Xpeng is making its debut in France with the G9, an ambitious electric SUV that wants to stand out against the Tesla Model X and other heavyweights in the segment. With competitive prices and high-end equipment, the G9 is intriguing. We were able to approach him.
Do you know Xpeng? This Chinese brand of electric cars is arriving in France and intends to carve out a place for itself in the very competitive market for high-end electric SUVs. For this, it is already banking on its G9, an imposing vehicle. It arrives before the smaller G6. Already available in several European countries, the G9 aims to compete with prestigious models such as Tesla, BMW, Audi, Volvo and Mercedes.
In terms of price, the G9 is positioned above Tesla’s Model Y, but remains much less expensive than the Model ) and up to 73,990 euros for the Performance version with all-wheel drive (98 kWh battery).
| Xpeng | G9 | G9 Long Battery Life | G9 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Propulsion | Propulsion | Integral |
| Battery capacity | 78.2 kWh | 98 kWh | 98 kWh |
| WLTP autonomy | 460km | 570 km | 520km |
| DC charging power | 260kW | 300kW | 300kW |
| DC charging time 10-80% | 20 mins | 20 mins | 20 mins |
| Consumption | 19.4 kWh / 100 km | 19.4 kWh / 100 km | 21.3 kWh / 100 km |
| Couple | 430Nm | 430Nm | 717Nm |
| Power | 230kW | 230kW | 405kW |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Acceleration from 0-100 km/h | 6.4 sec | 6.4 sec | 3.9 sec |
| Chest | 660 liters | 660 liters | 660 liters |
| Frunk | 71 liters | 71 liters | 71 liters |
| Price | €59,990 | €63,990 | €73,990 |
Prices which remain high, but which are justified by high-end services. Especially when we see the competition: Tesla Model but also the Mercedes EQE SUV (84,900 euros).
Xpeng G9 // Source: Xpeng
Xpeng G9 // Source: Xpeng
Xpeng G9 // Source: Xpeng
Xpeng G9 // Source: Xpeng
Xpeng G9 // Source: Xpeng
Xpeng G9 // Source: Xpeng
A very techy and very classy G9
What makes the G9 different is its technology. Xpeng developed its own operating system for its cars, making the G9 a “software-defined vehicle.” All vehicle technology is controlled by a central computer, allowing for continuous updates and remote problem resolutions. If you know Tesla, you know how it works.
The G9 comes with a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 15-inch infotainment screen. The “Hey Xpeng” voice control system operates in four zones and allows functions such as seat heating or air conditioning to be activated with great precision, with very little latency. Chinese manufacturers currently have the most effective voice assistants, we were able to draw the same conclusions from Nio and Aito (Huawei).
A second 15-inch screen, reserved for the front passenger, allows you to surf the Internet or watch films without distracting the driver. The latter includes a special treatment, we will come back to that later. In total, there are 3 screens: one of 10.25 inches behind the steering wheel, another of 14.96 inches in the center and a third of the same size facing the front passenger.
The 15-inch infotainment screen is a real control center, it offers a very complete interface, but not very intuitive at first glance. There are almost no physical buttons, this may disturb more than one person (at the start anyway).
What surprised me the most was the Dolby Atmos sound system. I had fun launching Apple TV+ and enjoying such quality sound in the car is a unique experience. It’s almost a shame that the charging times are so fast (with 800 volt technology), because you’d want to stay longer to enjoy that cinema atmosphere. Fortunately, you can enjoy this screen even while driving, since a special treatment makes it completely black for the driver. The audio system is equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, which gives the impression of being in a real home cinema.
In terms of comfort, the G9 is very high-end. The seats are very comfortable and offer excellent support, ventilation and heating in the front. In addition, they are equipped with the massage function, which is a real plus for long journeys. Nappa leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the package, while the executive passenger seat allows for an almost full lie-flat position.
Xpeng G9 // Source: Frandroid
Xpeng G9 // Source: Frandroid
Xpeng G9 // Source: Frandroid
Xpeng G9 // Source: Frandroid
Xpeng G9 // Source: Frandroid
Xpeng G9 // Source: Frandroid
Xpeng does not want to make up the numbers
This G9 from Xpeng is a very impressive electric SUV. I have not gone over all of its characteristics, however it is very promising both for its technical sheet and our first immediate reactions.
The first tests in Germany seem to confirm that Xpeng is not coming to France to make up the numbers. With its G9, the Chinese brand clearly intends to carve out a place for itself in the French market for high-end electric SUVs. And for this, it relies on cutting-edge technologies and high-end equipment.
We can’t wait to try it, even if it’s worth admitting: this type of imposing SUV is not the most popular in our region.