Xpeng X9 EV MPV Debuts in China As Volvo EM90’s Newest Rival

New Xpeng X9 EV MPV recently made its global debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 motor show

The Chinese luxury EV MPV market is getting more interesting, as it welcomes yet another contender this month. Following the global debut of the much-awaited Volvo EM90 EV SUV, this burgeoning market segment is welcoming what perhaps may be the Swedish’s closest rival to date.

Xpeng X9 EV MPV on display at the brand's showcase in the Auto Guangzhou 2023

Dubbed as the Xpeng X9, this luxury EV MPV made its inaugural global debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 motor show this week, arriving in a very stylish manner. At one glance, the X9 seems like yet another boring boxy peoplemover, but Xpeng actually designed it to strike a perfect balance between functionality and “tech-savvy-aesthetics”.

This can be seen on several of its exterior parts, including the wedge-style rear end featuring a rakish rear windscreen, sleek LED headlights and taillights, snazzy-looking wheels it rides on, and many more. More importantly, all of these features are designed with aerodynamics in mind, with all of its 17 anti-drag features granting the van a drag coefficient (C.d) of 0.227 – a pretty impressive feat for a sizable peoplemover.

As expected, the X9's luxurious cabin space is laced with plenty of creature comforts

On board, the Xpeng X9’s cabin design looks very clean and model, brimmed with tons of modern amenities. Featuring a 2-2-3 seven-seater layout, the X9’s second row comes with a pair of zero-gravity reclining seats with ventilated and heated function – both of them folded almost flat-down like a bed. Keeping passengers occupied from the external world are several creature comforts like a massive 21.4-inch fold-down infotainment display on the headliner, plus a built-in fridge hidden on the central tunnel.

Other than that, standard equipment like USB-C charging ports, multi-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting system are all present here. Plus, front passengers including drivers also get plenty of decent equipment, including a floating central infotainment display, a fully-digital instrument cluster, multiple USB charging ports, a wireless charging pad, ventilated and heated seats, and many more.

Modern gadgets aside, the X9’s cabin is quite a spacious one, featuring class-leading cabin height and the most spacious third-row space. As for the cargo space, folding down the third-row seats will free up 2,554-litre of space for your belongings.

Underpinning Xpeng's SEPA 2.0 platform, the X9 comes in both RWD and AWD powertrain options

As for its mechanical bits, the X9 sits on the brand’s SEPA 2.0 platform that not only supports rear-wheel steering (RWS) but also features front- and rear-integrated die-casting aluminium body structure, which Xpeng claims to be the only mass-produced MPV model to come with. Aside from that, the van also rides on a dedicated air suspension setup, which promises next-level ride comfort, with the aforementioned RWS system helps in its manoeuvrability.

On the powertrain front, the X9 is offered with two all-electric powertrain options. The baseline single motor variant boasts a total system output of 315 HP (235 kW), while the peppier dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) model packs a combined output of 496 HP (370 kW). However, no details were disclosed pertaining to its battery parts and maximum travel range, for now.

With order books already opened soon after making its global debut, the all-new Xpeng X9 EV MPV is priced from CNY 388,000 (RM250,000 approx.) onwards for the Chinese market, where it will go against the likes of the new Volvo EM90 and Maxus Mifa 9. Deliveries, however, are expected to commence later in January next year.

As for now, Xpeng does not reveal any plans to introduce the X9 EV MPV into other international markets. Regardless of that, we at Caricarz.com surely don’t mind seeing yet another Chinese EV MPV making its debut in our local market, with demands for luxury MPVs have always been strong as of late.