Xpeng, which recorded its best-ever quarterly sales in Q1 2025, is aiming to continue its upward trajectory by launching a new flagship model packed with cutting-edge technology.
At the Global Brand Night event held Tuesday at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng officially unveiled the 2025 Xpeng X9. Company founder and CEO He Xiaopeng emphasized that the update was not a minor facelift, but a major facelift—496 parts have been upgraded and 35% of components replaced.
The X9 was the top-selling premium multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in China last year, with 21,141 units sold—surpassing the Zeekr 009 (20,683 units) and Toyota Alphard (16,701 units). Overtaking the Alphard, which had long held the top position, Xpeng aims to solidify its lead through this latest upgrade.
At the event, Xpeng highlighted various advantages over the Alphard under real-world conditions. It claimed superior performance in ride comfort over rough surfaces, cornering and sudden braking scenarios, and noise insulation, all contributing to reduced driver and passenger fatigue.
While the vehicle’s core specifications remain unchanged, its design and color options have been significantly enhanced. Given its positioning as a family-oriented vehicle, rear-seat upgrades were a key focus. CEO He introduced the model as featuring the world’s only aisle-type zero-gravity seats, which reportedly reduce pressure on the hips by 22%, pelvis by 36%, lower back by 60%, and spine by 13%. The second-row seats are equipped with massage functionality, and the third-row seats are now electrically foldable up to 180 degrees and feature added seat heating.
The new X9 series comes standard with autonomous driving features that do not require a subscription.
It is also the only model in the world to come equipped with active rear-wheel steering as standard, giving it a class-leading turning radius of just 5.4 meters—allowing for easy U-turns and parking in tight spaces. The vehicle also includes an AI-integrated battery system that can charge 400 kilometers in just 13 minutes, with an energy consumption rate of 16.2 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Despite these performance upgrades, pricing remains unchanged. The new X9 starts at 48,300 USD and goes up to 56,100 USD in China.
He noted that the X9 began exports last year to markets such as Singapore, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, with additional countries expected to follow in 2025. He also stated that exports to Europe for the new X9 are scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. According to the company, Xpeng vehicles were sold in more than 30 countries and regions in 2024, and it claimed the top spot in premium all-electric vehicle sales in Europe for models priced above 40,000 EUR. He emphasized that among China’s emerging EV brands, Xpeng ranked first in exports. The company has set a sales target of 380,000 units this year—double its total from last year.
He stated that in the first quarter of this year, the company ranked first among China’s emerging EV manufacturers and seventh overall, including established automakers and global brands. He added that he believes only five to seven Chinese EV brands will ultimately survive in the long term, and emphasized the need for continued progress given their current position.
Xpeng officially began sales of the new X9 on Tuesday, and it will be formally unveiled to the public at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show, which opens on April 23.
