The X9 starts at RMB 359,800, which is RMB 28,200 lower than the pre-sale price, and Xpeng said the MPV is a high-value family vehicle in the RMB 350,000 class.
(Image credit: Xpeng)
Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) has officially launched its first MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) model, the X9, targeting the family car market with large space, high safety and smart driving.
The electric vehicle (EV) maker formally rolled out the X9 at a launch event held today in Guangzhou, where it is headquartered, offering four versions with starting prices of RMB 359,800 ($50,680), RMB 379,800, RMB 399,800, and RMB 419,800, respectively.
That starting price is RMB 28,200 lower than the RMB 388,000 pre-sale price of the X9 when it went on pre-sale on the first day of the Guangzhou auto show on November 17, a tactic typically used by Chinese EV makers to provide a feeling of exceeding expectations.
Deliveries of the X9 will begin later this month, and smart driving features will be available when the vehicle is delivered, according to Xpeng.
The model has already received more than 5,000 firm orders before the launch event has even ended, Xpeng said on Weibo at 9:30 pm Beijing Time. Its launch began at 6:30 pm.
Xpeng made the core features standard on the X9, differentiating the smart driving capabilities through Pro and Max, and offering different range options to make it easier for consumers to choose.
The X9 offers two Pro versions, both single-motor models with CLTC ranges of 610 kilometers and 702 kilometers, respectively.
It offers two Max versions, including a single-motor version with a CLTC range of 702 kilometers and a dual-motor four-wheel drive version with a CLTC range of 640 kilometers.
Compared to the Pro version, the Max version has two LiDARs, which enables the use of the XNGP (Navigation Guided Pilot) full-scenario assisted driving feature.
The Pro version has no LiDARs and will be limited to highway NGP capability as well as other capabilities including assisted parking.
The X9, Xpeng's flagship model under its SEPA (Smart Electric Platform Architecture) 2.0 architecture, will be the first large seven-seater to break the boundaries of MPVs, the company said.
Xpeng unveiled the SEPA 2.0 architecture on April 16, 2023, with core features including an 800 V high-voltage platform, and flexible scalability.
The X9 is a high-value family car in the RMB 350,000 class, the company said.
The model targets the core needs of users in the RMB 300,000 to RMB 400,000 range, providing a more practical and cost-effective option, said He Xiaopeng, chairman and CEO of Xpeng.
The X9 is built on an 800 V high-voltage platform and comes standard with a 3C fast-charging battery cell that can add up to 300 kilometers of range on a 10-minute charge, Xpeng said.
The model's four-wheel-drive version can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour.
Mr. He emphasized the safety of the X9 several times at today's launch, saying the model features an industry-first front and rear unibody aluminum die-cast structure with a maximum die-casting force of 12,000 tons, giving the vehicle a torsional stiffness of 46,000 Nm/deg.
CnEVPost visited Xpeng's Guangzhou plant in December and learned that it uses a 7,000-ton die-casting machine and a 12,000-ton die-casting machine to build the X9's front and rear bodies.
The integrated die-casting technology reduces what was originally multiple parts into one, helping to increase safety, improve manufacturing efficiency and cut costs.
The X9 measures 5,293 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,160 mm. These dimensions are significantly larger than those of a typical SUV or sedan, but Xpeng has increased its agility by equipping it with rear-wheel steering.
The X9 comes standard with active rear-wheel steering and air suspension, and has a turning diameter of 10.8 meters, the smallest in its class, according to Xpeng.
That turning diameter is smaller than some compact vehicles, allowing the X9 to be driven with the same agility as a small car, Xpeng said.
Large interior space is a key feature of the X9, with 2,554 L of trunk space with the third-row seats down, room for four adult bicycles, or 29 20-inch suitcases.
With seven people seated, the X9's trunk can accommodate seven 24-inch suitcases, according to the company.
Like Xpeng's existing models, the X9 will be able to use the company's assisted driving features and will be available when the model is delivered.
Xpeng announced on December 28 that it had rolled out XNGP for customers in 27 additional cities, and the feature had reached all Xpeng Max trim customers in 52 cities.
Starting January 2, the XNGP will be available in a total of 243 cities in China, Mr. He said at today's launch.
The main challenge facing the X9 at the moment is capacity, and Xpeng will continue production during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday to deliver vehicles faster, Mr. He said. February 10 to February 17 is this year's Chinese New Year holiday.
The X9 has received more than 30,000 pre-orders since its pre-sale on November 17, Xpeng said yesterday.
Xpeng delivered 20,115 vehicles in December, bringing full-year 2023 deliveries to 141,601, according to figures it released earlier today.
($1 = RMB 7.0999)
Xpeng delivers record 20,115 vehicles in Dec, exceeding 20,000 for 3rd straight month
