It’s an exciting time for the EV market in Europe, especially with Chinese brands steering their way into the scene. The revival of MG and the entrance of BYD and Ora have already stirred the waters, and now, Shanghai’s XPeng is gearing up to make its mark. With the UK and Europe’s growing appetite for electric vehicles, XPeng’s flagship SUV, the G9, is looking like a hot contender for those showroom spots.
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2024 Xpeng G9 Review / First Impressions on Dutch Roads
Getting behind the wheel of the G9 in the Netherlands gave us our first real taste of what XPeng is bringing to the table. We had a peek at what XPeng had to offer earlier in the year during a static presentation, but hitting the roads is a whole different story. The G9, with its sleek 4.8-meter length, nestles itself comfortably in the five-seat SUV category, offering a bit more room than you’d find in, say, a BMW X3.
Xpeng G9 Performance: Edward’s Electric Essence
Riding on its own tailor-made EV platform affectionately dubbed “Edward,” the G9 doesn’t just bring good looks to the party. It’s available in three versions, starting with a model that’s got a single rear motor kicking out 308bhp, paired with a 75kWh battery using LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry. This setup promises a respectable 286 miles of range, showing that XPeng is serious about performance as well as style.
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Xpeng G9 Range
XPeng isn’t holding back with its G9, especially with its two extended-range versions. Both pack a punch with their 93kWh NMC batteries, promising not just more power but also a considerable leap in energy density. The rear-drive version alone can hit up to 354 miles on a single charge. Want more thrill? The all-wheel-drive variant boosts the power to a whopping 543bhp, clocking 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, albeit at a slightly reduced range of 323 miles.
Charging at Lightning Speed
And about charging? XPeng is throwing down some serious numbers. The standard battery model can handle DC rates of up to 260kW, but the 93kWh variants take it up a notch to 300kW. In real-world terms, that means you could boost your G9 with an extra 60 miles of range in just five minutes at the right charging station. That’s not just fast; it’s a game-changer.
Luxury as Standard
When it comes to features, XPeng likes to keep things straightforward yet luxurious. Every model comes equipped with a heat pump, panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and soft-close doors as standard. It’s like they’re setting a new benchmark for what ‘standard’ should mean in an EV.
Xpeng G9 cost: The Wait for the UK
While we’re all on the edge of our seats waiting for UK pricing and launch dates, the G9 has already made its debut in the Netherlands with prices ranging from about £51,000 to £62,500. XPeng is still fine-tuning its plans for a right-hand drive version, eyeing a late 2024 or early 2025 launch. The anticipation is real, but given what we’re seeing, it’ll be worth the wait.
Xpeng G9 interior: Where Tech Meets Luxury
Climb inside the G9, and you’ll forget you’re in a car that’s come all the way from China. The craftsmanship is top-notch, with luxurious leather, soft-touch materials, and tasteful metallic accents throughout. And then there’s the lighting – subtle ambient options let you tweak the cabin vibe on the fly.
Driving the AWD Performance version of the XPeng G9 really puts things into perspective. This thing is fast, shockingly so. With its considerable size and a kerbweight tipping the scales at 2.3 tonnes, the G9’s acceleration is nothing short of astounding. Flip it into Sport mode, and you might find yourself having a bit of a tussle with the throttle pedal. It’s eager, ready to jump at the slightest touch, making it a thrill ride for those who love an instant response.
Braking: A Fine Balance
Now, the brakes. They’re a bit of a double-edged sword at first. Getting the car to ease into a smooth stop, especially in city traffic, takes a little getting used to, thanks to the initial handover from energy recuperation to the Brembo brakes. But, once you hit that sweet spot, stopping becomes a breeze. Plus, there’s a nifty single-pedal mode that dials the speed down to a crawl – perfect for those bumper-to-bumper moments.
City Slicker to Highway Cruiser
Despite its imposing dimensions, the G9 feels right at home weaving through urban landscapes. The steering’s light and consistent, even if it’s not the most communicative. And those potential blind spots? The G9’s got a camera setup that covers you, displaying everything on the central screen.
Hit the highway, and the G9 continues to impress. The air suspension (a standard feature on the Performance editions) smooths out those rough patches with ease. Sure, you might encounter some low-frequency noise from the road or the side mirrors at higher speeds, but overall, the ride’s pretty serene. It’s clear the G9 is designed for comfort, making long stretches on the motorway as relaxing as they are on city streets.
