Lots of Volts, lots of check marks
We recently wrote and told about our experiences with the Xpeng P7, now its big brother’s turn. The XPeng G9 has the size of a Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, but not the price. It also has 800-volt technology on board, not to mention standard equipment.
How rich is the standard equipment of the Xpeng P9?
You’ve probably noticed that when sifting through a car price list in the row of the basic version there are only open circles and as you move further up to the most expensive version, the black dots or check marks. Not so with the Xpeng G9. It goes too far to list the standard equipment here (under this test you can see all the specs of the G9 Performance), but if you consider that even soft close on the doors falls below, then you know approximately what time it is. Configure that EQE SUV like this and you can easily sneak up to the one and a half tons. There is no question of a stripped-down loafer here. The only difference between the base model and the Long Range is the battery pack.
What else stands out about the XPeng G9?
For €3,990 extra you drive home with black or brown nappa leather, more luxurious seats, Dynaudio with Dolby Atmos and thigh adjustment in the rear seat. A tow bar is also available. Not such a clumsy removable case, but an electrically swingable one. In all cases, a maximum of 1,500 kg may hang from it, not very impressive. There is also the 800 volt on-board system, which makes super fast charging possible. With the standard battery, which is a bit too small for the size of the car in our opinion, that is already 260 kW. The Long Range and Performance are good for 300 kW. In both cases, in an ideal situation, you could charge from 10 to 80 percent in twenty minutes.
What do we think of the design of the Xpeng G9?
The days when we used to laugh at Japanese and Korean cars are long gone and it seems that the current generation of Chinese EVs are even skipping that phase completely. Because let’s face it: there’s a seriously good-looking car in front of us here, whether you like SUVs or not. Not a cowardly copy of an existing European model, but a unique face. Okay, Xpeng kind of played it safe with this design; we can’t call it boring. The front is characterized by a wide LED bar and the headlights below it, a light bar adorns the rear over the full width.
Is the XPeng G9 a good offer?
When you walk around this SUV and consider that a dressed-up Skoda Enyaq with the same price tag is in the showroom, you can hardly imagine how Xpeng (the Standard Range starts at just under 60k) can deliver this for such a price. It is almost five meters long, has a luggage compartment of 660 liters and a frunk in the front with a capacity of 71 liters. The space in the back seat is spacious without exaggeration. If you shout ‘Hey Xpeng’ from that position and ask if the seat heating can be turned on, the assistant will know that it is the passenger in the rear right and will ensure that you are quickly comfortable. This car is loaded with these kinds of skills.
How does the Xpeng G9 drive?
When entering the front, the two 15-inch screens immediately catch the eye, in addition to the smaller display behind the steering wheel. Yes, also standard. The infotainment system works quickly, is very clear and is very reminiscent of Tesla in everything. We drive the Performance, which has air suspension. With 551 hp and 717 Nm you have nothing to complain about, to use an understatement. The bulky-looking X9 pops out of the starting blocks when you need it. It is above all a car that wants to please you, we soon notice. It does not invite hard pedaling and the combination of the large seat, smooth air suspension and a remarkably quiet chassis quickly removes any doubt about the quality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not possible, but you can create a Spotify account via the screen.
Where can you view or buy an Xpeng G9 in the Netherlands?
Xpeng is busy opening a few showrooms in the Netherlands. You can now find them in Leidschendam and Badhoevedorp, where the service center is also located. The after-sales process is in the hands of the Emil Frey group, with a European-wide network. There is a partnership with Shell Recharge for charging. The G9 will be available from the fourth quarter of this year.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl