HONG KONG: Touted as China’s top-selling electric multi-purpose vehicle, the Xpeng X9 is expanding its horizons with a right-hand-drive variant.
For 2025, the X9 gets 496 technological upgrades, including 35% of newly updated components.
During the X9’s official introduction at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong recently, Xpeng chief executive officer Xiao Peng said the X9 lineup would be launched in Europe sometime in the second half of 2025.
Available in four variants, the entry-level X9 Long Range variant with its single front-axle motor powered by a larger 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery provides up to 650km of range (CLTC) and costs 359,800 yuan (RM216,145).
This is followed by the X9 Extended Long Range with a larger 105kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) to provide up to 750km of range - costing 379,800 Yuan (RM228,160).
The X9 AWD (All-wheel-drive) Performance with the same battery and dual motors provide up to 702km of range and gets priced at RM399,800 Yuan (RM240,175).
Lastly, the range-topping X9 Starship (AWD with 702km of range) comes tagged at 419,800 (RM252,190).
For colour options, the X9 is available in Matte Starship Gray, Nebula Purple and Galaxy Blue that adds to the current options of Nebula White, Starship Gray, Midnight Black and New Moon Silver.
According to a 2024 Chinese sales report, the X9 has managed to sell 21,141 units while the Zeekr 009 sold 20,683 units.
This has relegated the top-selling MPV - the Toyota Alphard, to third place with 16,701 units sold.
With its Starship design, the X9 still maintains its measurements with a 3,160mm wheelbase while having a length of 5,293mm, width of 1,988 and a height of 1,785mm.
Although a right-hand-drive version of the X9 is currently available in Hong Kong, its arrival in Malaysia has yet to be confirmed despite the legacy model already available in March.
The X9 brings with it an 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platform and claims to have one of the fastest charging technologies within its segment.
The X9 is offered with a 94.8kWh battery or a 105kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt).
Externally, there are few changes except for an “Xpeng” branding situated above the rear light bar that also lights up.
The left-hand drive China model featured a Rolls Royce-like self-levelling hub for its 20-inch wheels.
Along with a marked improvement to its overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, an AI-powered 6D comfortable anti-motion-sickness algorithm has been included to minimise pitch and roll to further bolster comfort levels.
Meanwhile, the rear wheel steering system has been retained to aid with manoeuvrability within tight confines as well as high-speed stability.
This includes the dual-chamber air suspension system with a 90mm travel.
Inside, it seems very much status quo with soft-closure doors, only now the 10.8-litre fridge (with warming function) has been wrapped in a soft-touch material and voice-activation (opening and closing).
Also retained are the power-folding third-row seats, while the middle-row zero-gravity seats have been revamped to provide access to the third row section.
The second-row seats also come with individual 50W air-cooled wireless chargers and access to 220V power sockets and 60W Type-C ports.
There’s also the 21.4-inch infotainment display, which can support numerous streaming services and karaoke through its 23-speaker 2,180W 7.1.6 Xopera audio system.
