since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
THE Xpeng X9 is the flagship vehicle boasting premium features that prioritise absolute passenger comfort with smooth and driving performance through its electric platform. It also charges ultra fast too; from 10 to 80 per cent in 12 minutes.
With such impressive credentials, updating it might be a daunting task, especially given the speed with which most Chinese automotive brands enhance their respective product range. Xpeng is among the mainstream and its latest X9 is endowed with changes in refinement features to maintain its upmarket appeal.
The X9 is immediately identifiable on the road with its rather distinctive look as a large MPV (multipurpose vehicle), enhanced not least by its ‘Robot Face’ from the front perspective. Its body profile and outline take on a ‘streamlined silhouette’ with an unusual rear angular ‘gently tapered’ design that is believed to inspire the Xpeng brand logo; a case of two sharply angled rear end coming together to form the ‘X’.
It is not surprising that the exterior of the latest X9 sees little change to retain the polished aesthetics that many have come to be familiar with. The changes are subtle and mostly in the luxurious interior and under the skin, so to speak, that serve to make driving or travelling in the X9 a comfortable and enjoyable one.
The X9 now comes with powered front soft close doors to add to the vehicle’s refined state and complement its upmarket status. At the rear, the continuous LED (light emitting diode) tail bar with the Xpeng name in striking red is retained. This styling detail flows well with its premium ambience.
Inside, the air of luxury and sophistication stands out and Xpeng says this is complemented by the ‘updated interior palette’ that includes Coffee, Meteorite Black and a new Rose Brown dual-tone theme. The third item is said to combine rosy brown and white to create a ‘warm, high-end atmosphere’.
The driver continues to enjoy a 21-inch expansive Head-Up Display (HUD) that provides a host of essential information with ‘crystalline precision’. Adding to the driver’s tactile pleasure is the newly introduced ultra-fibre ‘Starship’ steering wheel that offers a supple and premium feel.
Those who love music on the go would revel in the upgraded 27-speaker X-Opera audio system. Xpeng says the ‘acoustic immersion’ is fully enjoyed with the front cabin being surrounded with a ‘rich, detailed sound stage that underscores the X9’s intelligent refinement’.
Passenger comfort is also a priority and the second-row occupants would benefit from a more adaptable 60:40 split folding configuration. This too is said to enable easier accommodation of child seats, strollers or other large items. The third-row seats now feature seat heating for consistent comfort all round. Adding to this is the smart refrigerator with child-lock feature that adds a layer of safety and convenience.
Xpeng says the new X9 builds on its 800V SiC high-voltage platform, enhanced by 5C super-charge efficiency, to deliver one of the most advanced and seamless fast-charging experiences in its class. Each battery configuration is engineered for optimal efficiency, thermal stability and consistent charging performance to ensure minimal downtime even on long journeys.
There are three model variants starting with the Standard Range that features a 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery with up to 535km of range. It is said to support ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 12 minutes with peak power of 537kW. Xpeng adds that this blend of LFP chemistry and high-voltage capability offers a durable, eco-conscious solution ideal for daily commuting and family-focused use.
The output of the electric motor driving the front wheels is rated at 236kW and 460Nm torque. The X9 Standard Range accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, which is impressive for an MPV with a kerb weight of 2760kg (normal for an EV – electric vehicle). The top speed is the same for all three models at 200km/h.
The Long Range and AWD Performance variants are equipped with a 110kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery that delivers up to 615km and 580km of range respectively. Both maintain the same rapid 12-minute charging convenience and achieve peak power of 542kW to ensure consistent performance across the lineup.
The X9 Long Range model has the same electric motor as the Standard Range. Having a lighter kerb weight of 2690kg gives it a better 0-100km/h performance at 7.75 seconds. The X9 AWD Performance, as its name suggests, has more powerful electric motors – one each for the front and rear axle – with a combined output of 370kW and 640Nm torque. With that, it is the fastest in 0-100km/h sprint at 6.9 seconds (its kerb weight is 2746kg).
What is interesting is that at the core of the new XPILOT Assist hardware system is the XPENG Turing AI chipset. This is described as a next-generation processor delivering up to 750 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of computing performance for real-time intelligent driving.
Built for high-speed perception, Xpeng says it accelerates neural network inference to achieve faster sensor fusion, sharper object recognition and more stable decision making in complex environments. Its high efficiency architecture is said to process data from radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors with ‘exceptional clarity’ to create a strong foundation for advanced driver assistance and enhanced situational awareness.
The fully self-developed Turing chip is described as a world’s first general-purpose chip for multi-scenario use and customised for large AI models. It is expected to be expanded for use through its VLA 2.0 AI driving programme in a Robotaxi (nine original models launched and which would begin public road trials this year), flying cars (seven original models launched) and AI Robots (five prototype models).
Its ARIDGE Land Aircraft Carrier is hailed as the world’s first split-type flying car. Xpeng says it has already received more than 7000 advanced orders from customers worldwide. For sure, Xpeng looks set to continue the momentum from 2025 when it was ranked top seven in Global BEV (battery electric vehicle) brands by sales and the top Chinese EV Startup in overseas sales.
For the Malaysian scenario, Xpeng says it is here for the long term and its key 2026-2028 objectives are to be among the top three AI-driven mobility brand. The local value creation would see to a ‘dedicated local R&D (research and development) team’ and strategic partnership in advanced high-tech fields. There are local assembly plans too to be realised soon.
Currently, the X9 range is imported from China. There are five body colours available - Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray and two newly introduced hues in Lambent Cyan and Polar Violet (AWD variant only). The vehicle selling prices are RM279,888 for the X9 FWD (front-wheel drive) Standard Range, RM297,888 for the X9 FWD Long Range and RM333,888 for the X9 AWD (all-wheel drive) Performance.
It comes with a five-year or 120,000km Manufacturer Warranty and five-year or 100,000km free service and maintenance. In addition, there is the eight-year High Voltage Battery Pack warranty with a 160,000km mileage limit.
