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Chinese automaker Xpeng was only founded in 2014, but in some European countries there are already three electric models on the market: Xpeng P5, P7 and G3i. The new Xpeng G9 SUV is now coming to Europe.
This is interesting because the German VW Group has begun a collaboration with Xpeng to alleviate their declining market share in China. The new Xpeng G9 is based on the same platform that the two new VW mid-range models will later be based on. We were able to get a first impression of the Chinese automaker’s capabilities during a test drive.
Fast charger thanks to 800 volt technology
Xpeng’s expertise lies primarily in the areas of networking, electronics and digitalization. The company’s own X-EEA 3.0 platform offers a lot that even VW’s MEB electric modular system can’t do in its latest expansion, the Evo.
This is especially evident during charging: the Xpeng G9 with 800-volt technology charges 98 kWh batteries from ten percent to 80 percent in 20 minutes with a maximum output of 300 kW. Xpeng states the maximum range of the top model G9 Performance as 520 WLTP kilometers. Consumption should be 21.3 kWh per 100 kilometers.
The four-wheel drive vehicle with two electric motors has a system output of 551 hp/405 kW and a maximum torque of 717 Nm. This means that the E-SUV reaches 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and can go up to 200 km/h.
Stromer with turbo lag
According to Xpeng, the G9 will stop in 34.6 meters when you apply the brakes from 100 km/h. The value is good, but it does not tell the whole story: In our opinion, the brake cannot be dosed well. The brake pedal travel is too long before deceleration finally occurs.
We liked the chassis with two-chamber air suspension better, although it was tightly sprung on bad potholes and at the transverse joints. But this is a phenomenon we see in many electric SUVs. Because the 2295 kilogram weight of the Xpeng G9 attracts attention on bad roads.
The steering is light and does not give the illusion of sportiness due to the high return force. But what is annoying is the characteristic of the accelerator pedal: even in sport driving mode, the power development occurs with only a short delay after pressing the accelerator, as in turbo combustion engines, which were once called turbos. delay.
The infotainment system of tomorrow
Essentially, the Stromer is technically on par with Mercedes or Audi’s European competition. In the Xpeng G9, passengers look at two 15-inch screens, while the driver looks at a slightly smaller monitor that displays digital gauges.
The infotainment system is ultra-modern with a 3D display and over-the-air updates. However, we searched in vain for the head-up display. We now have to get used to the fact that there are almost no buttons with direct functions left.
Saving electricity space
There is plenty of space in the 4.89 meter long SUV (rear trunk: 660 to 1576 liters, 71 liters at the front). Headroom is also not negatively affected by the glass panoramic roof, which, along with the well-made and comfortable leather seats, adds to the feel-good atmosphere. Overall, the entire cockpit impressed us with its pleasant feel.
The Xpeng G9 will be available in Germany next year, along with its sedan sibling, the P7. Whether it will come to Switzerland or not is at least as uncertain as the prices. However, in the Netherlands, the basic version of the G9 is offered for sale at 55,440 francs and the performance version at 68,824 francs. A bargain. Because the price of the similar Audi Q8 E-tron starts from 86,600 francs, and the price of the Mercedes EQE SUV starts from 101,300 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
