Xpeng X9 coming to Malaysia; here’s what to expect from this futuristic MPV

KUALA LUMPUR: The local EV space is buzzing with excitement; this time, the premium MPV segment has been grabbing eyeballs. Two latest electric MPVs - Denza D9 and Zeekr 009 are wooing buyers with their futuristic designs, luxury appeal, and advanced technology. Well, the momentum is not stopping here as the market prepares for a new arrival.

As the title suggests, the Chinese automaker Xpeng is ready to roll out a new electric MPV in Malaysia called the X9. After a preview in January of this year, the brand has now started accepting registration for this luxurious people-hauler, hinting at its arrival soon.

Xpeng X9: What to expect?

Exterior

Based on Xpeng’s SEPA 2.0 EV platform, the seven-seater X9 is 5,293 mm long, 1,988 mm wide, 1,785 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 3,160 mm.

In terms of design, the X9 boasts a futuristic design that breaks stereotypes for conventional MPVs. It has a starship-inspired design with 17 optimised anti-drag features. Key highlights include a dual-tier lighting setup, a honeycomb mesh pattern on the lower intake, flat rear windows, sliding rear doors, and pop-out door handles.

Interior 

The 7-seater Xpeng X9 meets the varied needs of every family member with its premium and advanced tech appointments. It can be transferred into a spacious 4-seater SUV with just one click, offering a more comfortable driving experience. It offers class-leading in-car floor space of 7.7m². 

With seven passengers on board, the MPV offers a boot space of 755 litres. It can be expanded up to 2,554 litres with the third-row seats folded up. 

In terms of features, it comes equipped with the following advanced bits -  

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 17.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit
• 21.4-inch rear display
• World's first wrap-around integrated central AC
• “Airline-style” second-row seats with massage, heating, and ventilation functions
• Leather upholstery
• Xopera 23-speaker sound system
• Refrigerator
• Panoramic glass roof 
• Xpilot suite of advanced driver-assistance systems

Drivetrain

Xpeng offers the X9 in three drivetrain options in the global market: two single-motor FWD setups and one dual-motor AWD setup. 

Specs	Single-motor (FWD)	Single-motor (FWD)	Dual-motor (AWD)
Max power	320 PS	320 PS	503 PS
Max torque	450 Nm	450 Nm	640 Nm
Battery	84.5 kWh LFP	101.5 kWh NMC	101.5 kWh NMC
Range (CLTC)	610 km	702 km	640 km

However, we are most likely to receive the one available in the Thai market, which comes with a single front motor and 101.5-kWh NMC battery pack, offering a driving range of 590 km (on the WLTP cycle). 

“The X9 redefines the conventional norms of MPV models in the market with industry-leading innovations in design, intelligence, space, handling, and safety”, claims Xpeng. 

Let’s see how it will stack up against Denza D9, Zeekr 009, and ICE-powered Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. Stay tuned for further updates.

Also read: Xpeng unveils G7 SUV: A new contender in the EV market