‘Ultra smart’ electric 7-seater Xpeng X9 touches down in NZ

The first examples of the fully electric Xpeng X9 have arrived in New Zealand, although local pricing for the model has yet to be announced.

The first locally spotted X9s have appeared at Xpeng’s North Shore dealership, arriving in the country as interest in plug-in vehicles surges amid rapidly rising petrol and diesel prices. 

Overseas, the sharply styled X9 is sold in either a front-wheel drive format with a 235kW/450Nm electric powertrain, or with all-wheel drive and a more powerful 370kW powertrain.

It pairs these powertrains with either a 84.5kWh LFP battery or a 101.5kWh NMC battery. Range across the two batteries is rated at 500km (84.5kWh) and 550km (101.5kWh) on the WLTP cycle, respectively. China’s more generous CLTC cycle rates range for the two battery types as 700km and 750km. 

Along with local pricing not being confirmed as of yet, the same goes with local specifications. It is unclear whether New Zealand will be getting both battery options. 

The X9 is positioned as a luxury-orientated three-row SUV, with numerous premium features dotted across its cabin. 

Although local spec has yet to be published in full, the local Xpeng website lists a hot and cold refrigerator compartment with an electric door for the second row as a feature. 

It also shows a flip-down television screen, real wood interior panelling, business class–style second-row seats with foot rests that fold out electronically, ‘cosmic’ ambient lighting, and more. 

Overseas, the X9 is also offered with a 23-speaker XOpera sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, heated, ventilated and massaging seats in the first two rows, multiple wireless device chargers, and more. 

The electrified luxury 7-seater segment has been heating up of late, with the likes of the GAC M8 (a Chinese MPV made in the same template as a Toyota Alphard) and the BYD Sealion 8 PHEV both recently landing in New Zealand. 

There’s also the Kia EV9 to consider, as well as the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Zeekr 009.