Xpeng G9: The Chinese SUV that wants to make the Germans tremble

If you think that German dominance in the world of electric SUVs is unshakable, prepare yourself for a surprise from the East: the Xpeng G9 has arrived to challenge the status quo and shake up the certainties of those who always thought that innovation, luxury and technology could only be written with a Bavarian or Stuttgart accent.

In a market where the prices of premium family electric cars seem to compete with the price per square meter in Lisbon, here comes a Chinese SUV capable of offering what its rivals promise, but at a price that won't break the bank.

Xpeng Motors was founded about a decade ago, in 2014, in a China that was already envisioning the future of electric mobility. Founded by He Xiaopeng (hence the brand's name), this technology startup grew at a dizzying pace, reaching 15,000 employees in just a decade. It is not just another brand that tried to copy what already existed, but a company that was born purely electric, with technological DNA and without the constraints of traditional brands.

For families who value technology, space and economy, without completely sacrificing prestige, the G9 scores points. It doesn't have the status of a German brand, but it has the substance to question whether that status is really worth the 20,000 euros difference.

The G9, launched in September 2022 in the Chinese market and arriving in Europe in 2023, represents the brand's fourth model and the first truly designed to conquer the global market. It is Xpeng's current flagship and a kind of calling card for those who are not yet familiar with the brand, with arguments so solid that even the most skeptical will want to know more.

The road that connects Lisbon to Comporta is a severe test for any car. Between winding curves that bite the Alentejo Coast and endless straights that flow into the ocean, the Xpeng G9 proved to be more than just a vehicle for transporting the whole family , but a travel companion that proves capable of challenging the concept of “ value for money ” in the premium segment.

At 4.89 metres long and 1.94 metres wide, the G9 is positioned directly against the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The dimensions are almost identical to those of its German rivals, but it is in the price that the differences become evident: while a BMW iX starts at 87 thousand euros and a Mercedes EQE SUV at 84 thousand euros, the Xpeng G9 starts at 63 thousand euros in the Standard Range version.

This price difference does not mean, however, that the product is inferior. The interior of the G9 impresses with the quality of the materials , heated and ventilated seats, and an infotainment system with two 14.96-inch screens, which are easy to see and make the journey more enjoyable. But that's not all.

On the road, the G9 doesn't disappoint either. Leaving Lisbon, the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) showed its intelligence on the A2, always maintaining a safe distance from trucks, anticipating curves and even suggesting speed reductions based on traffic signs. And off-road, this Chinese SUV reveals its party trick, thanks to a dual-chamber air suspension. Raised 50 millimeters, it was able to glide over loose rocks like a boat cutting through waves. On the way back, in low mode (-50 mm), the chassis' aerodynamics helped to recover 18% of autonomy on the A2 – a crucial detail for those who are in a hurry to get home .

But the G9’s real strength lies in its charging technology. While most electric SUVs struggle with charging speeds of around 150-200 kW, the G9 offers a capacity of up to 300 kW in direct current, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. In practice, this means charging from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes – a performance that rivals the best on the market.

The range offers three distinct versions. The Standard Range, with rear-wheel drive and a 78.2 kWh LFP battery, delivers 313 horsepower and 460 kilometers of WLTP range. The Long Range maintains rear-wheel drive, but increases the battery to 98 kWh, increasing the range to 570 kilometers. At the top of the range, the Performance (the one tested by ECO) adds all-wheel drive, maintains the 98 kWh battery, but increases the power to 551 horsepower, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

But not everything is rosy in the Xpeng universe. The driving dynamics, although competent, do not offer the same refinement as a BMW iX. The steering, although precise, lacks feedback , and the cornering behavior reveals the considerable weight of the vehicle of 2.34 tons in the Performance version.

Another less positive aspect is the sometimes excessive technology. The 14.96-inch screen for the front passenger, although impressive, can be considered unnecessary.

For a family looking for a premium electric SUV without the premium prices of the German brands, the G9 presents a solid argument. The Standard Range version, for just over 63 thousand euros, offers a technological and comfort package that would have been unthinkable in this price segment just a few years ago.

If the future belongs to whoever can offer more for less, the Xpeng G9 seems to be well on its way to reaping the rewards of that maxim.

The 660-litre boot (1,576 litres with the rear seats folded down) provides plenty of room for family holidays, while the 71-litre front frunk adds versatility for charging cables or last-minute shopping. Heated and reclining rear seats, a massage function and the XfreeBreath air purification system take comfort to levels worthy of a much more expensive car.

The Xpeng G9 isn't perfect, but it's undeniably competent. At a time when a BMW iX or Mercedes EQE SUV can easily exceed 90,000 euros in a decent configuration, the G9 emerges as a credible alternative that offers 80% of the experience for 70% of the price.

For families who value technology, space and economy, without completely sacrificing prestige, the G9 scores points. It doesn't have the status of a German brand, but it has the substance to question whether that status is really worth the 20,000 euros difference.

If the future belongs to whoever can offer more for less, the Xpeng G9 seems well on its way to reaping the rewards of that maxim and perhaps making the future of electric family SUVs speak Mandarin.