Test review DrivOlution XPENG G9 AWD Performance

Drive

The XPENG G9 is built on XPENG's new patented X-EEA 3.0 electronic and electrical architecture, an industry-leading platform that deeply integrates hardware, software and communication architecture to achieve greater simplicity, powerful performance and high upgradeable flexibility. The X-EEA 3.0 architecture consists of a centralised supercomputer platform and local control modules. At the software level, the vehicle software suite is structured in layers - system software platform, foundation software platform and intelligent application platform - for faster development and iteration of features such as advanced driver assistance, voice-activated vehicle control and other smart scenarios.

Versions:

The XPENG G9 s available in the following versions

• the G9 RWD Standard Range: the entry-level model with the smallest battery of 78.2 kWh (75.8 kWh usable) It is a LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. Good for an output of 230 kW (313 hp) and 430 Nm of torque. The Standard Range version is rear-wheel-drive. You will get 460 km (WLTP) far with this version.
• the G9 RWD Long Range: this version focuses mainly on maximum driving range. It is driven on the rear wheels. Power is 230 kW (313 hp) and torque is 430 Nm. The electric driving range is 570 km (WLTP). Battery capacity is 98 kWh of which 93.1 kWh are usable.
• the G9 AWD Performance: the top version! The Performance version has a gross battery capacity of 98 kWh, of which 93.1 kWh is usable, just like the Long Range version. Propulsion is on all four wheels. With an output of 405 kW (551 hp) and torque of 717 Nm, you will theoretically travel 520 km (WLTP).
• want more information on the different versions XPENG - Official Website | XPENG Motors – XPENG 

Battery capacity - 75.8 kWh or 93.1 kWh

Depending on the version you choose, you can opt for the 75.8 kWh (Standard Range version) or the 93.1 kWh battery (Long Range and Performance version).

Architecture - 800 V

A USP is the 800V architecture that enables 'ultra-fast charging'.

Driving modes - 4 

The XPENG G9 offers four driving modes: Eco, Standard, Sport

• Standard: average power response and suspension leads to a good balance between range and driving performance.
• Eco: slow power response increases range.
• Sport: quick power response and low suspension provide a superior driving experience.
• Individual: personalised.

During the week of testing, we mainly focused on Eco driving mode and Standard driving mode.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)

Max. power: 3,3 kW AC

Regeneration

Setting the level of braking energy recovery is done via the central screen. Not always convenient if you want to experiment a bit. You have a choice of the following levels: low/medium/high/X-PEDAL. The latter stands effecively for One-Pedal-Driving. You use the power pedal to both accelerate and decelerate. Once you master the principle, this works pleasantly and this especially in city traffic.

The results - general

We added a total of 700 km to the XPENG G9 AWD Performance's odometer, spread over 16 recorded trips. The on-board computer shows a combined consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km. Based on the usable battery capacity of 93.1 kWh, this is enough for a driving range of 575 km*. The average outside temperature of during the test period was 14 °C.

The results - by road type

• Most of the trips were made on motorways ( 9 out of 16, 56%): yielding an average consumption of 17.4 kWh/100 km. Good for a driving range of 535 km*.
• Outside the city, on secondary roads, we did 5 trips (32%). This resulted in a combined consumption of 14.2 kWh/100 km. If you can maintain this consumption, you can cover 656 km*.
• Only once did we venture into city traffic: here we stranded on a consumption of 12.8 kWh/100 km. In terms of driving range, this means 727 km*.
• In addition, it did 1 more drive which is a mix of motorway and secondary roads. It gives a consumption result of 18.0 kWh/100 km. This consumption gives a driving range of 517 km*.
• The lowest realised consumption is 12.8 kWh/100 km and the highest is 19.1 kWh/100 km.

The results - by driving mode

Following the DrivOlution DNA of efficient driving, Eco drive mode is our favourite.

• 12 out of 16 trips we chose Eco driving mode. It yielded a combined consumption of 16.4 kWh/100 km.
• Standard driving mode (2 out of 16 trips) yields a consumption of 16,2 kWh/100 km.
• We only tried out the Sport driving mode. It yields consumption of 13,7 kWh/100 km.  A short drive admittedly that cannot really be called representative.

*The stated driving range is a theoretical calculation based on the usable battery capacity. This is always a snapshot. All kinds of factors such as weather conditions, use of air conditioning, topography, traffic density and your own driving style can influence this.

Consumption results - general

The consumption results of the XPENG G9 AWD Performance on our 101.9 km test track yields the following results. Average consumption comes to 14.2 kWh per 100 km. Based on the usable battery capacity of 93.1 kWh, this results in an electric range of 656 km*. During the test, the average outside temperature was 15°C. We drove the course without climate control.

Consumption results - by road type

• on the out-of-town trip (secondary roads) of 42.0 km, the trip computer records a consumption of 13,6 kWh/100 km. If you can maintain this consumption, this will get you 685 km* on a charge.
• during the 39.9 km motorway trip, consumption rises to 16,2 kWh/100 km. This results in an electric driving range of 575 km*.
• the 20 km city trip yields an average consumption of 12,8 kWh/100 km. This is good for an electric driving range of 727 km*. During the city drive, we used X-PEDAL (OPD = One-Pedal-Driving). 

Evolution of the Driving range

The range at the start of the test track was 515 km. After the first part of the test course, an out-of-town drive, we had a range of 577 km. The highway drive reduced this to 483 km. After the city drive, 514 km remained. So the total drive of 101.9 km cost us 1 km of driving range. This is all based on the dynamic driving range. Worth noting is the drop in SoC (State of Charge): from 90% to 73%.

*The stated driving range is a theoretical calculation based on the usable battery capacity. This is always a snapshot. All kinds of factors such as weather conditions, use of air conditioning, topography, traffic density and your own driving style can influence this. We strive to drive as efficiently as possible by making maximum use of cruise control (constant speed) and by anticipating traffic situations as much as possible. The speed on motorways is 110 km/h. Energy consumers (such as air conditioning) are switched off when weather conditions permit. In addition, we choose the most efficient driving mode (Eco), if available.

Internal on-board charger

The XPENG G9 AWD Performance features an 11 kW internal on-board charger. The DC charging capacity is up to 319 kW.

Charges

We visited a (public) charging station twice. Once AC and once DC. Usually we charge AC to the full 100% but due to circumstances this was not possible.

• Charging time on AC charge was four hours and 16 minutes to top up 27.12 kWh (from 47% SoC to 80% SoC;
• The DC charge took a whopping 19 minutes to top up 51% (from 29% SoC to 80% SoC). Talk about super-fast charging!

Driving range

The maximum charged driving range is 528 km at an SoC of 90%.

Information charging process - for the driver

As a driver, you are sufficiently informed about the evolution of the charging process. You can read the following information on the screen:

• Estimated charging time (hh:mm)
• Recharged volume(kW)
• Estimated driving range (km)
• Voltage (V)
• Amps (A)

Obviously, charging time depends on the SoC (State of Charge) at the start of charging, the outdoor temperature and the temperature of the battery.

Drive

The G9 AWD Performance uses a dual-chamber air suspension system for greater comfort. When lowered, the system can even increase the G9's driving range. It increases driving comfort. Besides the silence on board, this is super.

Seat position

Preferentially adjustable and easy to save. Indeed, with every change you make, you are asked if you want to save the changes. When getting out, the seat moves backwards. This facilitates boarding. The last position is then set. Good lateral support.

Operating

We have already mentioned it many times in particular that most of the functions (climate control, radio, setting the mirrors, of the other settings) are done via the central display. It is a trend that is becoming more and more prevalent. It has both advantages and disadvantages. Good that there is a quick menu for the most important functions. The driver display contains the most important information.

Screens

There's no getting around it; a modern car contains a large number of screens. Similarly with the XPENG G9 AWD Performance:

• High resolution LCD panel -10.25” in front of the driver : here you find the most important information such as driving range, consumption, SoC, driving mode, ...
• CID 14.96” + Co-pilot screen: all the other functions are grouped here.

I don't need to tell you that you need some time to know all the setting options.

Space - modular

Rear luggage space is modular. It ranges from 660 L to 1576 L when seats are folded down. In the front, 71 L of storage space is available. Good for storing your charging cables, for example.

Finish - fine

The finish of the XPENG G9 AWD Performance is fantastic. No comments here.

The XPENG G9 AWD Performance features as many as 12 cameras (1 camera in the car), 12 ultrasonic wave sensors and 5 MMW radars. Everything is grouped under XPILOT. Moreover, all updates are done 'over the air' (OTA).

XPILOT

ACC Adaptive Cruise Control/LCC Lane Centring Control/ATC Adaptive Turning Cruise/ALC Assisted Lane Change/Speed Assist System / Automatic Speed Limit

XPILOT Safety

• Forward Collision Prevention/Forward Distance Monitoring/Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Intelligent High Beam
• Side Collision Prevention
• Blind Spot Detection
• Door Open Warning
• Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keeping Assist/Emergency Lane Keeping
• Rear Collision Prevention/Rear Collision Warning/Rear Cross Traffic Alert

''Man aggravate yourself' is a phrase we often hear when it comes to driver assistance systems. After a week of driving the XPENG G9, we can safely say that the driving assistance systems are not extremely annoying. That they alert you is their job but it is limited to a "subtle" notification (visual and audible). Be careful with the display of speed limits: they are not always correct. Keep your eyes open remains the message. And this does not only apply as far as our test vehicle is concerned.

XPARKING

Parking/Enhanced Auto Parking Assist/Auto Exit Parking Assist/Parking Assist with 360° Camera

E-NCAP Five-star Design

The XPENG G9 AWD Perfomance earned five stars at the Euro NCAP.

• Adult occupant 85%
• Children occupant 85%
• Vulnerable road users  78%
• Safety assistance 78%

Based on trip consumption and usable battery capacity, we can simulate the driving range. Although this is always a snapshot, it gives a clear picture of how far you could theoretically drive at a given consumption. Of course, various factors can influence these results. Hoedanook scores, on average, better than the stated WLTP figures. Your driving style plays an important role here.

Comparing the consumption results achieved with the manufacturer's WLTP figures, we score well both in terms of consumption and driving range. An efficient driving style pays off.

It is important to point out that the figures obtained are always a snapshot in time. Numerous factors can influence these results.