XPENG X9 (Updated) Review
Performance Redefined, Luxury in Motion
Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG
The XPENG X9 has always turned heads with its bold styling, especially the sleek coupe-inspired rear. What makes this one even more exciting is the refreshed Premium Seat variant, designed to push comfort and luxury to the next level. I'm with Cars&TechSG, and today we're taking a closer look to see if the new X9 Premium Seat Variant really lives up to the hype.
The XPENG X9 is not your typical MPV. For a start, looking at the available variants, it comes in Premium and Grand Seat variants. At first glance, it immediately stands out with its bold styling and distinctive coupe-inspired rear end — a rare sight in a segment traditionally dominated by boxy, utilitarian designs. The sweeping roofline flows elegantly into the rear, giving the X9 a sportier silhouette while still preserving its seven-seat practicality. For this year, the facelift brings subtle but effective updates to its appearance. The new matte XPENG logo on the bonnet adds a touch of sophistication, while revised trim elements around the bumper sharpen the car's presence.
Combined with a full-width LED light bar at the rear and futuristic front lighting, the X9 communicates a strong sense of modernity and premium appeal. It looks more like a flagship EV designed to turn heads than a conventional family hauler. We personally like the rear design! Totally stand outs!
Step inside, and the upgrades introduced with this facelift become clear. The cabin feels more premium and user-friendly than before, with finer materials and a redesigned control layout that improves ergonomics. The centrepiece remains the massive 17.3-inch infotainment display, which delivers crisp visuals and fast responsiveness. It dominates the dashboard and certainly adds to the futuristic feel, although reflections under bright sunlight can be distracting at times.
This makes long journeys more enjoyable, especially for families.
Sound quality has also taken a big step up. The premium audio system, featuring 23 speakers positioned throughout the cabin, delivers a rich and immersive soundscape with excellent clarity and depth. Whether it's streaming music, watching movies, or catching up on podcasts, the setup feels closer to a home theatre than a typical in-car system. This is complemented by the X9's strong noise insulation, which keeps most road and wind noise at bay, creating a cocoon-like environment that makes long drives noticeably more relaxing.
Rear passengers aren't left out either. They get a massive 21.4-inch entertainment screen, giving passengers access to YouTube, Spotify, and other apps while on the move. Paired with wireless headphones and smart connectivity, it turns the second row into a genuine mobile lounge — a space where comfort meets cutting-edge tech.
The highlight here lies in the second row. Here, XPENG has fitted newly designed captain's chairs that are significantly wider and more luxurious than before. Inspired by zero-gravity seating concepts, they provide a lounge-like experience, complete with enhanced cushioning, improved adjustability, ventilation, and premium finishes.
A panoramic sunroof further enhances the airy ambience, flooding the cabin with natural light by day and offering a stunning view of the night sky on evening journeys. The trade-off, however, is the loss of a central walk-through to the third row — a practical feature still retained in the Grand Seat variant, where the captain's chairs are narrower to allow aisle access. This makes the choice between the two trims a question of whether buyers prioritise outright comfort or greater everyday practicality.
Passengers will also appreciate the general sense of space, with clever packaging ensuring that even the third row remains usable for adults on shorter journeys. The premium seating options, combined with softer-touch surfaces and better insulation, elevate the X9's interior ambience. That said, some refinement challenges remain. Wind noise becomes noticeable at higher speeds, and a faint humming from the battery is audible in certain conditions. While these do not spoil the overall comfort, they serve as reminders that XPENG is still perfecting its craft in noise suppression.
Space-wise, the X9 is clever in its packaging. Even the third row remains usable for adults on shorter journeys — something not all MPVs manage well. Access is made simple too: with just the touch of a button, the easy entry and exit feature slides the seats forward, making it far less of a squeeze to get in or out.
Elsewhere in the cabin, softer-touch surfaces, improved insulation, and premium seating options further elevate the ambience. Refinement is good overall, though not flawless — wind noise becomes noticeable at higher speeds, and a faint hum from the battery can be heard in certain conditions. These don't spoil the overall comfort, but they do remind you that XPENG is still perfecting its craft in noise suppression.
Practicality remains a strong point. With all three rows up, the boot provides just enough room for groceries or a couple of cabin-sized suitcases. Fold down the third row, and the space expands into a wide, flat load area that's ideal for bulky luggage or family road trips. What's more, the X9 even comes with a built-in in-car fridge — perfect for keeping drinks chilled on long journeys. Impressively, it can remain powered even when the vehicle is locked, adding an extra touch of convenience to everyday use.
On Road Performance:
Beneath this striking exterior, the X9 delivers performance that is impressive for its size. This luxury ride comes equipped with a 101.5 kWh long-range battery pack paired to a front-mounted electric motor producing 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. On paper, this allows the big MPV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds — a figure that wouldn't look out of place on a sporty sedan. In practice, the power delivery is smooth and instant, with the strong low-end torque making it effortless to surge ahead in city traffic or merge confidently onto expressways. What stands out most is how linear and predictable the acceleration feels, giving the driver confidence without being overwhelming for passengers. Despite its size, the X9 never feels sluggish or underpowered; instead, it balances performance with composure in a way that makes it easy to live with day to day and it could be thrilling when you order it to.
Handling is another area where the X9 surprises. The body remains impressively composed even during quick lane changes or while carrying speed through long expressway curves, with body roll kept well in check. This poise comes largely from the dual-chamber air suspension system, which adapts to road conditions in real time, softening over rougher surfaces while tightening up during spirited driving. The ability to adjust ride height also adds a layer of versatility, whether for improved efficiency at cruising speeds or extra clearance over speed bumps. Rear-wheel steering is the other game changer — it reduces the turning radius significantly, giving the X9 a level of agility you simply don't expect from a full-size MPV. Navigating tight multi-storey carparks or making U-turns in narrow streets becomes much less stressful, but of course do take note of the height and length before entering, and at higher speeds, the system works subtly to improve stability.
When it comes to range, the X9's 101.5 kWh battery delivers a claimed 590 km on the CLTC cycle, though real-world numbers in our media drive came up to 480 km in mixed driving. That's still solid for a seven-seat MPV of this size. Fast charging at up to 180 kW brings the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, while a standard 11 kW AC charger will fully recharge it overnight.
The Bottom Line:
Ultimately, the facelifted XPENG X9 shows that electric MPVs need not be dull or purely functional. It combines striking design with strong performance, spacious comfort, and clever technology, positioning itself as one of the most distinctive MPV EVs available in Singapore today. For families who want a vehicle that blends presence, practicality, and cutting-edge electric performance, the updated X9 makes a compelling case. Go try it for yourself!
Technical Specifications
Battery Capacity : 101.5 kWh
Charging Time : 10% to 80% in 20 minutes (DC Charging)
Power : 315 BHP
Torque : 450 Nm
Century Sprint : 7.8 secs
Range : 590KM (Depends on driving style)
Boot Capacity : 755L
Road Tax : $3163 Annually
Official Website : XPENG Singapore
Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!