XPeng X9 2026 review: AWD Long Range | Zeekr 009 rival tested

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

7 / 10

Is the X9 XPeng-sive? That’s relative, because while some rivals are a bit cheaper, a few do cost quite a lot more.

The cheaper of the two is the X9 Standard Range, with front-wheel drive and a 95kWh battery, kicking off from $89,900 (all prices are before on-road costs).

Ours is the Performance flagship with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 110kWh battery, starting from $20K more at $109,900.

Both absolutely heave with almost everything you’d expect in a luxury MPV, including a panoramic roof, electric sliding side doors, Nappa leather upholstery, big central touchscreen, electric seats, 20-inch alloy wheels… the works. There is also what XPeng describes as a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

What you may not expect are:

• Heating, ventilation and massaging for the first two rows of fully-powered and reclining bucket seats
• Five zones of climate environments with individual controls
• A heated and refrigerated drawer
• Rear multimedia screen
• Premium 27-speaker audio for utter symphonic ecstasy
• A heated rear bench that folds acrobatically into the floor
• Soft-close front doors
• Remote-control parking for getting in and out of tight spots without the driver needing to be inside
• 6.0kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) appliance powering capability

Plus, the X9 stands out from the people-mover pack with an 800V EV architecture that allows for ultra-fast charging, air suspension with adjustable heights and active four-wheel (or rear-wheel) steering (4WS). This is a burger with the lot nobody else currently quite matches.

So, where does that leave the XPeng compared to the electrified alternatives?

Sitting pretty, since cheaper competition like the Denza and VW are a bit smaller (in battery as well as size) and not quite as spacious or opulent inside, as are more-expensive rivals like the Lexus LM hybrid, Mercedes-Benz EQV and Zeekr 009 (which tops the X9 with a 116kWh battery).

Still, as an untried and unproven entity, the X9 is a gamble for consumers. It’s also missing a couple of important items and, more worryingly, ours left us stranded more than once, undermining our confidence in it.

Keep reading to find out more.

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Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

7 / 10

Built on a dedicated EV architecture tautologically dubbed Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA 2.0), the X9 debuted in China back in 2023. The model we see today is actually the second facelift, having received its first in 2025 and then again in March this year.

Nothing else on the road looks like the XPeng MPV. Long and imposing, it is deliberately divisive, yet nicely proportioned, with crisp, clean surfaces and minimalist detailing to further imbue a unique identity. We cannot remember the last time an MPV elicited so many comments from passers-by.

Achieving lowest-possible drag helped shape the X9’s futuristic 'starship' design, particularly the angle of the rear window which makes it stand out of the crowd. The claimed aerodynamic coefficient is 0.236 Cd.

Located between the axles, the battery pack sits flush within the X9’s platform framework, for a lower centre of gravity while providing additional strength and rigidity.

At the front it is met by double wishbone suspension and behind it is a multi-link independent set-up, supported by dual-chamber air suspension on both ends. The rear axle also has 4WS that steers in opposite direction to the front wheels by up to five degrees.

After such a feast of unique design and technology, the X9’s interior design seems wilfully bland and derivative, at least at first; it could be from any contemporary Chinese carmaker. However, there are some intriguing details to drink in.

More importantly, the engineering underneath provides a solid, sound (yet eerily hushed) base worthy of the six-figure price tag.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

7 / 10

As with most of their variety, the X9’s infernal retractable door handles are like a finicky bouncer at a cool club; you can’t be sure they’ll let you in first time. Also, the left door always worked faster than the driver’s side.

At least the air suspension lowers down a bit to aid entry and egress.

Once inside the vast, airy and opulent cabin, the sheer uniformity of the dash presentation is a letdown, especially compared to the Zeekr’s far-more characterful design and in sheer contrast to the bold exterior.

Hide the badge and you could be sat in a Haval, particularly when eyeing off the samey electronic instrumentation cluster, though the huge 21-inch head-up display is unique – and preferred anyway as it’s clearer.

Everything is by the numbers. Oversized and over-stacked central touchscreen with no physical buttons or controls? Check. Two-spoke steering wheel with the cruise control on the column lever? Check. Fiddly steering spoke switches controlling a variety of vehicle settings? Check. No starter button? Check. Floating centre console with cupholders and charging pads on top, shallow storage behind, and extra stowage/USB-C ports underneath? Check. Pointless back-to-front power window switches? Check. Utterly useless voice control system? Check. Power mirror adjustment buried in a sub-menu screen? Check mate! That’s going too far, as our left mirror couldn’t remember our desired position and diving back into the display is a faff.

At least the touchscreen’s set-up and layout are logical, and work fine for the most part, save for Apple CarPlay dropouts in our example. And that 27-speaker audio system’s wall of sound is totally immersive. Love it.

Speaking of sound, we have to hand it to XPeng, since we cannot recall a cabin that feels so isolated from the outside world when it comes to noise suppression. Over smooth roads, the sensation is that of wafting along on a cloud. Add one of the several calming multimedia soundscapes and that starship reference isn’t complete nonsense.

It’s not just aural pleasure either. Everything feels lovely to the touch, aided by electric motors that silently whirr away.

XPeng makes some noise about how unintrusive the climate control set-up is, stating occupants are spared the vulgarity of air blowing directly on them thanks to advanced diffuser tech with “five-zone breeze-free climate control with over 6000 micro-holes”.

As such, we really dig the metallic dash grilles (also ideal for exfoliating), adding a touch of class as well as one of the X9’s few visual distinguishing features inside. The centre vent’s intricate design is reminiscent of mid-century New York skyscraper architecture.

But undermining all that clever climate-control tech in our car was a glitch that had freezing air “diffusing” onto the driver’s left hand below 25 degrees Celsius, or suddenly switching to excessive heat above that temperature. The joys of buggy software-based vehicle engineering. Maybe that’s why these electrified MPVs’ names sound so insectoid.

The X9’s driving position is great, offering commanding forward vision. But for this 178cm tester, the wide A pillars and bulky mirrors result in a dangerous blind spot that nearly resulted in two accidents. More on that in the safety section below.

What else… storage is sufficient. But there’s nowhere to store a larger bottle within the doors. And while nothing rattled, squeaked or broke away, the dash lines do not properly match up in places (and nor does the tailgate) in our X9, which isn’t typical of contemporary Chinese vehicles at a fraction of the price. Strange, given the X9’s three years into production.

Never mind. Time to try the middle row, with their 'Zero Gravity' seats.

Here the XPeng shows up every other MPV, with a first-class environment that makes the most of the cabin’s cocooning opulence and expansive space to stretch out. Saying it’s a sanctuary is no stretch.

Like the ultra-supple yet supportive front seats, the powered middle pair are equally lush in their lavish comfort, since they also recline, heat, cool and massage, with each including its own ottoman, USB-C port, retractable cupholder, climate-control access, window shade, reading light and impressively sturdy tray table.

A 21.4-inch monitor descends from above to provide a cinema-scopic multimedia experience while a refrigerator behind the front centre console slides out like a drawer, providing cooling and heating that ranges from zero to 50 degrees C.

Zero Gravity, by the way, refers to a near-ish lie-flat position (think dentist’s chair) that aligns all major organs along the same plane for better blood flow. Or some such. Tragically, despite the implication, it doesn’t enable you to float about weightlessly inside. Call the ACCC!

No notes at all, otherwise. The XPeng is practically perfect for middle-seat passenger comfort.

Plus, each slide forward automatically when access to the rear row is required, via a single press of a button.

While not as comfortable, two adults should have no issue getting comfy back there either, or three slim bodies at a pinch, and both outboard positions are heated. Charging, lighting, cupholder and ventilation amenities are present, while the 60/40 split backrests and headrests lower and raise electrically.

Finally, the XPeng’s all-seats-up cargo capacity is a leading 721 litres (some rivals only offer about half that), yawning out to 2554L once the third-row electrically tumbles and folds down onto itself, classic Honda Odyssey style, to create a flat floor area. Here, too, sometimes more than one press of the button is required to get things in motion.

We wonder about the longevity of the electronics in this car.

Frustratingly, despite the X9’s vast footprint, XPeng couldn’t find the room for even a single space-saver spare, relying on what appears to be run-flat tyres and the always-inadequate and expensive-to-replace tyre-repair kit. This will not do in Australia.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its motor?

7 / 10

There’s no added storage under the bonnet of the X9.

Instead, you’re met with a tight space that houses the permanent magnet traction electric motor.

The Standard Range sends 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, but the Performance AWD ups the ante with 370kW and 640Nm. These are combined outputs, thanks to a second motor on the rear axle.

Living up to its name, that slices a whole 2.3 seconds off the 0-100 sprint-time, to 5.9s. Not bad for a 2.75-tonne people mover. Top speed is 200km/h.

Efficiency – What is its driving range? What is its charging time?

6 / 10

Using the industry standard Type 2 CCS charger, the X9’s 800V architecture allows for up to 542kW of DC charging capability.

This allows for a 10- to 80 per cent top-up in 12 minutes, according to the brand.

Note, however, that AC charging is limited to a disappointing 11kW.

The Standard Range features a 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 542km, while the Performance AWD switches to a 110kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese Lithium-ion battery pack, upping WLTP range to 580km.

On the European cycle, their official combined average energy consumption ranges between 17.4 to 20.2 kWh/100km and 18.6 to 20.8 kWh/100km, respectively.

Our Performance AWD’s indicated average consumption was 19.8kWh/100km, according to the trip computer, while we managed 425km. On receiving our X9, its battery was 98 per cent charged, and dropped down to 0km at 419km.

That was with only two people in the vehicle most of the time, though it was also driven with no regard to preserving charge, with extensive freeway commuting also in the mix.

Unfortunately, we were unable to charge our X9, despite using four different dispensers at our local DC fast-charging station, due to the vehicle failing to connect with the pylon. We tried for over an hour and notified XPeng but no help was available within a timely manner.

This forced us to drive some 5.0km past empty back to the car’s custodian. XPeng assured us an over the air update would fix this and other glitches.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

6 / 10

At some 2.75 tonnes, the X9 Performance AWD is a hefty piece of kit and there is no denying you feel the weight of this thing on the move.

Which makes its very rapid yet ultra-smooth acceleration pleasing as well as reassuring.

The flagship XPeng puts its considerable power down to all four wheels (but mainly the front) with sufficient calmness and control. There’s ample muscle for instant acceleration, as reflected by its sub-6.0 second 0-100km/h sprint time, and an uncanny ability to reel in the horizon with utter insouciance.

But that’s secondary to the cocooning isolation of the cabin, like a forte against the elements keeping you from the outside world. Quiet, comfortable, refined and sophisticated on smooth roads, this, more than anything else, underlines the X9’s true opulence. No doubt all the extra (and weighty) sound-deadening helps.

Aided by air suspension, the ride is cushy to the extreme in standard Comfort mode, with most bumps ironed out well before anybody inside feels them. As a luxury people mover, this should be its maker’s priority.

But the suspension feels too soft once you leave smooth roads behind, or you encounter strong crosswinds. The body moves about too much, pitching at all angles to the point where motion sickness is a constant companion. Making things worse is the ADAS tech that often unsettles the vehicle as it attempts to keep it from straying.

Luckily, things are much better in Sport mode, without adversely affecting ride comfort.

Here, the X9 feels much better hunkered down. The steering goes from too light to the point of deadness, to good enough (though there is no feel or feedback to speak of) and the whole vehicle feels tauter through turns, without the excessive body movement of the softer setting.

But the ADAS tech is in dire need of retuning for Australia. The biggest offender is the endless chiming and rude nudging of the wheel, even after the driver silences them. It is especially aggravating when the adaptive cruise control is on, since the vehicle seems to be in a heightened state of over-alertness.

It was infuriating to the point of profound fatigue, and perhaps the worst example experienced since the earliest Haval Jolion. A total fail.

This, plus the roly poly suspension, ruin the serenity that is tasted but not fully enjoyed in an otherwise very impressive, surprisingly sophisticated and exceptionally accommodating people mover.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

6 / 10

There is currently no ANCAP crash-test rating.

Although XPeng says it “engineered to meet 5-star safety standards” (presumably before 2023), there is no mention of whether that is for the Chinese or more-stringent European NCAP parameters.

The brand says the body and SEPA 2.0 architecture features integrated casting tech to provide exceptional torsional rigidity as well as battery security.

The X9 uses an AI Turing Chip capable of 750 trillion operations per second of computing power, combining cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors to support an extensive list of ADAS technologies.

This includes AEB, lane support systems and blind-spot detection functionality. There are also nine airbags, including a front-centre item as well as an extra-large side curtain airbag.

The X9 also comes with four ISOFIX and tether child-seat anchorage points, located two apiece in rows two and three, with the latter in the outboard positions.

However, we have some concerns about the safety.

The lack of Australian road tuning isn’t just about elevating frustration and driver fatigue.

On two separate occasions, it was driver intervention, not the ADAS tech, that narrowly prevented a collision with cross-traffic vehicles due to them being momentarily hidden in the X9’s massive blind spots.

Plus, the traffic-sign recognition constantly displayed the wrong numbers, while the electronic door handles extending out on approach was also hit and miss. Waiting for the tech to work whilst out in the rain is no fun.

So, on paper, the XPeng seems to tick most boxes, but how helpful is that when the tech lets you down out in the real world?

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

6 / 10

XPeng offers a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (160,000km for fleet owners), matching most rivals, and that comes with roadside assistance.

Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, with no capped-price service plans in place as yet.

There are 23 dealers in Australia at the time of publishing. The plan is to at least double that number by mid 2027.

We’re glad for the long warranty coverage, given the issues we encountered with our X9.

In one instance, the power steering and 4WS froze for several minutes, rending the vehicle inoperable. As there’s no physical starter, we had to exit the vehicle, lock then unlock it, and then start the process again, before motion returned.

A bigger issue saw the key not being recognised by the vehicle whilst in a multi-level carpark, with a message on the display asking for an NFC card (which we did not possess) to be inserted in one of the phone charging pads.

After several minutes of muzak, a call to roadside assistance was met by a recording stating that all of XPeng’s operators were busy. Eventually a Reddit post revealed how to reboot the system using the steering-wheel controls.

That we had to also use one of our contacts to get the X9 back to base fully depleted of electricity, because the vehicle would not recognise a national EV charging network provider, is another hassle we did not want.

For a car in production since 2023, this is not good enough.

And these all come on top of the various other electrical glitches we experienced in the X9.

Verdict