Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng, listed on the NYSE as XPEV, has officially introduced its inaugural Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the X9, catering to the family car segment with emphasis on spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and intelligent driving capabilities.
Unveiled at a launch event in Guangzhou, the X9 is available in four versions, with starting prices ranging from RMB 359,800 ($50,680) to RMB 419,800. Notably, the starting price is RMB 28,200 lower than the initial pre-sale price of RMB 388,000 when the X9 was offered during the Guangzhou auto show on November 17.
Xpeng has strategically lowered the price to create a perception of surpassing expectations, a common tactic among Chinese EV manufacturers. Deliveries for the X9 are set to commence later this month, with smart driving features integrated upon vehicle delivery, as per Xpeng.
Even before the conclusion of the launch event, Xpeng reported receiving over 5,000 firm orders for the X9, reflecting strong initial market interest.
The X9, Xpeng’s flagship model under the Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0, is positioned as the first large seven-seater breaking the traditional boundaries of MPVs, according to the company. The SEPA 2.0, introduced in April 2023, includes an 800 V high-voltage platform and offers flexible scalability.
Featuring two Pro versions with single-motor models and two Max versions, including a dual-motor four-wheel drive, the X9 distinguishes its smart driving capabilities through Pro and Max options. The Max version incorporates two LiDARs, enabling the use of the Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP) full-scenario assisted driving feature.
Xpeng emphasized the X9’s safety features, highlighting its industry-first front and rear unibody aluminum die-cast structure, providing a torsional stiffness of 46,000 Nm/deg. The vehicle, built on an 800 V high-voltage platform, comes standard with a 3C fast-charging battery cell capable of adding up to 300 kilometers of range on a 10-minute charge.
With a focus on user needs in the RMB 300,000 to RMB 400,000 range, the X9 aims to provide a practical and cost-effective option for consumers. The model’s large interior space, including 2,554 L of trunk space with the third-row seats down, positions it as a versatile family car.
The X9’s agility is enhanced by features such as rear-wheel steering and air suspension, with a turning diameter of 10.8 meters, the smallest in its class, according to Xpeng. The launch event underscored the X9’s emphasis on safety, performance, and spacious design, positioning it as a competitive player in the growing Chinese EV market.
