XPeng X9

First Impressions

Walking around the XPeng X9 Executive, I'm struck by how thoughtful the engineering feels. This isn't just a cheaper version of the Luxury model—it's a different approach to value. XPeng added a new mid-range trim specifically because customers told them they wanted that walk-through second row without stepping down to the smaller battery. Smart business, better execution than just cutting prices.

Design & Practicality

The exterior is clean and purposeful. What impresses me more is how the engineering solves real problems. The powered tailgate opens narrowly, so you can park tight against walls. The adaptive air suspension drops 50mm at highway speeds and can be raised 40mm for easier loading. These aren't flashy features, but they make ownership less annoying.The real standout is those powered, multi-position third-row seats. They fold flat electrically with multiple angle options—something competitors still can't do smoothly. The walk-through layout means you're not squeezing past captain's chairs to reach back passengers or grab luggage.

One quirk: the rear windshield camera that mirrors onto the inside rearview screen. Technically clever, practically frustrating—the reflection angles make it harder to see than a normal mirror. You'll probably want to switch it to glass mode and just use the 360 camera.

Interior & Technology

Climb inside and you get that zero-gravity second-row seat that actually works. Not just a gimmick—proper legroom, footrest, adjustable headrest, and true first-class comfort. There's a 27-inch rear TV, climate zones for rows 2 and 3, massage functions, and wireless charging. The touch points are soft-touch plastic throughout, which feels premium without the cost of full leather.

The 17.3-inch center screen is large and responsive, though it does catch light badly. Apple CarPlay works flawlessly. Climate control is where I'd complain—it's buried in menus instead of having physical buttons. That said, the system is intelligent, with options to let it manage zones automatically or split driver and passenger control.

Driving the X9

On the road, this thing surprises you. The 322 horsepower and 450Nm arrive instantly, and the steering is actually responsive for an MPV. Switching between Eco, Standard, and Sport modes genuinely changes the character—from lazy to eager. I'd skip Sport mode unless you're on a clear highway; it makes the suspension too firm and the braking too sharp for normal driving.

The real achievement is the suspension. Four-level adjustability means you can dial in exactly what you want. In Standard, it's balanced—composed enough at speed, compliant enough in town. The air suspension does wallow slightly when you load the third row heavily, but that's inevitable physics. Turning radius of 5.4 meters is genuinely tight for something this long.

Range is honest. The 101kWh battery officially claims 690km, but real-world is closer to 640-650km. That's enough to skip charging on most daily runs and make longer trips without anxiety. 800V architecture charges quickly enough.

Practicality for Families

This is where the Executive really lives. Kids can walk through the middle row without wrestling past seats. Second-row passengers get independent climate zones and proper massage seats. Third-row passengers—yes, they're tight, but they're surprisingly usable for children or short-trip adults. The seat warmers and adjustable headrests matter more than you'd expect.

Storage is thoughtful: cupholders, USB ports, wireless charging pads, and climate-controlled compartments in the center console. The rear sliding doors are powered and open smoothly. Walk-through layout means you can pass things backward without climbing over seats.

Value Proposition

Here's where the pricing lands: 2.49 million baht puts it 250,000 cheaper than the Luxury while keeping the big battery, 800V charging, and dual-motor setup. You lose some seat size and seat count adjustability, but gain the walk-through layout that actually matters to families. Against the JAC M8 or next year's Seeker 009, it's the most capable electric MPV under 3 million.

Compared to internal combustion competitors like the Kijang Carnival, you're trading refueling convenience for lower running costs and genuinely better driving dynamics. The feature set—full driver assistance, panoramic roof, rear entertainment, massage seats—is comprehensive.

Final Verdict

The XPeng X9 Executive is the best-value family MPV on the market right now. It's genuinely good to drive, genuinely comfortable for families, and honestly practical for both daily use and longer trips. It's not perfect—that screen glare is real, climate controls should have physical buttons, and you'll want to add a privacy film. But these are minor quibbles against a vehicle that gets the fundamentals right: it handles well, rides well, and makes family life easier.