XPENG X9 Premium Seat Facelift Review

Having reviewed the XPENG X9 just three months ago, this facelift has arrived at a record time. But for me, it wasn't surprising as I've been anticipating it to reach our shores since I've first seen it in back in April, in Hong Kong.

During the global launch event, XPENG announced that the X9 has been enhanced with 496 technical upgrades, featuring 35% newly developed components. This was rather bewildering as the car looked identical on the outside.

Now that we have gotten our update, let's see what the changes are.

Apart from two tiny trim pieces, the new wheels with floating centre caps are the most obvious changes on the facelifted X9

Rolls-Royce-esque centre caps

The original Chinese domestic market X9 is equipped with LiDARs that are mounted on the bumper, and the 2025 model did away with those, opting for a new LiDAR-less ADAS system. As a result, new blanking panels replace the original LiDARs on the bumper.

That trapezoidal trim piece with a silver strip is the only difference to be found on the body of the new X9

While the X9 we have here has never been equipped with LiDARs due to LTA regulations, the updated version also gets the new blanking plates, which marks the sole change on the body of the car.

The new 20-inch rims also features floating, self-levelling centre caps that stay upright

The other distinction on the new car lies in the new set of 20-inch rims that features floating centre caps, a feature that was made famous by Rolls-Royce.

Apart from these two changes, the exterior of this futuristic starship-inspired electric luxury MPV remains exactly the same as before.

The major update can be found once you open the sliding doors: A new pair of zero-gravity reclining captain seats

Zero-gravity seat upgrade

Open the rear sliding door, however, and you'll be presented with the key update: A new pair of captain seats. The new seats include wireless charging compartments for your phone, massage and ventilation, and its buttons has also been redesigned, but the biggest difference will have to be experienced. These new zero-gravity seats have been ergonomically designed for maximum relaxation, with a one-touch recline function.

The Premium Seat variant retains the aisle, allowing you to get to the third row from the second, without getting out of the car; the seats are also equipped with wireless charging pads

Additionally, the X9 is now offered in two variants: Premium Seat and Grand Seat. The Grand Seat variant features even plusher captain seats and Nappa leather within the cabin. However, the wider captain seats mean you won't be able to access the third row from the second as the middle aisle is obstructed.

The large 21.4-inch screen works with the 23-speaker Xopera sound system to offer an enjoyable theatre experience on the go

The rest of the cabin is as luxurious and pampering as I remember. The large 21.4-inch screen and the 23-speaker Xopera sound system take care of your entertainment needs with streaming services such as Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube and Spotify.

A built-in fridge keeps your tasty treats cool on the go, while the windless rear aircon keeps the entire cabin cool and comfortable

There's a built-in fridge that handles both cooling and heating needs, whichever your choice of tasty treat on the go requires. And the 'windless' rear aircon ensures the environment is always kept cool and comfortable. Meanwhile, the last-row seats are comfortable and very useable, featuring sufficient legroom and electric recline function as well. There are even cup holders and USB C charging ports here.

The same familiar, comfortable and pampering drive

During the global launch event, it was announced that the updated X9 will be equipped with a new anti-motion sickness algorithm that aims to minimise pitching moments and body roll.

The X9 offers one of the smoothest-riding experience with its high-tech air-suspension

Equipped with air-suspension, the X9 has always offered an extremely comfortable ride, so I was intrigued by how much better it can get. The thing is, we aren't exactly sure if the local units have gotten the same upgrade - there isn't any indication of it within the car suspension settings page either (Singapore's spec is different from the domestic models - we don't get the new B-pillar V2L socket either). And the ride quality didn't seem different from what I've experienced three months ago.

Nonetheless, the Dual-Chamber Air Suspension and the exceptional torsional rigidity of the X9 has resulted in a comfortable ride and confidence-inspiring drive. Insulation is also exceptional on the X9, with one of the quietest cabin that I’ve ever experienced - even tyre noise at highway speed is rendered unnoticeable.

While the X9's upgrades aren't dramatic, the price (after factoring the increase in COE) is actually lower than before, making it quite a sweet deal

New and improved, without a price hike

The facelifted XPENG X9 is largely the same car as before, with a few upgrades thrown in. Although the global launch event mentioned 496 technical upgrades, the car still felt mostly the same as before - though this isn't necessarily a bad thing as the car's already very accomplished.

It is the same well-resolved and well-rounded MPV that does everything well, and offer lots of comfort, luxury and space. The new seats have also resulted in increased levels of comfort for passengers.

During the global event, it was announced that the base price for the updated X9 would remain the same as before, and in Singapore, it isn't much different either. When we reviewed the original X9 back in May, it was priced at $335,999 for the Long Range variant.

With the facelift, the brand has decided to update the lineup, offering only the Long Range Premium Seat and Grand Seat variants. And right now, the equivalent Long Range Premium Seat variant that you see here is selling for $340,999 - just $5,000 more than before, despite an increase of $8,000 in Cat B COE pricing.

While the update on this facelift is incremental, it serves to further sweeten the already great package that the X9 offers. If you are looking for a luxurious electric MPV that does everything well, the XPENG X9 has just became an even more compelling choice.

Here are some other electric MPVs that you can read about:

The Maxus MIFA 7 is now more appealing than before

The Zeekr 009 combines generous space for all passengers and a long feature list

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz offers a different ownership experience with its charming exterior