Xpeng G9L to celebrate European premiere in Paris
Xpeng is bringing its new flagship SUV to the international stage. The 5.12-metre-long Xpeng G9L is set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on 12 October before being launched in a total of 64 countries.
The letter L does indeed signify a larger vehicle. Compared with the regular Xpeng G9, the G9L is around 23 centimetres longer but retains five seats. Instead of adding a third row, Xpeng has prioritised generous space for passengers and luggage.
Significantly larger than the familiar G9
At almost two metres wide and with a 3.10-metre wheelbase, the G9L is firmly in the luxury class. Rear-wheel steering is nevertheless intended to reduce its turning circle to 9.9 metres, which is particularly useful for an SUV of this size in multi-storey car parks and narrow city centres.
| Specification | Xpeng G9L | Xpeng G9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5.12 m | 4.89 m |
| Width | 2.00 m | 1.94 m |
| Height | 1.78 m | 1.68 m |
| Wheelbase | 3.10 m | 3.00 m |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Maximum luggage capacity is up to 1,152 litres. This positions the G9L less as a conventional seven-seater and more as a comfortable long-distance SUV with a spacious rear compartment.
Up to 430 kW of power and a maximum charging rate of 470 kW
Three fully electric variants have been announced for China. The base model combines rear-wheel drive with a 91.9 kWh LFP battery, while the more powerful models feature all-wheel drive. The flagship model uses a 110 kWh battery with NMC cell chemistry.
| Variant | G9L RWD | G9L AWD | G9L AWD Long Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 270 kW | 430 kW | 430 kW |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 695 Nm | 695 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.8 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Battery | 91.9 kWh LFP | 91.9 kWh LFP | 110 kWh NMC |
| CLTC range | 702 km | 660 km | 755 km |
| Maximum DC charging rate | 451 kW | 451 kW | 470 kW |
| 10–80% charging time | around 12 minutes | around 12 minutes | around 13 minutes |
This performance is underpinned by an 800-volt architecture. Our comparison of 800-volt and 400-volt electric vehicle architectures shows how much a high system voltage affects charging performance in everyday use.
However, the stated ranges are based on China’s CLTC test cycle. European WLTP figures are likely to be lower and are not expected to be published until final homologation. The extremely high charging rate can also only be achieved at suitably powerful rapid-charging stations.
Electric powertrain and range extender planned
Xpeng intends to offer the G9L internationally as both a fully electric vehicle and a range-extender model. In the latter, an electric motor still drives the wheels, while an internal combustion engine generates electricity on the move. It remains unclear whether both powertrain concepts will actually be offered in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The fully electric version is likely to be particularly relevant to the European market. It fits better with the brand’s existing model line-up and can take advantage of its exceptionally high charging rate without an additional internal combustion engine.
Large rear display and AI assistance
Inside, Xpeng uses a large central touchscreen, a separate instrument display and a head-up display with augmented-reality functions. Rear passengers also get another touchscreen and a 21.4-inch screen that folds down from the headliner.
Soft-close doors, ventilated and heated seats, massage functions, a folding table and a refrigerator reinforce the premium positioning. Projection headlights that can cast images and videos onto the road are also available in China. It remains to be seen whether this technology complies with European type-approval requirements.
VLA 2.0 is planned for the driver-assistance systems. The system is intended to interpret traffic situations more extensively using visual information rather than relying exclusively on fixed rules and precise road markings. The previously demonstrated autonomous ferry manoeuvre using Xpeng VLA 2.0 provides an impression of its capabilities.
G9L production also planned in Graz
In addition to Xpeng’s Chinese plant in Guangzhou, the G9L is also expected to be produced by Magna in Graz. European production could shorten transport routes and help Xpeng adapt the vehicle to regional regulations.
No official Euro NCAP rating is available yet. However, Xpeng says the vehicle has been designed to meet the requirements for a five-star rating. Reliable conclusions about its safety will only be possible after an independent crash test.
The G9L combines luxury-class dimensions with an exceptionally high charging rate, but it still needs to convince European buyers on price, WLTP range and brand recognition.
European pricing will therefore be crucial. Technically, the G9L makes a strong case with its 800-volt architecture, rear-wheel steering and extensive comfort equipment. Its premiere in Paris is likely to reveal which variants and equipment specifications Xpeng actually plans to offer in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
