3 Electric MPVs, 1 Winner: Denza D9 vs. Zeekr 009 vs. XPENG X9 – Which Comes Out on Top?

Syahrul March 11, 2025

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In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), the Chinese automotive industry has introduced some exciting contenders in the electric luxury MPV segment. Among these, the Denza D9, Zeekr 009, and XPENG X9 stand out as three of the most anticipated and innovative electric MPVs to date. These vehicles not only redefine what we expect from traditional MPVs, but they also showcase the future of electric mobility with a focus on luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Each of these models comes from a renowned automaker with unique strengths. The Denza D9, a collaboration between BYD and Daimler, blends high-end comfort with a spacious design. The Zeekr 009, born from the Geely-owned Zeekr brand, aims to deliver exceptional range and luxury features, while the XPENG X9, from the tech-savvy XPENG brand, promises to integrate advanced autonomous driving and intelligent features into a stylish package.

In this comparison, we’ll delve into the design, performance, technology, and overall features of these three electric MPVs to help you understand which one stands out and suits your needs best.

1. Denza D9

Brand: Denza (a joint venture between BYD and Daimler)

Design & Size: The Denza D9 is a large, premium electric MPV designed with a focus on comfort, technology, and luxury. It has a more traditional MPV shape and emphasizes a spacious cabin.
Powertrain: Powered by BYD’s e-platform, it typically comes with a dual-motor setup, offering a balance of performance and range. It is expected to have a decent battery range, likely around 500-600 km (depending on variant).
Interior: The D9 offers high-end features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, premium materials, and luxurious seating, making it suitable for business and family use.
Target Audience: Middle to upper-class families or businesses looking for a premium electric vehicle with good space and comfort.

2. Zeekr 009

Brand: Zeekr (a premium EV brand from Geely, which also owns Volvo)

Design & Size: The Zeekr 009 is also a large electric MPV with a futuristic design, aiming to combine luxury with innovative tech features. It has a sleek, modern exterior with a focus on aerodynamics.
Powertrain: The Zeekr 009 is expected to have a 700+ km range (thanks to Geely’s technology), with a high-performance dual-motor setup. This gives it both impressive range and strong power delivery, making it a top contender in terms of electric performance.
Interior: The 009 focuses heavily on passenger comfort with premium seating materials, advanced entertainment systems, and a spacious, tech-oriented cabin. Expect features like a large panoramic roof, massaging seats, and high-end finishes.
Target Audience: Luxury buyers looking for high-tech features and long-range capabilities, including families who want premium features for long-distance travel.

3. XPENG X9

Brand: XPENG (a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer)

Design & Size: The XPENG X9 is a stylish electric MPV with a more futuristic design language compared to traditional MPVs. It’s designed to look more like a premium crossover while offering the space and functionality of an MPV.
Powertrain: The X9 is expected to have dual motors and a range of around 600-700 km, providing a blend of efficiency and performance. XPENG is known for its advanced autonomous driving features, so the X9 will likely come with these, too.
Interior: XPENG is known for integrating modern technology, so the X9 will feature an intuitive infotainment system, driver assistance systems, and a focus on luxury touches. Expect premium seating, an advanced sound system, and a smart cabin.
Target Audience: Tech-savvy consumers who want cutting-edge autonomous driving features in a spacious, practical, and luxurious vehicle.

Key Comparison Points

Powertrain & Range:
- Zeekr 009 likely leads in terms of range (~700 km), offering the most impressive endurance for long-distance driving.
- The XPENG X9 and Denza D9 are expected to offer ranges around 600 km, with the XPENG X9 being tech-forward and offering great driving dynamics.
Interior & Comfort:
- All three vehicles aim to provide a premium experience but with varying focuses. The Zeekr 009 offers a very luxurious and spacious feel with high-end materials and features like massaging seats. The Denza D9 also focuses on comfort with a more traditional, high-quality interior. The XPENG X9, meanwhile, integrates cutting-edge technology and entertainment systems but may not offer the same degree of luxury as the other two.
Technology & Autonomy:
- XPENG is likely the leader here, offering advanced autonomous driving features and smart cabin systems, as seen in other XPENG vehicles. The Zeekr 009 will also have advanced tech, but XPENG might have a slight edge in terms of overall technology and integration.
Price:
- Zeekr 009 and XPENG X9 are likely positioned as premium options, possibly carrying higher price tags than the Denza D9, which is also a luxury vehicle but may be priced more competitively due to its joint venture roots.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for long range and luxury, the Zeekr 009 could be the best option, with a strong balance of performance and technology.
The XPENG X9 stands out for cutting-edge tech and potential autonomous driving capabilities, making it a great choice for tech lovers.
The Denza D9 would be a solid pick if you want a more traditional luxury MPV with excellent comfort but perhaps not as many high-tech features as the other two.