Test drive – XPENG G9 Performance (2026) : This premium Chinese SUV left us speechless

XPENG does not present itself as a car manufacturer. The brand defines itself as a technology company that builds cars, and that difference in positioning comes through in every interaction with the G9. This large segment E SUV is one of two models currently available in Belgium alongside the G6, ahead of the upcoming P7+ saloon.

The G9 we tested is the second phase of the model, and it arrives with a promise that immediately grabs your attention: 10 to 80% battery charge in 12 minutes. A claim we were obviously keen to put to the test.

A size that commands attention, a style that plays it safe

The G9 is big. At 4.89 metres long, 1.94 metres wide and with a wheelbase of nearly 3 metres, this SUV makes its presence felt in every situation. Flush door handles and soft-close doors as standard add to the sense of occasion. At the rear, full-width tail lights span the entire width of the vehicle. The overall result is modern and clean, but lacks a strong visual identity.

In our black finish, the sheer size more than compensates for the restrained styling. The 20-inch alloy wheels come fitted as standard, and a Black Edition option with 21-inch wheels and orange brake calipers is available for those who want to make a bolder statement.

The cabin that changes the conversation

The moment you step inside, the atmosphere shifts. 95% of surfaces are covered in soft-touch materials, the fit and finish is impeccable, and the combination of the clay-toned interior against the black exterior creates an elegant contrast. Three screens structure the dashboard: 10.25 inches for the driver, and two nearly 15-inch displays in the centre and on the passenger side, allowing the front passenger to watch a film or manage navigation without distracting the driver.

In the rear, the experience is that of a limousine. The seats are heated, ventilated, massaging, and electrically reclining. The triple-glazed panoramic roof filters 99.99% of UV rays. Legroom is generous throughout. The one notable omission at this level of equipment: no dedicated screen for rear passengers. The boot swallows 660 litres, expanding to 1,576 litres with the rear seats folded, plus 71 litres in the frunk.

Three versions, one 800V architecture that changes everything

The G9 is built on an 800-volt platform with cobalt- and nickel-free LFP batteries, available in two capacities: 79 kWh and 93.1 kWh. The Standard Range version offers 313 hp and a 502 km WLTP range. The Long Range version pushes that figure to 585 km WLTP. The Performance version we tested adds a front motor for a combined 575 hp and 695 Nm of torque, hitting 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, with a 540 km WLTP range.

All versions come with an intelligent dual-chamber air suspension as standard, adjusting ride height by up to 100 mm and improving cornering stability. V2L capability up to 6 kW and two ventilated 50W inductive chargers round out the equipment list.

On the road, comfort comes first

The G9 Performance weighs 2,360 kg, but it does not feel it. The 575 hp deploy with a linearity that reassures rather than unsettles. The air suspension absorbs road imperfections with a composure that would embarrass some premium saloons. On motorways and main roads, it excels: the XPILOT system manages following distance, lane-keeping and lane changes with smooth confidence. Real-world consumption settles at around 27 kWh per 100 km at motorway speeds, giving roughly 345 km of real range at 130 km/h.

To be honest, the G9 is not built for mountain roads. Push it through a sequence of corners and it reminds you of its size without hesitation. The XPILOT alerts can also feel intrusive, and they can only be turned off via the central screen, so it pays to do that before setting off.

Our verdict

The XPENG G9 Performance is a vehicle that commands respect. Its cabin rivals what European premium brands offer, its charging capability has no equivalent on the market, and its on-road behaviour is far more enjoyable than its size might suggest. The reservations are real: a design without strong identity, over-reliance on screens, and an after-sales network still being built in Belgium. But for those ready to make the switch, the G9 delivers a level of equipment and technology that few competitors can match.

The pros :

– Ultra-fast charging
– Luxurious cabin, impeccable fit and finish
– Heated, ventilated and massaging seats front and rear as standard
– Highly effective air suspension
– 575 hp with safe and predictable handling

The cons :

– Exterior design lacks a strong identity
– Almost no physical buttons
– XPILOT alerts intrusive, only adjustable via the screen

Photography : Stefan Caliman / GUS