We told you already in our previous test of the Xpeng G6: in the midst of fast developing and competent Chinese car builders, a star is born with Xpeng.

We commented in our columns already about the technological expertise of the brand. It has already substantive corporate relationships with VW, as the Volkswagen group has a 5 % stake in Xpeng and works together with Xpeng in the development of platforms and automotive software. Porsche now also forms a CO2  pool with Xpeng. It left the VW EU emissions pool as Xpeng now sells more and more EV’s in Europe, and could gain regulatory credits from this deal. But now let’s turn to the G9.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Premium status…

The G9 is a premium SUV in the upper middle class segment, alongside for instance the BMW X5. With its length of almost 4,9 meter, it looks impressive indeed. The G9 can be had below 60.000 Euros when you opt for the standard range version with a 78 kW battery. The long range version has a bigger battery of 98 kW and costs slightly more than 60.000 Euros. There is also a 550 HP performance version with 2 motors and 4WD, the formidable car we tested…

Indeed, the cabin impresses with space and high quality materials, with all the interior panels covered in softly padded artificial leather, giving clearly an upmarket impression.
The G9 offers indeed quite a lot of interior space. The front seats offer sufficient head and legroom for the tallest among us, and this goes also in the back. There too you will find ample head- and legroom. The angle of the rear backrests can be adjusted electronically.

The front passenger has also a massive touchscreen in front of her or him.
The luggage space is also abundant with 445 liters in standard form, with an extra 45 liters beneath the luggage floor. With all seats folded down, you have 1605 liters at your disposal. There is also a frunk of not less than 71 liters.

Screen time…

When it comes to touchscreens, the G9 offers the lot. There is a 15 inch central screen, and next to it for the front passenger there is another identical one. There also you can adjust ventilation or navigation, but of course you can also watch films.

Besides Android Auto and Apple Car play connections, your smart phone is also spoiled with a large charging pad on the centre console, and via the Xpeng-app oln your phone you can monitor and adjust the numerous car functions. You can even steer straightforward parking manoeuvres using your smart phone. Of course, the whole in car software system is kept up to date with over the air updates.

You will find hardly any physical knobs and controls in the cockpit, so the touchscreen is your friend, or enemy…Thankfully the menus are logical and don’t take a lot of time  to get acquainted with. For instance, you can adjust a lot, among other things in the chosen drive modes.

You can adjust the responsiveness and amount of the steering assistance level via your touchscreen…

Moving with a whisper

The G9 is silent. The drive train is all but inaudible, and road and wind noise are impressively insulated. The window glass is also thick and the wheel arches are textile covered. The Michelin Pilot V tyres have also a soft inner sound deadening layer.

The air suspension impresses too, delivering besides excellent comfort also decent surefootedness and stable handling. But the big G9 does not invite you to throw it around like a go cart. It is not meant to be, and we notice that in general, Chinese cars are in their setup rather geared towards a safety-oriented driving style, and this G9 is no exception to this rule.

Performance galore…

The base version displays with its 313 HP enough liveliness, and indeed a 0 to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds satisfies also the most performance-hungry enthusiasts. In the Eco function, performance is reduced, but even then it will satisfy most. Top speed of all versions is limited to 200 km/h.
Xpeng offers for the G9 also a 4wd two-motor version, and with its 550 HP, it brings total super-car performance with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3,9 seconds. The aficionados must than choose for “sport” mode of course. As said, we drove this performance version, and it is very impressive to say the least.

Steering wheel response is something you can fine-tune to your wishes, and given the performance of our test car, you are wheel advised to do so.

An 800 V system made for fast charging.

Thanks to the 800 Volt architecture, the Xpeng G9 is built for fast charging in mind. Even the standard version accepts 260 kW, and on other versions up to 300 kW is possible. This means you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 pct in around 20 minutes, just enough to stretch your legs and grab a coffee on your holiday trip on the motorway.

Assisted driving adds comfort

The state of the art driving aids enhance the ease and comfort of this big G9. Sometimes, speed warning signals are a git too eager and frequent, but we expect that via the over the air updates  things will improve soon.

The Xpeng G9 is reasonably frugal, where of course much depends on your driving style. The manufacturer quotes 19,4 kWh/100 km for the standard version. The performance version uses 21,3 kWh according to WLTP norm. We managed with some restraint and anticipation to achieve averages between 18-19 kWh.
We mention here that all versions can tow 1,5 tonne, and that Xpeng offers a 7 year warranty or 160.000 km.

Conclusion

The G9 certainly offers premium looks, comfort, roominess and performance. The finish and quality of the materials is clearly premium too, and the equipment of this G9 leaves no further wishes open.
If you are in the market for a large E-SUV, then take a long, hard look at this sophisticated and elegant Xpeng…

Hans Knol ten Bensel