When the XPENG G9 launched in China in 2022, it was declared, “The XPENG G9 is the best SUV under 500,000 RMB.” Now, this mid-size electric SUV is available in the UAE, offering three different models to suit various needs.
In this article, we bring you the most comprehensive details about the XPENG G9 in the Middle East. We’ve also gathered thousands of real experiences from owners to highlight its strengths and weaknesses, giving you a deeper understanding of this innovative vehicle.
What's Special in Exterior Design?
The XPENG G9 features the sleek and minimalist X-BOT FACE 3.0 design language. Its distinctive LED headlights, borrowed from the XPENG P7 can be adjusted for height via the car’s central control screen.
From the side, the G9 embodies the proportions of a premium rear-wheel-drive SUV, with a long, straight front line, and a short front and long rear overhang. These design choices not only improve handling stability but also create more rear legroom and a spacious trunk.
The frameless doors, an uncommon feature among mid-size SUVs, add a touch of elegance. However, the side windows are relatively narrow due to the thick battery pack on the chassis, and rear windows can only be lowered halfway, which might affect visibility for passengers.
The frunk is shallow, only suitable for small items, while the main trunk offers 660 liters of storage space. The rear seatbacks can be folded to expand the trunk space. The charging port is conveniently located on the right rear fender, making it easy to charge when reversing.
The G9 comes equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, designed specifically for electric vehicles to provide better durability and grip. Braking performance is enhanced by 4-piston calipers, with tests showing a stopping distance of 37.88 meters—competitive for a mid-size SUV. Customers can choose between 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, with an aerodynamic design to improve range.
Despite being shorter than rivals like Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-8, the G9’s longer wheelbase provides a more spacious interior. This is thanks to its electric platform, which frees up space typically taken by a traditional engine and drivetrain.
The G9 is available in five exterior colors. Green is exclusive to the highest trim, while black and white are popular choices among Chinese buyers.
What's Special in Interior Design?
The XPENG G9’s interior offers a luxurious and modern atmosphere, with yacht-inspired styling and large brown leather panels. The cabin is anchored by two 14.96-inch touchscreens and a 10.25-inch digital dashboard LCD instrument cluster, giving the driver and passengers access to all major controls and information.
The design is clean and functional, with the front air vents seamlessly integrated under the screens and highlighted by ambient lighting. The two-spoke leather steering wheel includes a gear shiftselector on the right, simplifying controls. One of the standout features is Dynaudio Confidence Sound System. Its tweeters automatically rise when the car starts, a luxurious touch reminiscent of premium brands like Audi.
The console has a dual-layer design. The upper section features two 50W wireless charging pads, while the lower section provides ample storage space, along with Type-A and Type-C charging ports. The Type-C port supports up to 60W of power, allowing you to charge laptops and smartphones quickly.
The interior is available in three color options, with brown leather being the most popular among Chinese buyers.
Comfort and Seating
The XPENG G9’s seats are covered in Nappa leather, featuring meticulous perforations and stitching. The front seats offer extendable cushions, heating, and ventilation. They can be flattened with the push of a button to create a flat surface with the rear cushions, perfect for lying down and resting. However, the headrests must be removed first.
The rear seats are equally impressive, with backrests that can be electrically adjusted by up to 10°. Thanks to the absence of a driveshaft or exhaust system, the floor remains almost entirely flat, providing more comfort for middle passengers. The rear seats fold down at the push of a button, although resetting them manually can be challenging due to their weight, as reported by some owners.
ADAS - XPENG's Proudest Feature
According to Chinese media, XNGP (XPENG Navigation Guided Pilot) is considered one of the top three intelligent driving systems available.
In China, XNGP functions seamlessly on both highways and city streets. Unlike standard Level 2 automation (as defined by SAE International), the Xpeng G9's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) performs complex maneuvers, such as lane-following, changing lanes, and overtaking, all with minimal driver input.
These capabilities are powered by advanced hardware, including two NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X chips delivering a combined 508 TOPS of computing power, along with 31 sensing devices. These include 2 LiDARs, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and more, enabling full 360° sensing. OTA (over-the-air) updates continuously enhance pedestrian, vehicle, and obstacle detection accuracy while reducing system errors.
However, in the UAE, the Xpeng G9 lacks LiDAR and is equipped with the XPILOT 2.5 ADAS system, which does not support XNGP.
How to Use the Screens?
The XPENG G9 is equipped with the Xmart OS, offering users seamless control over vehicle functions, navigation, and entertainment through three screens in the car.
Four-Zone Full-Scenario Voice Assistant
The system can independently recognize commands from each of the car’s four zones and respond accordingly. For example, you can say "Increase the air conditioning temperature" or "Open the windows," and the system will act based on the passenger giving the command.
Users can also directly control functions through on-screen text (this feature is available in Chinese models; availability in UAE models is yet to be confirmed).
Central Control Screen
This screen controls nearly every aspect of the vehicle, including climate control (temperature and airflow), seat heating and ventilation, window operation, battery status, driving range, tire pressure, and more. You can also use voice commands for these functions.
Passenger Entertainment Screen
Use this screen for watching movies, playing games, or accessing vehicle settings and apps.
Clear and Informative Dashboard
The 10.25-inch digital dashboard provides the driver with essential information such as speed, battery level, and driving modes.
However, the Xpeng G9 does not feature a head-up display (HUD).
Powertrain and Range
The XPENG G9 offers both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options.
Performance: Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Range: Offers up to 570 km on a full charge (WLTP).
Energy Consumption: Ranges from 15 to 18 kWh/100 km, based on owners report in China.
800V High-Voltage SiC Platform
The XPENG G9 is the first model in China to feature an 800V SiC platform, enabling incredibly fast charging:
Maximum Charging Power: Over 300 kW.
Charging Time: Adds 100 km of range in just 5 minutes.
Comparison to Competitors:
Tesla Model 3: Maximum charging power of 250 kW.
Porsche Taycan: Maximum charging power of 320 kW.
Chassis and Suspension
Suspension: The XPENG G9 is equipped with a double wishbone suspension at the front and, at the rear, a five-link independent suspension that has been tuned by professional German engineers.
AWD Models: The AWD models feature dual-chamber air suspension, which offers better adaptability to different road conditions compared to single-chamber air suspension, and the AWD system also offers specialized modes for challenging road conditions such as mud or snow.
Lightweight Materials
The front suspension swing arm, all four doors, front hood, and rear tailgate are made of aluminum alloy, reducing the car’s weight, which not only improves handling but also helps extend the vehicle’s range.
Driving Experience
The XPENG G9 strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and firmness. It effectively filters out road bumps, ensuring a smooth and isolated cabin experience. Additionally, in models equipped with air suspension, the Sport Mode further showcases this balance. When activated, it lowers the vehicle and stiffens the suspension, which significantly enhances stability, especially during quick lane changes or high-speed maneuvers.
Chinese Media Reviews
A: The seats are made from Nappa leather, but the padding is soft, which causes them to lose shape after extended rides. Despite the car’s large size, the rear space is average.
B: The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) in the XPENG G9 provides a superior experience compared to its competitors, regardless of road conditions.
C: The Speech recognition is highly accurate and controls many functions. However, it would be more convenient if physical buttons were available for frequently used features.
XPENG G9 Owner Reviews
Pros：
The car's system operates smoothly and supports a wide range of functions.
The AWD (All-Wheel Drive) version delivers strong performance and has reliable brakes.
The Dynaudio Confidence Sound System provides excellent sound quality, especially for symphonic music.
Cons：
When the rear window is fully lowered, nearly one-third of it remains exposed, which affects the rear passengers' visibility.
At higher speeds, wind noise increases, and there’s more tire noise when driving on rough roads.
The wireless charging function is not well-suited for iPhones, as there are specific placement requirements for the phone.
Service
After-sales Service: XPENG service technicians are available nationwide. Owners can easily make appointments by phone or through the app. XPENG ensures that owners will receive assistance within 5 business days.
Spare Parts: When replacement parts are needed, XPENG guarantees they are made with the correct specifications and materials, ensuring long-term reliability and smooth operation.
Remote Diagnostics: XPENG offers remote diagnostic services that can solve certain issues remotely, saving owners the inconvenience of visiting the dealership.
FAQ
Q: How do I order my XPENG?
A: If you're ready to order, you can do so directly on the website or by visiting an XPENG showroom.
Q: Will repairing the car myself void the warranty?
A: XPENG does not recommend performing repairs yourself or using parts not specifically designed for your vehicle. This could impact the car's performance and, in the worst case, cause damage. In such instances, the warranty will not cover the affected areas, although other parts of the car may still be covered.
Q: What should I know about software updates?
A: XPENG vehicles receive OTA (Over-the-Air) updates that improve existing features or add new ones via Wi-Fi or 4G connection. Once the update is ready, you’ll receive a notification on the central control screen. You can also manually check for updates by tapping the XPENG logo at the top of the control panel. You have the option to schedule updates for a later time, and once scheduled, you can adjust the timing or cancel the update via the touch screen by selecting: XPENG logo > Install > Cancel or Adjust time.
Q: What are OTA updates?
A: OTA (Over-the-Air) updates enhance existing features or introduce new ones, making your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
Q: Why do some countries have different functions in the car compared to others?
A: XPENG’s product strategy adapts to local market needs, laws, and regulations. This is why some features may differ between countries.
Yasir Al-Mansouri have more than 10 years of experience in the automotive journalism world. He is an expert of automotive news articles, features, and reviews on cars, from the latest models to industry trends. He've built strong relationships with car manufacturers and industry experts. Connect with Yasir Al-Mansouri on LinkedIn to stay updated on all things automotive and join our exciting journey in exploring the world of automobiles.
