XPeng X9: a 5.3-metre electric luxury minivan with zero-gravity seats

Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng has introduced the X9, a luxury-class minivan measuring 5.3 metres in length, making it longer than most premium sedans. The vehicle is built around its second row of seats, which holds only two chairs featuring a so-called Zero Gravity relaxation mode. The manufacturer claims the specially angled and shaped seats evenly distribute pressure across the body, creating a weightless sensation. The trade-off is that while a passenger reclines in this mode, no one can sit in the driver's seat or the third row.

Despite dedicating so much space to just two seats, the trunk remains spacious — the rear of the vehicle can be lowered to ease loading. Behind the wheel, the X9 is relatively straightforward: the steering wheel adjusts manually, though the windshield sits far enough away that reaching it requires standing up. The interior features a large screen, a wide center console, and a deep storage compartment within it.

Power and drivetrain

Despite its size suggesting difficult maneuvering, the X9 is equipped with rear-wheel steering, along with a rearview camera image displayed even on the head-up display. The rear-wheel-drive base version produces 320 horsepower, while the all-wheel-drive Performance model delivers 500 horsepower. Drivers seeking sharper steering response can adjust the air suspension and steering firmness. A 110 kWh battery provides a range exceeding 500 kilometres.

Cheaper model arriving in November

The X9 starts at roughly 70,000 euros. For those finding that too steep, XPeng is offering a new, more affordable model called the L03, representing the company's newest generation of electric vehicles, nicknamed "Mona." The L03 starts at 37,000 euros and offers a range of up to 520 kilometres on a single charge. This model will become available on the market starting in November.