After rather conventional models, Xpeng will fully play the novelty card with its X9. A new troublemaker who intends to break the strict codes of minivans in China.
After the G and the P, here is the X family at Xpeng. Not for an SUV as often for this letter, but a minivan like no other. The goal here is to expand the minivan’s customer base by targeting younger families.
The minivan market in China is relatively small, but concerns high-end, expensive vehicles and therefore with higher margins. But the codes of the category are quite strict with a very cubic design adorned with a huge chrome grille. It’s simple, all models are modeled on market idols: Buick GL8 and Toyota Alphard.
Most of the latest models from Chinese manufacturers are electric or plug-in hybrids, but are ultimately very (too) classic in design. This Xpeng X9 intends to break with this frozen spirit. It therefore does without a huge chrome grille and adopts a hood in the extension of the windshield, a slightly receding roof and a sloping rear hatch. Despite the camouflage, we note that the style of the manufacturer is changing, partly abandoning flexibility for taut lines. We also can’t help but find a certain proximity between this wedge profile and the Tesla Cybertruck, in less extreme.
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More modern, he hopes to interfere in the growing market of very family vehicles. A segment dominated by SUVs from LI Auto, which will soon also offer an electric minivan that is out of step with market standards.
We don’t know much about the X9’s propulsion part yet. We should nevertheless find batteries operating at 800V, and a high charging power. Remember that the G9 is announced with a maximum power of 430 kW in direct current…
Various videos of the prototypes also show us that this minivan will be equipped with 4-wheel steering. Not really sporty driving ambitions, but an improvement in the handling of this baby over 5 meters long.
The arrival of the Xpeng X9 in Europe is not excluded. Denza or Maxus already offer their own model, and the “SUV-bashing” or the weariness of customers towards them could favor a certain return to favor of the minivan.
