2027 Xpeng X9 review

Xpeng has set itself up as a factory-backed operation in Australia, and the Chinese auto brand’s second model to arrive here is this eye-catching luxury people mover – the Xpeng X9 .

This large three-row model is absolutely enormous, and it also has a gigantic standard equipment list, lashings of space and tech, and some terrific family-focused inclusions.

With pricing starting below $100,000, and a fair bit more for the dual-motor all-wheel drive version tested here, it isn’t for all budgets – or all tastes.

But the X9 really has hit the market with a few strong points of difference. Let’s discuss them.

It might seem like a lot of money to spend on a new model from a relatively new brand. But the story here is that this isn’t a stripped out fleet or rental van. You can think of it as an all-electric alternative to a grey-market Toyota Alphard or Vellfire.

Or you could think of this machine as a compelling option for someone who wants a full electric vehicle (EV) experience with three rows of space and Kia Carnival -like practicality.

The Kia is a fantastic alternative to this, if you’re not so sure about going all-in on electric, and it has a few hybrid options available.

Otherwise you might do well to consider something similar from Mercedes-Benz ( V-Class EV ), or the Denza D9 .

To see how the Xpeng X9 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

The level of finish, technology and outright wow-factor feels appropriate for a vehicle costing this much.

There’s a 17-inch central touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and a very impressive head-up display. The latter can even display camera views when you drive forwards or backwards at lower speeds, or when you indicate, which is a genuinely useful touch in a vehicle this large.

And you’ll be needing those cameras. The X9 is a big machine, with a long dashboard and a bonnet that’s difficult to see from the driver’s seat. Thankfully, the surround-view camera system is excellent, with multiple viewing modes and measurements, and there's even an autonomous parking system.

The central screen is packed with functionality. There are connected services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Spotify, while the system also incorporates the brand’s voice assistant and a range of other functions.

The X-Combo system – essentially a collection of smart presets that you can customise – is pretty neat. You can schedule things such as remote cabin preparation or daily ventilation, and even create your own combinations