Xpeng X9 Performance review: To boldy go... on the school run

As far as people movers go, there is generally an agreed-upon uniformity to their design among most manufacturers: big, slabby sides, oversized lights at each corner and, of course, the mandatory massive chrome grille that wraps itself across the front like a shiny facehugger from the Alien movies.

Xpeng's latest offering in this niche, the X9, looks nothing like that. Instead, it resembles a cross between a Tesla Cybertruck and one of the little shuttlecraft from Star Trek. This fully electric seven-seat people mover looks less like something you'd use for the school run and more like something Captain Kirk would use to get the Enterprise crew to the shops.

Xpeng is still a relatively new name to many New Zealand car buyers. Founded in China in 2014, the company has built its identity around the idea that an electric car should be as much a piece of smart technology as a means of getting from A to B. Its vehicles put considerable emphasis on software, connectivity, driver assistance and rapid charging, rather than simply replacing a petrol engine with an electric motor.

The brand officially entered the New Zealand market in late 2025, and my experience with the Xpeng G6 Performance showed there's more to the company than futuristic styling and a passing resemblance to a Tesla.

The X9 applies that same technological thinking to a different proposition: a premium electric MPV aimed at larger families, executive transport operators and buyers who need genuine seven-seat practicality without the usual SUV styling.

At more than 5.3 metres long and almost two metres wide, the X9 is enormous, yet its smooth, angular bodywork gives it an unexpectedly sleek appearance. It does away with the traditional oversized grille, while its sharply tapered nose and dramatic rear end reinforce that futuristic aesthetic.

The connection with the G6 goes deeper than styling. Both vehicles use Xpeng's SEPA 2.0 (Smart Electric Platform Architecture), a modular EV architecture that allows the company to share core technologies across different vehicle types. This includes an 800-volt electrical system using silicon-carbide technology, designed to improve efficiency and enable faster charging.

The X9 isn't simply a stretched G6, however. Its seven-seat configuration requires a different physical package, while active rear-wheel steering and dual-chamber air suspension help address the challenges of manoeuvring and controlling such a substantial vehicle.

On the outside: what are the Xpeng X9 Performance's main design features?

Where traditional people movers tend to follow the same formula, the X9 looks as though its designers were given considerably more creative freedom.

It just looks really cool, and it made me smile every time I piloted it (and, yes, that is very much the correct term) out of my landing bay. I mean carport.

From a distance, it appears low and sleek, with an almost sporty profile that disguises its true proportions. Get closer and the sheer width and scale become apparent. The sharp nose, dramatically tapering rear and large wheels give it a genuinely distinctive appearance, particularly in the silver of our test car.

Unlike more conventional rivals such as the GAC M8, the X9 does away with a grille entirely. There's no need for a traditional cooling grille on an electric vehicle, and the uninterrupted front end contributes to its clean, futuristic appearance.

It just looks really cool, and it made me smile every time I piloted it (and, yes, that is very much the correct term) out of my landing bay. I mean carport.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Xpeng X9 Performance's cabin like?

If the exterior is all futuristic angles, the cabin takes a more restrained, minimalist approach. The quality of the materials is impressive, with aluminium speaker grilles and vent surrounds, textured surfaces and beautifully finished leather and stitching.

Physical switches are almost entirely absent beyond those on the steering column and for the windows. Most functions are controlled through the large central touchscreen, which may not appeal to everyone but is generally intuitive and sensibly laid out.

The front seats are superbly comfortable, while the centre console houses two wireless phone-charging pads and USB-A and USB-C ports.

The middle row is where the X9 really starts to justify its people-mover credentials. Two generously sized captain's chairs feature individual controls, phone pads in the armrests and 60-watt USB-C charging ports. Rear passengers also get their own climate controls and a large drop-down entertainment screen, complete with a remote.

The ride is soft and comfortable, as you'd expect from a luxury-focused people mover. What I didn't expect was how well it would cope when the road started to get twisty.

The third row is a proper bench that accommodates three people and remains impressively roomy. Those seats fold flat into the floor to create a substantial cargo area, while the boot still offers a generous 721 litres with all three rows in use.

The only minor annoyance is the lack of underfloor storage for the charging cables, which have to be secured to the carpet with Velcro. Otherwise, the huge sunroofs, comfortable seating and premium finishes make the cabin a particularly pleasant place to spend time.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Xpeng X9 Performance like to drive?

With 370kW and 640Nm on tap, the X9 has more than enough performance to move its considerable bulk without fuss. Acceleration is effortless, particularly when overtaking at speed, while the cabin remains remarkably quiet. There's some road noise, but very little wind noise, presumably helped by the slippery shape.

Its performance is effortless, the ride is well controlled and it feels considerably more composed on a winding road than its size and soft suspension would suggest.

The ride is soft and comfortable, as you'd expect from a luxury-focused people mover. What I didn't expect was how well it would cope when the road started to get twisty.

No, it's not a sports car, nor should it be, but the X9 is surprisingly capable through corners. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system provides plenty of traction, while four-wheel steering helps it change direction with more agility than its dimensions suggest.

There's some body roll, but the dual-chamber air suspension keeps it well controlled, so occupants aren't thrown around when the road gets interesting. The steering is light around town and firms up at speed, offering a reassuring amount of feedback for something so large and comfort-focused.

While being AWD, the X9 still has a predominantly front-wheel-drive bias to its handling, but it tracks around corners without any violent plough understeer unless you’re being a complete meathead.

The tyres are the main weak point when driving enthusiastically. The Michelin e-Premacy low rolling resistance tyres become quite vocal under pressure, and the front wheels can spin surprisingly easily from a standstill. Grippier rubber would make better use of the available performance.

For buyers who genuinely need seven seats and want something more luxurious and technologically advanced than a conventional people mover, the X9 makes a compelling case.

The driver-assistance systems are another highlight. They're subtle and non-intrusive, and the ability to dismiss an activated system for the remainder of a trip through an automatic pop-up is a particularly welcome touch.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Xpeng X9 Performance's warranty and servicing situation?

The Xpeng X9 comes with a 7-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, while the high-voltage battery gets an 8-year/160,000km warranty. There is also 5 years/unlimited km on paint, 7 years/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and 7 years of roadside assistance included. Service intervals are 12 months or 20,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Xpeng X9 Performance?

I have a soft spot for people movers, and the X9 had my attention before I'd even climbed aboard thanks to the fact it looks like a space ship that instantly appealed to my dominant inner child. But while that unusual styling certainly helps, the appeal goes well beyond its looks.

It's an unusual vehicle in a market dominated by SUVs, but its combination of space, refinement and performance gives it a clear purpose beyond simply looking like a spaceship. Although that really helps too.

The cabin delivers the space, comfort and equipment you'd expect from a premium MPV, with a particularly impressive second row and enough room in the third row to make seven-seat capacity genuinely useful. The technology is extensive, but the overall experience doesn't feel as though comfort has been sacrificed in favour of gadgets.

The way it drives is another pleasant surprise. Its performance is effortless, the ride is well controlled and it feels considerably more composed on a winding road than its size and soft suspension would suggest.

That size is also its biggest drawback. At around 5.3 metres long and almost two metres wide, the X9 is comparable in length to a double-cab ute and slightly wider than many of them too. On the open road, that's less of a concern, but narrow lanes and urban car parks make you acutely aware of its proportions. The abrupt changes in its bodywork can make the extremities difficult to judge initially, and the wide-angle camera views can distort distances.

For buyers who genuinely need seven seats and want something more luxurious and technologically advanced than a conventional people mover, the X9 makes a compelling case. It's an unusual vehicle in a market dominated by SUVs, but its combination of space, refinement and performance gives it a clear purpose beyond simply looking like a spaceship. Although that really helps too.

Xpeng X9 Performance FAQs

What kind of car is the Xpeng X9 Performance?

A full-size 7 seat people mover.

Does the Xpeng X9 Performance have hybrid or EV technology?

The X9 is fully electric with a 106kWh battery.

What’s the energy economy of the Xpeng X9 Performance?

Xpeng claims a combined average consumption of 20.8kWh/100km for the X9.

Is the Xpeng X9 Performance safe?

The Xpeng X9 has a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating and 9 airbags, including a front centre airbag.

What safety and assistance features does the Xpeng X9 Performance have?

What are the Xpeng X9 Performance's main rivals?

• Zeekr 009 ($157,990): More luxury and power, but a bigger price. Almost looks as cool though.
• Denza D9 AWD ($115,990): A more traditional looking option, traditional soggy MPV handling to.
• GAC M8 Lux ($89,990): Considerably more ornate, not fully electric, but still convincing.
• VW ID. Buzz Pro ($139,990): More expensive and a lot less tech, but look at it!
• Kia EV9 Earth ($120,790): More SUV-ish, with a less spacious and palatial interior though.