Imagine driving from Beijing to Shanghai without stopping to charge. That’s the promise XPeng is making with its new X9 Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, a seven-seater minivan that boasts a staggering 1,602 kilometers of combined range. It’s not just a number on a spec sheet, it’s a game-changer for families who’ve been hesitant about electric vehicles because of range anxiety.
I’ve been watching the Chinese EV market evolve at breakneck speed, and what XPeng is doing here feels different. They’re not just building another electric minivan, they’re solving the fundamental problem that’s kept many families from going electric: the fear of getting stranded with kids in the car.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,316 | mm | Substantial presence on the road |
| Width | 1,988 | mm | Wide stance for stability |
| Height | 1,785 | mm | Ample headroom for all three rows |
| Wheelbase | 3,160 | mm | Long wheelbase for smooth ride and interior space |
| Battery capacity | 63.3 | kWh | Substantial pack for daily electric driving |
| Pure electric range (CLTC) | 452 | km | Enough for most weekly commutes without charging |
| Combined range (CLTC) | 1,602 | km | Game-changing total range with range extender |
| Range extender output | 110 | kW | 1.5T engine (model DAM15NTE) |
| Fuel consumption | 6.4 | L/100km | Impressive efficiency for a vehicle this size |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 | L | Substantial reserve for long journeys |
| Charging platform | 800V | — | High-voltage architecture for fast charging |
| Fast charging capability | 5C | — | Super-fast charging when you need it |
The Technology Behind the Magic
Let’s break down what makes those numbers possible. The X9 EREV uses what XPeng calls its Kunpeng Super Range Extension technology. In simple terms, it’s a clever system that combines a substantial 63.3 kWh battery pack with a 1.5-liter turbocharged range extender engine.
Here’s how it works in real life. For your daily commute, school runs, and errands around town, you’re running purely on electricity. That 452 km pure electric range means most families could go a full week without plugging in or using a drop of gasoline. But when you’re planning that cross-country road trip to visit grandparents or taking the family on vacation, the range extender kicks in, acting as a generator to keep the battery charged while you drive.
What’s particularly smart about this range extender technology is that it addresses the two biggest pain points of family EV ownership: charging time on long trips and range anxiety. With the 800V architecture and 5C charging capability, when you do need to top up the battery, it happens remarkably fast. And with that 60-liter fuel tank giving you over 1,600 km of total range, you can drive from sunrise to sunset without stopping.
Design That Doesn’t Scream “Minivan”
Now, let’s talk about how this thing looks, because XPeng has done something remarkable here. They’ve taken the typically boxy minivan shape and injected it with what they call a “mecha-futuristic” design language. Translation: it looks cool, not just practical.
The front end features split headlights with a three-segment LED daytime running light strip that gives it a distinctive face. There’s a closed grille (because it doesn’t need massive cooling like a traditional engine), flanked by vertically arranged air vents with an inward-sloping design. The lower bumper has a dual-segment heat dissipation opening with an active grille that opens when needed.
My favorite detail? The new “Aurora Green” exterior color. It’s not your typical minivan beige or silver. It’s a statement color that says this isn’t just a people mover, it’s a vehicle you might actually enjoy driving.
From the side, concealed A, B, C, and D pillars create a floating roof effect that makes the X9 look more like a futuristic spaceship than a traditional minivan. There are concave character lines along the lower doors, flared wheel arches, and 20-inch multi-spoke wheels that fill out the arches nicely. At the rear, there’s a large borderless rear window and fastback design, with through-type taillights that incorporate the illuminated XPeng logo.
The only visual giveaway that this is the EREV version rather than the pure electric X9? A fuel filler cap on the left rear fender, while the charging ports remain on the right side.
The Family Reality Check
Let’s get practical for a moment. I’ve driven enough family vehicles to know that specs on paper don’t always translate to real-world usability. So what does the X9 EREV actually mean for family life?
First, the dimensions tell a story. At 5,316 mm long with a 3,160 mm wheelbase, you’re getting serious interior space. Three rows of seats mean room for everyone, plus their gear. The 1,988 mm width means shoulders won’t be rubbing, and that 1,785 mm height translates to headroom that even tall teenagers won’t complain about.
But here’s where the EREV system really shines for families. Imagine your typical Saturday: morning soccer practice, followed by grocery shopping, then maybe a trip to the hardware store, and finally dinner at the in-laws across town. With 452 km of pure electric range, you could do all of that without using any gasoline or worrying about finding a charger. The electric drive means smooth, quiet operation around town, instant torque when you need to merge onto highways, and regenerative braking that helps extend your range.
Then comes summer vacation. You’re loading up the car with luggage, coolers, and kids’ entertainment for a 1,000 km drive to the beach. With traditional EVs, you’d be planning charging stops around naptimes and meal breaks. With the X9 EREV, you fill up the 60-liter tank once, and you’re good for the entire journey. The range extender hums along in the background, keeping the battery topped up while you focus on the road and keeping the kids from asking “are we there yet?” every five minutes.
Chinese Market Context
To understand why XPeng is building this vehicle, you need to understand the Chinese EV market right now. It’s the most competitive automotive market on the planet, with manufacturers launching new models at a pace that would make your head spin. In this environment, you can’t just build a good electric vehicle, you need to solve specific problems for specific customers.
The family minivan segment in China is huge, and it’s been dominated by gasoline-powered vehicles for one simple reason: range anxiety. Chinese families often make long trips during holidays to visit extended family in different provinces. The thought of being stranded with children in the car at a charging station that might be occupied or broken has kept many from considering EVs.
XPeng’s solution is brilliant in its simplicity. Give families the daily electric driving experience they want with enough pure electric range for 90% of their driving, then add a range extender that eliminates anxiety for the other 10%. It’s a compromise, sure, but it’s a smart one that addresses real consumer concerns.
What’s also interesting is how this fits into XPeng’s broader strategy. The company has been forming technology partnerships that allow it to scale its EV expertise. The 800V architecture and 5C charging capability in the X9 EREV aren’t just marketing buzzwords, they’re technologies that have been proven in XPeng’s other models and are now being adapted for family vehicles.
The Bottom Line for Buyers
So who should be excited about the X9 EREV? If you’re a family that wants to go electric but has been hesitant because of range concerns, this vehicle could be your gateway. If you do mostly city driving with occasional long trips, the numbers make compelling sense.
The 6.4 L/100km fuel consumption figure is impressive for a vehicle this size, especially when you consider that you’ll be using zero fuel for your daily driving. The ownership costs should be significantly lower than a traditional gasoline minivan, with the added benefit of smoother, quieter operation around town.
XPeng says the X9 EREV will hit the market in the fourth quarter of this year. While pricing hasn’t been announced yet, if they can position it competitively against traditional gasoline minivans and pure electric alternatives, they might have a winner on their hands.
In a market where everyone is chasing the next big thing, sometimes the smartest innovation is solving the most basic problems. With the X9 EREV, XPeng isn’t just building another electric vehicle, they’re building the electric vehicle that might finally convince skeptical families to make the switch. And in the brutally competitive world of Chinese EVs, that might be the most impressive feat of all.
