Bermaz Xpeng appears to be gearing up to introduce the Xpeng X9 in Malaysia following a recent sighting of the fully electric MPV. Spotted along Jalan Kemajuan Subang, the vehicle photographed can be clearly seen with ‘Bermaz Xpeng Research & Development’ on its side and is a right-hand drive example.
The RHD version of the X9 has already made its debut in Hong Kong, where the official distributor is Sime Darby Motors. Over there, it is offered in two variants, both with front-wheel drive and seven seats (2-2-3 layout).
The X9 was first revealed in October 2023 and went on sale in China in January this year. Sharing the brand’s Smart Electric Platform Architecture 2.0 (SEPA 2.0) platform with the G6 that was launched in Malaysia in August, the X9 measures 5,293 mm long, 1,988 mm wide, 1,785 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 3,160 mm.
Competition for the Xpeng MPV includes the Zeekr 009 (launched here earlier this month), Denza D9 (due to arrive here in Q1 2025) as well as the established Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.
In terms of the powertrains, the FWD variants of the X9 in China come with an 84.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for up to 610 km of range following the CLTC standard. This powers an electric motor rated at 320 PS (315 hp or 235 kW) and 450 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds and top speed of 200 km/h. There is also a FWD variant with the same electric motor but with a 101.5-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery for more range at up to 702 km.
Also available is an all-wheel drive variant with the same NMC battery and dual electric motors, the latter providing a total system output of 503 PS (496 hp or 370 kW) and 640 Nm. The result of the added grunt is a quicker sprint time of 5.7 seconds, less range at 640 km and an unchanged 200 km/h top speed.
DC fast charging is supported, with the brand claiming “3C superfast charging,” where the ‘C’ indicates how many times a battery can be charged in one hour. The MPV will get from a 10-80% state of charge in at least 20 minutes, and there’s also a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of outputting 3.3 kW to power devices and accessories
Much like the Zeekr 009, the X9 comes with dual-chamber air suspension with variable damping, but has the added advantage of rear-axle steering, which should be useful when it comes to manoeuvrability.
To stand out from the crowd, the X9’s design is also particular eye-catching, with a steeply angled rear window instead of a flat tailgate that most MPVs have. Other noteworthy cues include a dual-tier front lighting setup (upper DRLs and lower main headlamps), a honeycomb mesh pattern for the lower intake, flush pop-out door handles and sliding rear doors.
On the inside, the X9 is similar to the G6 by having a minimalistic dashboard where almost all vehicle functions are integrated into a 17.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 21.4-inch display for rear passengers, a panoramic glass roof, an Xopera 23-speaker sound system, a refrigerator, a comprehensive Xpilot ADAS suite as well as “airline-style” seats in the second row with heating, ventilation and massage functions.
During the launch of the G6 a few months ago, Bermaz Xpeng suggested the possibility of the X9 going on sale in Malaysia, and this sighting appears to reinforce that notion. Are you looking forward to the X9’s launch here? Will you pick it over the 009, D9, Alphard and Vellfire? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
GALLERY: Xpeng X9
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