XPENG’s X9 multi-purpose vehicle delivers a multi-sensory experience
Unless you are one of those types that compulsively posts whenever you upgrade to the latest smart thingamabob gadget, some people are beginning to develop electric vehicle (EV) fatigue.
This makes the XPENG X9 all the more special because the brand (to us, at least) makes some attempt to differentiate its design from the rest of the Alphard clones, especially insofar as its distinctive rear and eye-catching UFO-esque styling are concerned.
In the current crop of Chinese EV brands, XPENG hits different, especially since its first model, the G6 crossover, was first introduced here.
Of course, a lot of it depends on what you are looking for in such a mode of transport, but it ticked a lot of boxes for this writer: Clean and chic styling, an intuitive user interface, a comfortable cabin and most importantly, excellent damping for exemplary on-road manners.
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The rapid rise of technological functions and features in personal transportation increasingly mirrors that of consumer electronics. This has resulted in a similar trend among the tech brigade in chasing the latest features in these new EVs, much like what is seen with smartphones and other devices.
Unfortunately, in the context of cars in Singapore, it is harder to “keep up with the Tans” when there are a few extra zeros in the sticker price compared to a $1,800 smartphone.
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In many ways, the Chinese EV brands have democratised such equipment and features, which have become the new normal with these cars.
In another lifetime, legacy car brands would either have offered such options on the top-tier models and / or charged an arm and a leg for them.
However, this writer is deeply entrenched in the camp that isn’t impressed by the smoke and mirrors of flashy, over-the-top (OTT) features. If it is not a feature I will use, including it in the car’s suite of applications is not going to make it any more meaningful and some might even regard it as another thing that could potentially go wrong.
In fact, it would not surprise us to learn that some consumers are developing some form of “feature fatigue” as well, especially with regards to the onslaught of features that are more extra than useful.
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With many folks looking for multi-people transport to complement their garages of sporty machines, we decided to make a meal of our day with the X9 to experience the cosseting comfort of the second- and third-row seats – arguably the best seats in the house for any MPV.
Measuring a massive 5,293 x 1,988 x1,785mm (LxBxH), the X9 has the sort of presence that will not fade into the woodwork easily, with its 3,160mm wheelbase translating to ample cabin space for occupants.
With the third row (electrically) folded flat, cargo carrying capacity swells to a cavernous 2,554 litres, with the rear area capable of being transformed into a flat-floored play or chill area.
Access to the second and third rows is via the electric sliding doors, which are an invaluable and essential element for large people carriers.
Thankfully, one does not require a heavy vehicle licence to pilot the 2.6-tonne X9. It is surprisingly nimble because its active rear-wheel steering makes light work of manoeuvring the big car in tight confines, with the rear-steer system able to achieve angles of up to 5-degrees.
The damping and ride height can even be customised to suit one’s needs for both ride quality and carpark clearance.
Despite its prodigious proportions, XPENG has not forsaken the littlest details to ensure the occupants are well taken care of.
Fret not though, because you are not subjected to grand flourishes that try to drown you out with the white noise of a cheap price or OTT equipment levels.
Instead, it is the thoughtful features that segue perfectly into one’s commuting / errand lifestyle that make the X9 such a compelling companion for the family.
The X9 is not sold through gimmicks or deep discounts, because you really get what you pay for.
For starters, part of the car’s XPILOT Parking suite of features includes one that allows the driver to ease the X9 in / out of tight lots remotely. This enables you to exit the car first before using the remote to control the X9, so you don’t have to squeeze yourself between cars and pillars after parking.
The X9 features a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features to keep its occupants safe, too. However, it monitors the situation in the background and intervenes only when things become critical.
A 21.4-inch rear “Home Entertainment Ecosystem Screen” deploys from the ceiling to wow second- and third-row occupants. When it descends, the driver’s rear-view mirror also switches automatically to digital view, so one is never driving with an obscured rear view.
During our time with the car, the on-board entertainment included sports car videos and Taylor Swift live performances, all of which are piped through the X9’s XOPERA audio system’s 23 speakers.
Like many other new EV entrants, XPENG aims to create an immersive eco-system that emulates Tesla’s. The brand indeed acquits itself well with some measure of seamless integration between its App, one’s device and the car itself.
With its plush comfort and effortless waftability (yes, even in XPEDAL mode for One Pedal Driving), the X9 elevates the multi-person commuting experience.
However, it is not just about the broad strokes because XPENG sweats the small stuff too.
By this, we mean that no detail is too small to be accommodated, ensuring your core commuting needs are taken care of. This also includes having a refrigerator box to keep your perishables as chill as the X9’s occupants.
XPENG X9 ‘PREMIUM SEAT’
Battery: 101.5kWh (Gross), 800V
Power: 315hp
Torque: 450Nm
0-100km/h: 7.8secs
Top Speed: 200km/h
WLTP range (combined): 590km
Kerbweight: About 2.6 tonnes
