Cut-price luxury EV people mover updated ahead of Australian launch: 2025 XPeng X9 shapes up as game-changing alternative to Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM

XPeng has officially launched its updated X9 people mover in China ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

After only arriving on the Chinese market in January 2024, the overhauled 2025 XPeng X9 will carry the same launch price of 359,800 yuan (A$77,059) as its predecessor in China despite adding a suite of major upgrades.

Four different grades have been confirmed: Long Range Max, Ultra Long Range Max, AWD Performance Max and the top-spec Starship Edition.

Built on 800-volt architecture, the X9 now comes with the option of two larger batteries – a 94.8kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, up from the previous 84.5kWh unit, or a 105kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, up from the previous 101.5kWh unit.

A single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration remains standard across the range.

Driving range varies from a claimed 650km on the Long Range Max to a range-topping 740km on the Ultra Long Range Max, while the AWD Performance Max and Starship Edition both clock in at 702km. These figures are claimed under the more lenient CLTC cycle.

XPeng has added active rear steering, which means the X9’s 5.3-metre frame has a turning radius of just 5.4-metres.

Inside, XPeng claims to have significantly increased the amount of soft-touch and 'premium' materials, while improving acoustics through additional sound insulation.

NASA-inspired “zero gravity” seats have also been introduced, which the brand says are significantly more comfortable than the previous ones. They come standard across all grades in the first and second rows, with a 10-point massage function or optional 16-point.

The third-row seats now carry electronically adjustable headrests and backrests and can be folded completely flat, offering significant additional space.

Soft-close doors are now standard for the first row, while the 21.4-inch rear passenger screen is now blue light-resistant and carries a tilt function. Uniquely, it also comes with a microphone-less karaoke system.

A 10.8-inch fridge/warmer, 220V power outlet, “surround-style” air-conditioning and one-touch electronically folding seats also join the third row.

According to CarNewsChina, XPeng has told buyers of the pre-facelift X9 that they will be able to upgrade certain features, such as improved sound insulation and zero gravity seats.

The move suggests a similar approach may follow in Australia when the updated G6 arrives later this year after it was revealed for the Chinese market in March. According to the brand, a suite of powertrain and tech upgrades means the G6, which launched in Australia in October last year, is 34 per cent new.

Exact pricing and launch timing for the X9 on the Australian market remains unconfirmed, however, XPeng’s local CEO Jason Clarke previously confirmed to CarsGuide it would be aimed to sit under the luxury car tax threshold of $91,387 for ‘fuel-efficient’ vehicles. 

That means its starting price is poised to significantly undercut its key rivals in the Zeekr 009, which starts at $135,900 before on-road costs, and the Lexus LM, which starts at $160,272 before on-road costs.

Expect more information, including a full list of pricing and specifications, closer to the X9’s official launch in Australia later this year.