Xpeng G9 Review In The UAE: Real-World Performance & Range Tested

The Xpeng G9 is one of the most talked-about premium Chinese electric SUVs on the market today. As Xpeng’s flagship model, it boldly steps into the global premium EV space, taking on heavyweights like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q8 e-tron, and other luxury SUVs.

Having already conquered the mass-market EV space, Chinese manufacturers are clearly gunning for the premium EV space, and the result is crystal clear with SUVs like the Xpeng G9. With a futuristic design, tech-loaded interior, and rapid performance, the G9 offers a complete package. But how good is it really? How far can it go on a full charge? Is the Xpeng G9 better than a Tesla? And is it available in the UAE? Let’s break it down.

What Does the Xpeng G9 Look Like?

Sleek Design with Functional Aerodynamics

The Xpeng G9 features a sleek and minimal yet futuristic design. Measuring around 4.9 metres in length and 2 metres in width, it sits firmly in the mid-to-large SUV segment. A full-width LED light bar dominates the front, creating a high-tech, signature look. Xpeng claims it has a drag coefficient of just 0.272cd, which is remarkably efficient for a vehicle of this size and shape.

From the side, the G9 is sculpted to impress:

• Flush door handles and frameless doors enhance the premium appeal.
• 21-inch dual-tone alloy wheels fill the arches stylishly.
• A sloping roofline gives it a coupe-SUV vibe without compromising headroom inside.
• The 2.99-metre wheelbase ensures a spacious cabin.

Around the rear, it’s clean and purposeful:

• A full-width rear LED strip mirrors the front.
• You get a powered tailgate and a generous boot capacity of 660 litres — ideal for family trips or airport runs.

How Is the Interior of the Xpeng G9?

Premium, High-Tech & Feature-Packed

The interior is where the Xpeng G9 truly shines.

Cabin Highlights:

• A 10.25-inch screen acts as the instrumentation for the driver.
• Dual 15-inch HD touchscreens (for driver and passenger).
• Xmart OS-powered infotainment system with multilingual voice control.
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
• 18-speaker Dynaudio sound system – crystal-clear and immersive.
• Dual wireless smartphone charging pads with built-in cooling vents.
• Panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting for a luxury feel.

Comfort & Luxury Features:

The list of premium features doesn’t end there. The seats impressed us the most, with the ventilation and massage functions. Multiple massage modes are at your disposal for a supremely comfortable in-cabin experience. The best seat in the house is the front passenger’s.

The reclining seat includes a powered leg support cushion, and the 15-inch entertainment screen is packed with streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, and more. Users can also pair their AirPods to the screen directly, and it even has privacy glass on the screen so the driver can’t really see what you’re watching. Plus, the Make-Up Mode allows custom lighting hues with a seat that adjusts to bring you closer to the mirror – a niche but neat touch.

At the rear, you get:

• Excellent legroom thanks to a flat floor. It’s an EV!
• Ventilated and massaging rear seats.
• Reclining seat backs, USB ports, and climate controls.

How Fast Is the Xpeng G9? What’s the Range Like?

Performance Specs (Performance AWD Model):

• Dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD)
• 505hp | 717Nm
• 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds
• Top speed: 200 km/h

Despite being a family SUV, the G9 feels quick and responsive, especially in Sport Mode.

Battery, Range, and Charging:

• 98kWh battery pack
• Claimed range: 520 km
• Real-world tested range: ~450 km
• Fast charging: 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, adding around 400 km of range

During our testing, we drove 402km using 89% of the battery, across mixed conditions including traffic, highway driving, and spirited acceleration, validating the G9’s excellent range accuracy.

Warranty Coverage:

• 7-year vehicle warranty
• 8-year battery warranty

What Is It Like To Drive?

Smart Driving & Smooth Ride

The G9 is equipped with XPILOT, Xpeng’s advanced driver assistance system, which includes Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a bunch of other active safety features. The Auto-parking assist is a cool feature, allowing you to keep your hands off the steering wheel while the car parks itself.

At its lowest setting, the regenerative braking doesn’t interfere with everyday driving, and we did like it at the lowest setting. Single pedal driving is very much possible in its highest setting, but its constant throttle-brake-throttle motion could be quite upsetting for someone with motion sickness. If you brake at high speeds, regen braking steps in to assist the four disc brakes. Pretty cool.

The height-adjustable air suspension allows up to 100mm of adjustment via 5 ride height settings. The sleek design makes it almost look like a sporty station wagon at the lowest ride height, while the highest ride height dwarfs most normal SUVs on the road. and the suspension soaks up bumps very well while being firm enough for sporty handling. Steering is light and easy, but you can change this by going into sport mode.

Is the Xpeng G9 Good for Off-Road Use?

While it’s not designed for dune-bashing, the G9’s AWD setup, decent ground clearance, and height-adjustable suspension make it suitable for light off-roading on gravel roads or firm sand. Avoid soft sand like it’s the plague.

How Much Does the Xpeng G9 Cost in the UAE?

The Xpeng G9 was launched in the UAE alongside the G6 electric SUV in 2024. Retailed through Gulf Star Motors, a subsidiary of Ali & Sons, the G9 is available in three trims: 

Compared to rivals from Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, the G9 undercuts most of them while offering comparable (if not superior) features.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Xpeng G9?

If you’re in the market for a premium, tech-laden electric SUV, the Xpeng G9 is hard to ignore. It offers top-tier performance, comfortable and luxurious interiors, next-gen tech features, and excellent real-world range.

Yes, it’s still a relatively new name in international markets, but if you’re open to exploring alternatives to EVs from legacy brands, the G9 delivers more features per dirham than most rivals. Will it draw the average Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol Buyer? Not really. But it sure can draw buyers considering models like the Porsche Macan Electric and keep them very happy indeed.

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