In terms of silhouette, the G9 and the L version are similar, but the latter has a little more of everything: it is 23 centimeters longer (with 12 centimeters added to the wheelbase) and 10 centimeters taller. This makes the Xpeng G9L a substantial 5.12 meters long, around 1.78 meters high and approximately 2 meters wide (excluding the side mirrors). The G9L also features a sliding step to simplify entry. As soon as one of the doors is opened, the sliding step deploys electrically. Naturally, the doors also open electrically and can be controlled remotely.
Overall, the G9L also looks a bit fresher visually, thanks to a subtle redesign of the lights and grille. However, neither can hide the fact that this is a fairly heavy vehicle, not particularly elegant, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Thanks to its closed front, it is less aggressive than other large SUVs.
Xpeng G9L: a lot of space and a lot of premium
Contrary to conventional logic, Xpeng emphasizes that the “L” in the model name does not stand for “Long Version” but for “Luxury.” The standard G9 already has a high-quality interior with numerous comfort features, so the difference between the two sister models is minimal when it comes to the front seats. However, it’s in the back seats where the magic happens. In the second row, instead of a bench, there are two individual seats with all the details: of course, they include heating and ventilation, as well as a massage function.
For snacks or a hot meal, there is a thermoelectric compartment that can keep food warm, fresh, or even frozen.
A cinema in the second row.
Naturally, there is not only an additional screen for controlling the devices, but also a retractable television screen, similar to the one found in the BMW i7. So that all this comfort is not disturbed by the outside world, there are several electric blinds that open and close at the touch of a button.
In addition to the six-seater variant that we tested, a seven-seater version will also be available in Europe. A five-seater version is planned exclusively for the United Kingdom.
The focus is clearly on passenger transport. With all seats in use, boot space is reduced to 367 litres, including the spacious underfloor compartment. However, with the third row folded down, boot capacity increases to a generous 1,330 liters (six seats) or 935 liters (seven seats). The frunk offers an additional 65 liters. If that still wasn’t enough, the G9L can tow a trailer, with a maximum towing capacity of two tonnes. As befits a luxury vehicle, the tow hitch deploys naturally electrically.
Charge and drive: more is more
When it comes to charging power, Xpeng is known for its impressive numbers. With a maximum DC charging power of 540 kW, the G9L holds its own, achieving a 10 to 80 percent charge in less than 12 minutes. To ensure that the 110 kWh (gross) battery can also be charged in a reasonable time in a home wall box, a 22 kW AC charger is included as standard.
The basic version with rear-wheel drive develops 270 kW and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds. The 430 kW all-wheel drive model takes almost three seconds less. As is usually the case, the rear-wheel drive version leads the range, with a WLTP range of 591 km, 38 km more than the all-wheel drive version.
Luxury liner or family transport?
Xpeng is yet to reveal pricing, but has revealed that the six-seater will only be available as a Performance model with all-wheel drive. For the seven-seater, buyers can choose between Long Range and Performance. Even the standard G9 isn’t cheap at €59,600, and its Performance variant at €72,600 is even less so. However, for larger families, the long version might still be worth a look (assuming there are good lease deals). Especially compared to the German premium models, the G9 is still relatively reasonably priced, and perhaps Xpeng will maintain this approach for the long luxury version as well.
