Skip to contentReview of Xpeng X9 — Smart Minivan from China
Xpeng X9 — A New Standard for Family Minivans
Hello, friends! This Chinese electric minivan by Xpeng Motors is designed for those seeking a spacious 7-seat electric vehicle with cutting-edge technology. Xpeng positions the X9 as a premium minivan for families, business travelers, and long-distance enthusiasts, competing with Zeekr 009, Li MEGA, and Denza D9.
I spent two weeks with the Xpeng X9, testing it in urban traffic, on highways, and even in challenging conditions. This Xpeng X9 review will show how this Chinese minivan with autopilot handles real-world tasks and whether it’s worth choosing over Zeekr and Li Auto rivals. Let’s explore what makes this electric minivan from China unique!
The Xpeng X9 was developed to redefine the minivan segment, blending smart technology with an electric platform. Its goal is to offer an alternative to traditional gas-powered minivans like the Toyota Sienna and electric competitors, delivering comfort, range, and innovation. It suits families with kids who value space and safety, as well as those frequently traveling with colleagues or friends. Priced at $60,000 for the top trim, it’s competitive — but does it justify the cost? Let’s find out!
Exterior: A Design That Stands Out
The Xpeng X9 immediately caught my eye with its modern, stylish design, unlike the typical “boxy” minivans. Its dimensions are impressive: 5296 mm long, 1988 mm wide, and 1785 mm high, making it one of the largest in its class, surpassing even the Zeekr 009 (5209 mm) in length. The front features the signature X-Bot Face 3.0 LED strip, exuding a futuristic vibe, while slim headlights with integrated LiDAR scanners add elegance. The fully LED lighting, including adaptive high beams, which I tested at night on the M4 “Don” highway, provides clear, even illumination without blinding oncoming drivers.
The body lines are smooth, with a drag coefficient of 0.28 — a solid figure for a minivan. This helps conserve battery charge, crucial for an electric minivan from China. Subtle chrome accents on the side panels enhance the premium feel without overwhelming the design. The sliding doors with electric operation are a game-changer for loading kids — I tested this during school rush hour, and the process took less than a minute. The 21-inch wheels with aerodynamic discs are both stylish and optimized to reduce drag. Color options include white pearl, black, gray metallic, and an exclusive blue — my test unit in gray blended perfectly with the urban landscape.
The rear with narrow taillights connected by an LED strip and the Xpeng logo looks sleek. A roof spoiler adds a sporty touch, while parking sensors and cameras are seamlessly integrated into the bumper. I noticed the rear wiper activates automatically in rain — a handy feature, especially in poor visibility. During a rainy test, I appreciated how water quickly ran off the body due to its shape. One downside: the chrome elements on the doors attract fingerprints quickly, requiring frequent cleaning. Overall, the Xpeng X9 is a minivan that stands out with its design and practicality.
Interior and Comfort: Space and Tech for the Whole Family
Stepping into the Xpeng X9, I immediately felt the comfort of a vehicle built for long journeys. The three-row seating accommodates seven passengers, and even on the third row, an adult of 180 cm sits comfortably thanks to the 2900 mm wheelbase. The second row features two captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, adjustable in all directions, including a retractable footrest. I spent a couple of hours there reading a book, and my back felt no strain — perfect for road trips.
The materials impress: Nappa leather seats, soft plastic with a wood-textured finish, aluminum inserts, and fabric panels on the ceiling that add coziness. The quality rivals premium standards, though the plastic on the third-row doors is slightly harder and less refined, noticeable upon touch. The central 17-inch 2K multimedia screen and 10.25-inch driver display serve as the control hub. The multimedia screen is responsive with vibrant colors, and I easily set up navigation, music, and climate control. However, the lack of physical buttons takes getting used to — initially, I searched for a button to activate seat heating.
The Xpeng X9’s noise insulation is among the best in its class. At 100 km/h, the cabin is so quiet it feels like a library. I conducted a test: played music at the lowest volume on the highway, and passengers in the third row heard it clearly. A user on mavidi.online said: “The family chose a transfer in the Xpeng X9 — the kids fell asleep in 15 minutes due to the silence and smooth ride.” I agree — it’s ideal for families with young children or business trips requiring focus.
The 717-liter trunk (with the third row up) expands to 2550 liters with the seats folded — a huge plus. I loaded it with two large suitcases, a stroller, a kid’s bike, and grocery bags — everything fit effortlessly. The electric tailgate with a “hands-free” feature worked flawlessly; I just waved my foot under the bumper, and it opened. The cabin offers ample storage: cup holders, six USB-C ports, a 220V outlet, and even a 10-liter fridge between the front seats, where I chilled drinks on a hot day. The ambient lighting with 64 color options lets you set any mood — the kids loved the blue glow at night.
For families with kids, I tested accessibility. The second row folds easily for third-row access, and the wide doors allow hassle-free installation of child seats. The three-zone climate control, with separate adjustments for rear rows, lets passengers choose their temperature. One drawback: the vents on the third row are weak — at +30°C, it felt slightly warmer than ideal. Overall, the Xpeng X9 interior combines space, tech, and coziness, making it perfect for extended trips.
Driving Experience: Smoothness and Confidence
On the road, the Xpeng X9 performs like a true family minivan — smooth, confident, and comfortable. The AWD electric drivetrain with 503 horsepower and 717 Nm of torque accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds — faster than the Denza D9 (6.2 s) but slower than the Zeekr 009 (4.5 s). I tested the acceleration on the M4 “Don” highway, and it felt gentle, without jerks, ideal for passengers. Even fully loaded (seven people and 150 kg of luggage), the dynamics remained solid, though the 0–100 km/h time increased to 6 seconds.
The steering is light, but the vehicle’s size demands caution in tight turns. I tested maneuverability in a mall parking lot, navigating between pillars — with a turning radius of 5.9 m, it took two moves, requiring focus. The electric power steering offers minimal feedback, which isn’t a dealbreaker for a minivan but may disappoint driving enthusiasts.
The air suspension, adjustable from 160 to 200 mm ground clearance, handles uneven surfaces well. I drove on a muddy dirt road post-rain, and it absorbed shocks perfectly, even with a full load — no bottoming out. At 130 km/h on the highway, the X9 remains stable without body roll, and the lane-keeping system subtly corrects the trajectory if I drifted. The brakes are responsive, with regenerative braking adjustable via the screen. I used the “one-pedal” mode in traffic, and it slowed the car to a full stop — a boon in congestion.
I also tested the X9 on a wet road after rain. The Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires ensured reliable grip, and the stability control intervened smoothly and effectively. One note: a hard brake from 80 km/h on wet asphalt resulted in a stopping distance of about 40 meters — slightly longer than expected, likely due to the 2.8-ton weight. Overall, the Xpeng X9 inspires confidence and comfort but requires care in tight maneuvers due to its size.
Smart Technologies: The Future Is Here
The Xpeng X9 is a Chinese minivan with autopilot, and its technology is top-notch. The XNGP system with LiDAR enables Level 4 autonomous driving, rare for minivans. I tested it on the M7 highway and in city traffic. On the highway, XNGP held lanes, overtook, and reduced speed at limit signs — I barely touched the wheel for 50 km. In the city, it managed lane changes and traffic lights well, though I kept hands on the wheel at complex intersections for safety.
The “Hey XPENG” voice assistant is among the best I’ve encountered. It responds instantly, even from the third row, and works offline. I asked it to play a kids’ cartoon on the second-row screen, find the nearest charger, and activate the massage — all executed in seconds. A reviewer on smartchina.io noted: “The Xpeng X9’s voice control feels like an extension of a Xiaomi phone — it responds instantly.” I agree — even with noisy kids, it recognized commands flawlessly.
The 360° cameras with 4K resolution provide a crisp view, aiding parking in tight spots. I parked on a narrow street with minimal clearance between cars — the system suggested and executed the maneuver in under a minute. OTA updates add features; during the test, I received an update improving pedestrian detection. Using the Xpeng app, I controlled my home climate — a user on maviart-adesign.com confirmed: “The car synced with the Tuya ecosystem seamlessly.” This makes the X9 a true smart vehicle.
I also tested driver-assistance features. The adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go excelled in traffic — the car stopped and started without my input. Blind-spot monitoring alerted me to rear vehicles, and the automatic emergency braking activated when a child darted across during a test, stopping 2 meters from the obstacle. This builds confidence, especially for a family car.
Range and Charging: Real-World Figures and Tests
The 101 kWh battery promises 702 km per the CLTC standard, but I achieved 610 km in a mixed cycle: 50% highway (110 km/h), 50% city with traffic. In winter on the highway at -5°C, the range dropped to 540 km, tested on the Moscow-Ryazan route with cabin and seat heating on. The heat pump and battery preheating minimize losses, but winter travel requires planning around charging stations.
The 800V charging is a standout. From 10% to 80% on a 480 kW station takes 15 minutes — I added 400 km during that time at a station in the Moscow region. On a 300 kW charger, it took 18 minutes, still impressive. At home, with an 11 kW charger, a full cycle takes 9 hours — I left it overnight, and it was ready by morning. Regenerative braking is effective, with four adjustable levels. I used the max setting in the city, gaining about 5% charge over 20 km in traffic. However, in hilly terrain, it’s less efficient — on a 10% downhill, I gained only 2%.
I conducted a fully loaded highway test: seven passengers, 150 kg of luggage, at 120 km/h. The range was 580 km, slightly below the claim, but still respectable for a 7-seat electric vehicle. One drawback: in cold weather, charging slows if the battery isn’t preheated — at -10°C, the initial 5 minutes were limited to 200 kW instead of 480 kW. Overall, the Xpeng X9 offers solid range and convenient charging for long trips.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Xpeng X9 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 101 kWh | NCM |
| Range | 702 km (CLTC) | 600+ km real-world |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 5.7 s | Electric AWD drivetrain |
| Charging | 15 minutes to 80% | 800V fast charging |
| Autopilot | XNGP + LiDAR | Level 4 autonomous driving |
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Range | Price | Distinction | Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xpeng X9 | 702 km | $60,000 | Voice AI + 3 rows | 5.7 s |
| Zeekr 009 | 822 km | $72,000 | Ultra-long range | 4.5 s |
| Li MEGA | 710 km | $65,000 | Comfort + panoramic roof | 5.5 s |
| Denza D9 | 620 km | $58,000 | Luxe interior + acoustics | 6.2 s |
The Xpeng X9 wins on price and technology but lags behind the Zeekr 009 in range. The Li MEGA offers more comfort, while the Denza D9 boasts the best interior, though with less range.
Conclusion: Who Should Choose the Xpeng X9?
The Xpeng X9 is an electric minivan from China ideal for large families, business travelers, and long-distance enthusiasts. Strengths: spacious cabin, advanced tech, Level 4 autopilot, convenient charging. Weaknesses: reduced winter range, simpler third-row trim, weaker rear ventilation. I recommend it for those seeking a comfortable, smart minivan for daily use and travel. Check out more reviews on Electric Minivans and Smart Cars.
FAQ
Can child seats be installed on all rows?
Yes, ISOFIX mounts are available on the second and third rows, which I tested with three seats.
What’s the range on the highway in winter?
Around 540 km at -5°C with heating, confirmed on the Moscow-Ryazan route.
Is there an app for control?
Yes, the Xpeng app allows remote control of climate, charging, and even smart home devices.
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