Xpeng’s X9: A Premium MPV With Compelling Features, Pricing, and Competition Ahead of Potential Malaysia Launch

The G6 marks Xpeng’s debut model in Malaysia, with more models expected to arrive, as mentioned during a press conference following the electric vehicle’s (EV) launch yesterday.
Although Xpeng offers several models, not all are available in right-hand drive configurations. In May, the Chinese automaker confirmed plans to launch the G6 and X9 in Hong Kong, which, like Malaysia, is a right-hand drive market.
While the G6 has already made its arrival, it’s still unclear if the X9 will follow soon after. That said, here’s what you should know about the Xpeng X9. First revealed at Xpeng’s 1024 Tech Day in October 2023 and officially launched in China in January 2024, the X9 is a large, premium MPV built on the brand’s Smart Electric Platform Architecture 2.0 (SEPA 2.0), the same platform used for the G6 SUV.
Key competitors include the Zeekr 009, Denza D9, and, in markets like Hong Kong and most ASEAN countries, the iconic Toyota Alphard/Vellfire. With dimensions of 5,293 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, 1,785 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,160 mm, the X9 is larger than Toyota’s MPVs and is similarly sized to the Zeekr and Denza models. However, the Zeekr 009 stands out with the longest wheelbase among these Chinese rivals.

In contrast to rival MPVs with a “flat” rear window, the X9 features a uniquely angled rear window, offering a distinctive look reminiscent of the Citroen Xsara Picasso. Other design highlights include a dual-tier front lighting arrangement (upper DRLs and lower main headlamps), a honeycomb mesh pattern on the lower intake, flush pop-out door handles, and sliding rear doors.
Inside, the X9 embraces minimalist design, with nearly all vehicle controls integrated into its 17.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. As a luxury-oriented people mover, it also offers a 21.4-inch display for rear passengers and “airline-style” second-row seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Standard upholstery is leather, with an optional upgrade to premium Nappa leather.
The X9 is a seven-seater with a 2-2-3 seating arrangement, and the third-row bench offers electrical adjustments for the backrest and headrest. Additional luxury features include a large panoramic glass roof, an Xopera 23-speaker sound system with 2,180W of amplification, a refrigerator, and the comprehensive Xpilot suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

The X9 is priced starting at 359,800 yuan (approximately RM219k), with the top-end model going up to 419,800 yuan (RM256k). It offers a choice between a single-motor, front-wheel drive configuration or a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, with the single-motor variant available in two different battery capacities.
Starting with the front-wheel drive (FWD) options, the base model comes with an 84.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of up to 610 km according to the generous CLTC standard. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 320 PS (315 hp or 235 kW) and 450 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.
There’s also an upgraded FWD variant with a 101.5-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, offering a range of up to 702 km, while retaining the same front electric motor. The all-wheel drive (AWD) variant also uses the NMC battery, but with dual electric motors providing 503 PS (496 hp or 370 kW) and 640 Nm. This allows for a faster 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds, though the range is slightly lower at 640 km, with the top speed remaining the same at 200 km/h.

All batteries in the X9 support DC fast charging, with Xpeng labeling them as “3C superfast charging,” where the ‘C’ denotes how many times a battery can be charged within one hour. This means the MPV can charge from 10-80% in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the X9 is equipped with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system, capable of outputting 3.3 kW to power devices and accessories.
The powertrain also features dual-chamber air suspension with variable damping and rear-axle steering, which is especially beneficial for a vehicle of this size. Regardless of the variant, all X9s sold in China come standard with 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available as an option.
While the X9 has a lot to offer, it has yet to be confirmed whether it will be sold in Malaysia. If it does make its way here, it will face competition from the already-confirmed Zeekr 009, the well-established Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, and possibly the Denza D9, which could also come to Malaysia. Which of these would you choose?