This week, Mr. Cha test drove the Xpeng G9 in Zhuhai, and there were indeed quite a few surprises. Let’s start with the first impression of the G9’s appearance. At first glance, it looks quite similar to many other SUVs I’ve seen, so the initial impact isn’t overwhelming. However, upon closer inspection, there are many interesting details, such as the family-style light swords, the triangular-shaped headlights, and the hidden door handles, all of which are quite distinctive.
Upon entering the cabin, what immediately struck me was the quietness. Despite the G9 having single-layer glass, its sound insulation is exceptional. Closing the door instantly creates a sense of isolation from external noise. Even with the air conditioning on, the noise is minimal. Whether driving through busy or congested areas, the sounds from outside, like honking, are barely noticeable.
Additionally, the overall layout inside the car is minimalist yet sophisticated. It includes everything you need without appearing bulky. The G9 features a 10.25-inch 1920×720 high-definition display, paired with two 14.96-inch high-definition screens on the center and passenger sides, totaling three screens. The setup looks impressive, especially the two large screens with a 2400×1200 resolution, offering high clarity and excellent color quality.
Regarding the sense of smell, the cabin of the Xpeng G9 has a refreshing scent even without the use of a fragrance system. There’s no typical unpleasant leather odor. When the intelligent fragrance system is activated, there are four scent types with three levels of intensity to choose from. The fragrance concentration is just right—not too strong but pleasantly soothing.
The G9’s 5D cabin is a key feature that has sparked much discussion. Is it really necessary for a car’s interior to be this luxurious? While opinions vary, experiencing it firsthand reveals that the internal experience of a car, which parallels that of a home, is indeed very important.
One must acknowledge that Xpeng has a leading edge in voice assistant technology, advancing from “seeing is speaking” to “speaking is achieving.”
Starting a conversation with “Hello, Xiao P,” the response from Xiao P is remarkably fast, almost like talking to a person. Xiao P maintains its principle of “seeing is speaking” across various controls—from windows and weather reports to suspension settings and driving modes. Moreover, with recent updates, Xiao P now supports four-zone functionality, responding to both the front and rear seats. It can handle continuous voice commands for up to 120 seconds, executing multiple instructions like “close the windows, lower the air conditioning, dim the lights, increase the volume” one after another, with consistent speed and responsiveness.
The Xpeng G9’s dimensions are 4891mm×1937mm×1680mm, with a wheelbase of 2998mm, which is quite impressive for a mid-large SUV. The interior space layout has been thoughtfully designed, with well-managed front and rear passenger space.
Regarding the driving experience, the dual-chamber air suspension enhances the G9’s chassis, making it more intelligent. The suspension adjusts according to different driving modes. In the acceleration section, the G9 feels light and nimble in sport mode. For daily city driving, where aggressive driving is rare, it’s advisable to use the comfort or standard mode. When braking hard, the G9’s braking distance is average, and it stops gently. The sensation of body pitch is minimal, likely reflecting a style favored by younger drivers.
In the moose test, the G9’s wide body doesn’t feel cumbersome, and the steering is particularly light. On bumpy roads, the G9 performs better than most models, likely due to the dual-chamber air suspension.
Additionally, its large trunk and one-touch bed function are noteworthy, making long-distance driving very comfortable.
Summary: After spending two days with the Xpeng G9. I must admit I have developed a strong liking for this car. It seems to offer everything you need and performs better than its peers. Moreover, the G9 has introduced the 800V high-voltage supercharging platform, making it the fastest charging production electric vehicle globally. With this system, the G9 can achieve up to 400kW of ultra-fast charging, providing a "5 minutes to charge, 200 kilometers of range" experience. Charging from 10% to 80% takes just 15 minutes, which is exceptionally efficient and nearly eliminates range anxiety.
