The new Xpeng G9 electric off-roader boasts plenty of advanced tech, and could potentially go on sale in Europe next year
Chinese brand Xpeng has revealed its new G9 ‘smart SUV’, the fourth vehicle in the emerging brand’s line-up following the P5 and P7 saloons, and the smaller G3i SUV. The G9 sits of the top of Xpeng’s range and features plenty of technology that signifies its status as a halo model.
The car is underpinned by Xpeng’s ‘Edward’ platform for larger cars with a wheelbase between 2.8 and 3.1 metres. The G9 will rival cars such as the Tesla Model Y and Nissan Ariya, and is offered with two different motor configurations but comes in six different specifications.
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Best electric SUVs to buy nowRWD Standard Range models (available in 570G and 570E form) feature a rear-mounted motor with 308bhp and 430Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds. Claimed range stands at 354 miles on the Chinese testing cycle, which is more optimistic than the WLTP regime used for European vehicles. The RWD Long Range model shares the same motor and performance figures as the Standard Range car but ups the G9’s range to a claimed 436 miles on the CLTC.
Three 4WD Performance models are available: 650E Performance, 650X Performance and the 650X Launch Edition. These three cars all feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain offering 543bhp and 717Nm of torque, delivering a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds. The 4WD Performance versions all claim a range of 403 miles on the Chinese testing cycle, while all G9 models have a top speed of 124mph. Xpeng claims the G9’s real-world usable range is between five and 10 per cent higher than other comparable SUVs.
According to Xpeng, G9 has seven driving modes, including a Boost mode that helps the car reach its maximum torque in 0.15 seconds, while dual-chamber air suspension is fitted as standard controlling double wishbones at the front and a five-link set-up at the rear.
Battery capacity stands at 96kWh for both powertrain variants, while the G9 uses the firm’s X-EEA 3.0 electronic architecture, with the powertrain based on an 800-volt system for ultra-rapid charging. With charging rates of up to 480kW supported, as much as 124 miles of range can be added in as little as five minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 15 minutes, making it the world’s fastest charging electric SUV according to the brand.
The G9 is packed with tech inside, offering three displays on the dash. The digital instrument cluster is joined by a pair of screens that form a single 15-inch panel; the touchscreen on the driver’s side is used to operate the car’s infotainment system, while the passenger side panel is a secondary configurable display that can show different information.
The minimalist dashboard is Tesla-like in its design, with a wireless phone charging pad located in the centre console, while the G9 features a new 5D multimedia system, called Xopera. The set-up features a total of 28 speakers with an output of up to 2,250W, while there’s also a new advanced voice activation assistant.
The G9 is also equipped with advanced LIDAR sensors that form part of Xpeng’s second-generation advanced driver assistance system – called XNGP – with ‘full scenario assistance’.
Alongside a pair of front-mounted LIDAR sensors that offer a 180-degree field of view, the G9 features another 29 sensors as well as a forward-facing camera for object detection. Xpeng’s first-generation ADAS system – XPILOT – is fitted as standard on E versions of the G9, while the new XNGP tech with lane change assist and fully guided highway driving feature on X versions of the car.
Boot space stands at 660 litres with the rear seats in place (the G9 is only a two-row, five-seat car) with up to 1,576 litres on offer with the rear seats folded down. The rear seats can also be adjusted to offer more comfort, according to Xpeng, while the G9 features Vehicle-to-Load functionality with a 220v outlet on board.
The G9’s look is streamlined and minimalist, with a full-width LED running light bar connecting the headlight units and hooded by the car’s bonnet. A bluff, blanked-off front end gives an imposing look, while the flowing roofline and simple, solid-looking profile that features flush door handles gives a premium look.
At the rear the G9 features another full-width light set-up, a spoiler at the top of the tailgate and a smooth design with simple ‘XPENG’ badging. The G9 rides on 21-inch wheels.
According to co-founder and president, Xpeng Motors, Xia Heng, “Xpeng G9 is the first model of Xiaopeng Motors that was launched for domestic and international markets at the beginning of its development. It also shows the determination of Xiaopeng Motors to move towards internationalisation.” As a result, Xpeng claims that the G9 has been designed and engineered to meet the five-star Euro NCAP safety standard.
The G9 is priced from 309,900 RMB in entry-level 570G form, which equates to just under £39,000. It’s expected that the Xpeng G9 will launch in Europe in 2023, with Norway likely the first market to receive the car.
Plans for the brand’s launch in the UK have not been outlined, but given Heng’s comments on Xpeng becoming an international brand, there’s strong potential for the G9 and the brand’s other models to go on sale here.
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