree coupe-styled rear windscreen, with the MPV also having a continuous-running LED tail lamp assembly, a panoramic glass roof and a powered tailgate. 

The advanced suspension setup of Xpeng X9 consists of a double wishbone at the front and an H-arm multi-link at the rear, which has an intelligent dual-chamber air suspension system with variable damping shock absorbers for a very plush ride quality, even at higher speeds. This suspension setup of the X9 is further complemented by active rear-wheel steering, which aids in city manoeuvrability while giving this minivan a turning radius of just 5.4 metres. 

All three variants of Xpeng X9 have a two-wheel drive setup, with the front-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power output of 315 bhp and a maximum torque output of 450 Nm. With this electric motor, the X9 can reach the 100 kph mark from a standstill in 7.7 seconds, while attaining a top speed of 200 kmph.

The base-spec Standard Range 2WD Pro variant of Xpeng X9 has an 84.5kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, which delivers a range of 500 km. The Long Range 2WD Pro and Long Range 2WD Pro Plus variants of the X9 have a more advanced 101.5kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, which has a claimed range of 590 km. 

The Xpeng X9 is loaded with safety and advanced driver assistance functions. Starting with the basics, the X9 has six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, an electronic stability program with traction control, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, front and rear parking sensors, hill hold assist and hill descent control.

The advanced safety features offered in the Xpeng X9 include three suites. The first one is XPILOT Driving, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centring control, adaptive turning cruise and intelligent speed limit assist. Then comes the XPILOT Parking package, which has auto parking assist, 360-degree parking camera with park assist, auto exit parking assist and a transparent chassis.

Finally, the XPILOT Safety suite is the third one, which has additional features like forward distance monitoring, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, speed assistant system, intelligent high beam, blind spot detection, door open warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beam, reverse car side warning and narrow path assistance.

With oodles of features, futurism in its design and advanced battery pack options, the Xpeng X9 is a coming-of-age vehicle that has been designed and engineered for future generations. This tech-loaded vehicle blends the practicality of a conventional three-row MPV with several modern elements that make it one of the most futuristic vehicles on sale today.