Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has made a significant splash in the automotive market with the introduction of its maiden electric Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the Xpeng X9. Boasting a starship design and a robust lineup of features, the X9 made its debut in China, capturing attention not only for its sleek aesthetics but also for its innovative pricing strategy. The launch price, starting at $50,800, undercut the pre-sale price by $4,000, creating a buzz in the electric vehicle community.
Prior to its official launch, Xpeng had already garnered substantial interest, with 30,000 orders received during the pre-sale period that commenced on November 17. The pre-order price stood at 388,000 yuan, setting the stage for the X9's entry into the competitive EV market.
The Xpeng X9 is a formidable entry into the electric MPV segment, measuring almost 5.3 meters in length and featuring a starship-inspired design. Built on the SEPA 2.0 platform, its dimensions read 5293/1988/1785 mm, with a wheelbase of 3160mm. The MPV offers three rows and a 2+2+3 seating configuration, accommodating seven passengers comfortably. Despite its substantial size, the X9 maintains respectable aerodynamics, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.227 Cd.
Under the hood, the Xpeng X9 provides two powertrain options to cater to diverse preferences. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) model houses a 235 kW motor, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version includes an additional 135 kW rear motor, resulting in a total output of 370 kW and 640 Nm torque. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, the X9 achieves a top speed of 200 km/h.
Equipped with two battery options, users can opt for an 84.5 kWh pack with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry from Eve Energy or a 101.5 kWh pack with ternary NMC chemistry from CALB. The X9 supports 800V charging and features 3C battery cells, enabling an impressive addition of 300 km of range in just 10 minutes.
The Xpeng X9 doesn't just focus on performance; its interior highlights smart functionality and adaptability. Xpeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, emphasized the spaciousness of the X9 during the launch event, showcasing features such as the ability to fit five bikes and a smart function that electronically folds the rear row of seats, creating 2,554 liters of boot space. Described as a "one-click transformation to an ultra-large 4-seater SUV," the X9 aims to provide a versatile and comfortable driving experience.
Inside the vehicle, users will find a fridge with 10.8 liters of space, electronic doors, and a Tesla-like interior design. The minimalistic approach features a 17.3″ central control screen, a smaller instrument LCD panel for the driver, and two cup holders. Additionally, a large 21.4″ screen inside the roof caters to rear passengers, popping up on demand.
Manufactured with the assistance of a 12,000-ton integrated die-casting machine from Guangzhou Hongtu, the Xpeng X9 claims to be the world's largest mass-produced die-casting machine. This advanced manufacturing technology contributes to the MPV's structural integrity and efficiency.
One of Xpeng's key selling points is its commitment to autonomous driving, exemplified by its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) XNGP. Xpeng's CEO announced the accelerated coverage of Chinese cities under the City NGP (Navigation Guided Pilot), expanding it to 243 cities. Autonomous parking and car summoning through the app were showcased last month, reinforcing Xpeng's dedication to cutting-edge technology.
The Xpeng X9 electric SUV offers four configurations, each varying in range and price. The 610 Pro (FWD) provides a range of 610 km, starting at 359,800 yuan, while the 702 Pro (FWD) offers a longer range of 702 km, starting at 379,800 yuan. The 702 Max (FWD), with the same range as the 702 Pro, starts at a higher price of 399,800 yuan. The 640 Performance Max (AWD), with a range of 640 km, is the most affordable option, starting at 419,800 yuan.
Xpeng's recent financial backing includes a $700 million investment from Volkswagen, acquiring nearly a 5% stake in the company. Moreover, the acquisition of the Electric Vehicle (EV) unit of Didi in August 2023 positioned Xpeng to produce affordable EVs under the Mona brand.
In December, Xpeng achieved a milestone by delivering a record-breaking 20,115 all-electric vehicles in China, marking a remarkable 78.12% increase from the previous year. The cumulative deliveries for 2023 reached 141,601 vehicles, representing a 17.26% rise from 2022. The Xpeng G6 SUV emerged as the best-selling EV in Xpeng's lineup, competing with the Tesla Model Y.
As Xpeng expands its reach beyond China, with plans to introduce City NGP in Europe, the Xpeng X9 represents a pivotal step in the brand's journey towards global recognition and dominance in the competitive electric vehicle market.