This is the Xpeng X9, the brand’s flagship people mover, positioned squarely against the likes of the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009, and after spending proper time with it, I can see why some markets are calling it the most well-rounded electric MPV you can buy right now. The Xpeng X9 “ate the assignment,” as
This is the Xpeng X9, the brand’s flagship people mover, positioned squarely against the likes of the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009, and after spending proper time with it, I can see why some markets are calling it the most well-rounded electric MPV you can buy right now.
The Xpeng X9 “ate the assignment,” as Gen Zs say. It makes you want to sit in the back, sink into the seat, entertain yourself with the big screen, and forget about the outside world.
Xpeng X9 Design – Different, deliberately so
You’ll either like the X9’s design or you won’t, but you definitely won’t confuse it with anything else on the road. Where most MPVs follow the familiar two-box, upright silhouette, the X9 goes for a tent-like greenhouse with steeply raked front and rear windscreens.
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It looks futuristic and slightly awkward in photos, but in the metal, it’s imposing. The trapezoidal lighting signatures, sloping bonnet and floating roof effect at the rear give it a concept-car-on-the-road vibe. It’s not beautiful in the traditional sense, but it’s bold, distinctive, and very clearly saying, “I’m not an Alphard,” which is quite refreshing.
Xpeng X9 Interior – High-tech lounge, with a learning curve
Step inside and the X9’s priorities are immediately clear. This is a tech-first cabin, and it leans heavily into that philosophy. The layout, UI design, and even the way the car visualises surrounding traffic feels unmistakably Tesla-inspired. You get the animated road scanning, vehicles, bikes, pedestrians, and a minimalistic interface that replaces traditional controls with menus and gestures.
That’s both a strength and a weakness.
On one hand, the screens are excellent. The infotainment is blazing fast, genuinely one of the quickest I’ve used in any car. Touch response is instant, animations are smooth, and both the front and rear displays are sharp, bright, and easy on the eyes. Importantly, I didn’t encounter weird translations or awkward phrasing, something that still plagues a lot of Chinese-market EVs. The UI is clean, cohesive, and well thought through.
On the other hand, ergonomics take a hit. The lack of physical controls, especially for air vents, can be an annoyance. It also means there’s a learning curve. Simple adjustments require digging into menus, and until muscle memory kicks in, it can feel unintuitive. This is a cabin you adapt to, rather than one that immediately makes sense.
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Material quality, though, is excellent. Soft-touch surfaces, leather, suede-like trims, and solid build quality all round. No creaks, no rattles, even over rough roads.
The sound system deserves special mention. It’s not just loud or bass-heavy, it’s well-tuned. Orchestral tracks and film soundtracks sound expansive and layered, with clarity up top and proper weight down low.
The second-row captain chairs are every bit as comfortable as you’d expect at this level. Full electric adjustment, ventilation, massage, leg rests, the works. Comfort-wise, it’s on par with the Denza D9 and other luxury EV MPVs.
The party trick, of course, is the massive fold-down rear entertainment screen. Crisp, responsive, and genuinely usable. Whether it’s YouTube, Spotify, or screen mirroring, it works smoothly. Xpeng even provides a gaming setup in some markets, and it’s easy to see why. This is a proper lounge experience.
Cooling is handled by a wrap-around, windless rear air-conditioning system that quietly and evenly chills the entire cabin. Third-row passengers aren’t an afterthought either. There’s decent space, reclining backrests, and USB ports, making it viable even for adults on longer journeys.
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Xpeng X9 Driving – Calm, controlled, and very synthetic
On the move, the X9 feels exactly like what it is – a large, heavy electric MPV engineered for comfort above all else.
The air suspension does an excellent job here. Compared to the Denza D9, which I found suffered from noticeable vertical movement especially in the rear rows, the X9 controls body motion far better. There’s still compliance over bumps, but without the constant bobbing and heaving. It feels more tied down, more composed, and more confidence-inspiring for passengers.
That light-footed poise over undulations is a big win. You feel the suspension working, smoothing things out without making the car feel floaty.
Steering, as expected, offers no feedback. It’s accurate enough, predictable, and completely synthetic. But that’s par for the course in this segment. There are no surprises, no awkward moments. It just does what you ask, without emotion.
Brakes are another plus point over the D9. Pedal modulation is easier and less jumpy, even though you’re still dealing with regenerative braking. There’s no real feel, but at least it’s consistent and easy to manage in traffic.
Performance-wise, it’s effortless rather than exciting. Plenty of power to get up to speed without drama, and that’s all it needs to be. At nearly 5.3 metres long, the X9 is rather sizable. The long dashboard means it’s not the easiest car to instinctively place on the road, especially in tight urban environments.
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This is where rear-wheel steering and the excellent 360-degree camera system come into play. Tight turns, U-turns, parking manoeuvres, all become far less stressful than you’d expect. The turning circle feels genuinely compact for something this size, and the camera system does a lot of heavy lifting when judging clearances. Liveability, despite the size, is better than expected.
Xpeng X9 Verdict – Quietly impressive
The Xpeng X9 isn’t the flashiest or most opulent electric MPV on the market. It doesn’t overwhelm with chrome, and it doesn’t try too hard to feel “luxury” in a traditional sense.
What it does instead is feel resolved.
The ride is better controlled than the Denza D9. The infotainment is cleaner and more polished. The sound system is excellent. The ADAS works smoothly (enough) without feeling as intrusive. And the overall package feels cohesive, like everything has been tuned to work together rather than just ticking boxes.
It’s not perfect. The interior ergonomics could be more intuitive, and some physical controls would go a long way. But once you adapt, the X9 makes a very strong case for itself.
If you’re looking for an electric MPV that prioritises tech, refinement, and day-to-day usability over badge prestige or sheer extravagance, the Xpeng X9 might just be the most convincing option in the segment right now. If you can accept the looks, that is.
XPeng X9 Long Range 2WD Pro Plus – Quick Specs
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Motor output: 315 PS / 450 Nm
- Battery: 101.5 kWh (NMC)
- WLTP range: 590 km
- Top speed: 200 km/h
- Charging (AC): 11 kW (5–100% in 11 hours)
- Charging (DC): Up to 317 kW (10–80% in 20 minutes)
- Suspension: Intelligent dual-chamber air suspension
- Infotainment: 17.3-inch front display + 21.4-inch rear entertainment screen
- Audio: 23-speaker XOpera system (2180W, 7.1.6 channels)
- Price (as tested): RM 314,708 (OTR without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia)