X9

Driving Experience

The dual chamber air suspension feels boat-like and floaty initially, especially at low speeds, making it hard to feel connected to the road. With custom adjustments—lowering the ride height to -15mm and setting the dampers to sport mode—it becomes far more controlled and predictable without losing its passenger-friendly character.

Pros

• Premium Napa leather seats on all trim levels including base model
• 800V fast charging supports up to 5C at compatible stations
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control rivals Tesla's system
• Enormous 21.4-inch rear screen with excellent clarity
• Third row seats still offer surprising comfort with electric recline
• 0-100 km/h in 7.63 seconds is genuinely quick for a van
• 27-speaker audio system delivers immersive surround sound
• Four-wheel steering on all variants enhances maneuverability

Cons

• Suspension feels excessively soft and disconnected by default
• Steering is too light and lacks road feedback without adjustment
• Real-world charging slower than 5C claims due to shared infrastructure
• Charging from 44-80% took 52 minutes at typical 240kW stations
• Head-up display turn signal projection obstructs forward vision
• Difficult to judge actual driving speed due to excellent sound insulation
• No high-power charging infrastructure widely available yet

Value for Money

You get everything a modern family van should have: premium leather throughout, cutting-edge 800V charging tech, a massive entertainment screen, climate control zones, heated seats, and intelligent autonomous features—all without breaking the bank. The base Premium trim doesn't compromise on the essentials that justify the price against competitors.

Verdict

The XPeng X9 Premium is the complete family van package for those who value comfort, technology, and practicality over pure driving engagement. If you're buying this to drive yourself and want sportier handling, invest five minutes adjusting the suspension settings; if you're mainly a passenger, prepare to be genuinely impressed.

Driving Experience

The X9 handles like a dream for an MPV—tight steering, composed body control, and an air suspension that adapts beautifully between comfort and sport modes. Even in Eco, there's enough punch, and switching to Sport transforms it into something genuinely fun to thread through traffic.

Pros

• Adaptive air suspension is genuinely clever and responsive
• AI voice system improved and noticeably faster than before
• Brilliant handling for a three-row family hauler
• Flexible seating with full flat-fold capability
• Second-row seats are genuinely comfortable with premium touches
• Wireless charging at 50W on multiple devices
• Spacious third row with good headroom
• Excellent build quality and solid materials inside

Cons

• Air vents are touch-controlled only, not manual adjustment
• Battery pack adds servicing costs down the line
• Ride can feel slightly floaty in standard settings
• Smaller third-row seat doesn't have armrest support
• No sunshade on panoramic glass as standard
• Regenerative braking feels a bit grabby at certain settings

Value for Money

At this level, you're getting flagship features typically reserved for vehicles costing significantly more. The combination of seven genuinely usable seats, premium interior materials, air suspension, rapid charging, and intelligent driver aids represents solid value in the MPV segment.

Verdict

If you need a practical three-row family car that doesn't sacrifice driving engagement or technology, the X9 Premium delivers on all fronts. It's a genuine alternative to older Japanese models and proves Chinese EVs have caught up in sophistication.

Driving Experience

The X9 handles surprisingly well for an MPV thanks to a tight 5.4m turning radius and responsive steering. Suspension settings let you tune between comfort and sportiness, though I'd recommend keeping it in standard mode for everyday driving—the sport setting can feel a bit unsettled on rough roads.

Pros

• Walk-through middle row seating that actually lets you reach the back
• Electrically folding third row with genuine adjustability
• Tightest turning radius in its class at 5.4 meters
• Up to 650km real-world range on single charge
• Rear passengers get their own 5-zone climate control and massage seats
• Suspension tuning gives you genuine control over comfort versus handling
• Excellent value compared to the top Luxury model

Cons

• Screen reflectivity is annoying—you'll want to add a privacy film
• Mirror display switch creates awkward angles compared to regular mirror
• Air conditioning controls buried in the infotainment menu
• Third row legroom is tight if you're actually using it for regular passengers
• Sport mode braking feels too aggressive for normal driving
• Rear headroom limited by the sloped roofline

Value for Money

For the price, you're getting the same battery, motors, and most options as the pricier Luxury trim while keeping the practical walk-through seating layout. The feature set is genuinely comprehensive—dual-motor power, 800V charging, full suite of driver assists, and premium audio. Competitors at this level don't match the combination of features and practicality.

Verdict

The X9 Executive is the best all-rounder in the MPV segment right now. It's genuinely good to drive, genuinely comfortable for families, and handles everything from city parking to highway cruising without compromise. If you need a 7-seater that works equally well whether you're driving it yourself or being driven, this is it.