XPENG launches its first car equipped with an internal combustion engine, with a combined range of up to 1600km

[PCauto] XPeng was initially a BEV-only automaker, much like Tesla. However, it has recently begun transitioning by launching its first vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine — the XPENG X9 POWER X. This MPV, featuring a 1.5L turbocharged engine, has been launched in the Chinese market.

The XPENG X9 POWER X has undergone minor exterior adjustments

As the derivative model of the all-electric X9, the X9 POWER X represents an evolution of its predecessor's design, featuring a number of thoughtful design revisions: new badges, functional components, and slightly increased dimensions.

Both the X9 POWER X and the X9 share an ultra-low drag coefficient as a key design priority for their exterior styling, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.227Cd through design elements such as a 21-degree angled A-pillar, a 23-degree steeply angled rear windscreen, and multiple aerodynamic touches throughout the vehicle. This achievement is class-leading within the competitive MPV segment.

However, both the X9 POWER X and the X9 prioritize an ultra-low drag coefficient in their exterior design. To further this goal, the X9 POWER X incorporates an active grille at the lower front fascia. This grille automatically closes at high speeds to optimize aerodynamics, thereby enhancing the range efficiency of its range-extended system—a feature not available on the all-electric X9.

At the front, the X9 POWER X retains the XPENG X-Robot family-style design, featuring an integrated through-line LED daytime running light and a frameless front grille.

In terms of side and rear design, the X9 POWER X and the all-electric X9 both feature a floating roof and sharply rising waistline. The blacked-out door panels enhance the sporty look.

The X9 POWER X measures 5316mm in length, 23mm longer than the all-electric X9 (5293mm).

The width and height remain the same, both at 1988mm and 1785mm, with the wheelbase also unchanged at 3160mm. The 7-seat layout remains unchanged. The minor change in dimensions can be attributed to the need for accommodating the internal combustion engine.

Compared to the all-electric X9, the X9 POWER X features an additional "POWER X" badge at the rear, explicitly denoting its status as an EREV.

In terms of functional details, the X9 POWER X comes with soft-close doors as standard. This function reduces closing noise, thereby enhancing the premium experience.

The X9 POWER X retains the futuristic design and practicality of the all-electric X9, while incorporating details like the active grille, "POWER X" badging, and subtle dimensional adjustments to clearly signal its extended-range identity.

XPENG X9 POWER X has adopted more soundproofing measures

In terms of interior, the X9 POWER X is consistent with the X9, both equipped with a 17.3-inch 3K floating center control screen and a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip. Both models are equally equipped with key comfort amenities to ensure a consistent premium experience. These comprise a 21.4-inch overhead rear display, a 10.8-liter chilled/heated console box, a 220V power socket, 50W wireless fast charging, and a gentle, wraparound central climate control system.

The key differences, however, lie in the X9 POWER X's interior, with upgrades across seating functionality, smart configurations, and space layout.

In terms of materials and craftsmanship, the XPENG X9 POWER X range-extended model introduces an additional 3.2 square meters of eco-friendly leather soft wrapping throughout the vehicle, bringing the total coverage area to 26.6 square meters.

Meanwhile, the buttons and trim panels have been upgraded to PVD vacuum coating technology, enhancing wear resistance and scratch protection, while increasing glossiness by 30%. These optimizations further enhance the model's practicality and ruggedness compared to the standard X9.

Additionally, the X9 POWER X range-extended model adds a mother-and-baby-friendly design, with ISOFIX child safety seat interfaces equipped in the third row and improvements to the installation position markings, whereas only certain trims of the pure electric XPENG X9 offer this feature.

The X9 POWER X range-extended model removes umbrella slots from the front doors and replaces them with concealed storage compartments. Additionally, the central touchscreen now features a parental control interface, allowing parents to restrict access to entertainment functions during set times and prevent accidental activation.

In terms of seat functions, the XPENG X9 POWER X has undergone key improvements to the zero-gravity seats in the aisle version, addressing the user experience limitations of the all-electric XPENG X9. The second row's zero-gravity mode can be engaged with a single button, even when the front passenger seat does not need to be vacated. The system orchestrates the front seat to move forward, maintaining both aisle space and reclining comfort.

A new heating function has been added to the leg rest, which was optional in the all-electric XPENG X9 but is standard in the X9 POWER X.

The comfort of the third row in the X9 POWER X has also been improved, with the heated area of the backrest and seat cushion expanded by 15%, increasing the coverage area. This makes it suitable for elderly or children during long trips. The seat frame is made of aerospace aluminum, reducing weight by 10% while providing occupants with stronger support. These adjustments solidify its position as a vehicle optimized for long-haul capability.

Due to the addition of the internal combustion engine, the X9 POWER X places extra emphasis on sound insulation. As a result, 30 additional acoustic treatments have been applied throughout the car, and the thickness of the double-layer laminated glass has been increased to 3.5 millimeters, surpassing the sound insulation performance of the Toyota Alpha. The idle cabin noise is as low as 38 decibels.

When the internal combustion engine is running, noise has been optimized to 42 decibels, while the all-electric XPENG X9 focuses on motor noise reduction, with an idle cabin noise level of 38 decibels.

The power system of the XPENG X9 POWER X

The XPENG X9 POWER X is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine, model DAM15NTE, provided by Dong'an Power. It has a maximum power output of 110kW, a WLTC combined fuel consumption of only 0.15 liters per 100 kilometers, and a fuel consumption of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers when the battery is depleted.

The rear drive motor delivers smooth torque, with a peak power of 210kW and a rated power of 110kW. Compared to the 370kW power of the all-wheel-drive pure electric version of the XPENG X9, it places a greater emphasis on cost-effectiveness and practicality.

The battery system uses a 63.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a CLTC pure electric range of over 450 kilometers and a WLTC pure electric range of 345 kilometers.

In addition, the 800V high-voltage platform supports 5C ultra-fast charging technology, with a peak power of 300kW. It can replenish 400 km of range in 12 minutes, equivalent to an effective charging rate of over 1 km per second.

When using fuel, the X9 POWER X can use low-grade gasoline. With a 60-liter large fuel tank, it can provide a combined range of 1,600 kilometers in a full-fuel and full-electric state.

Why XPENG Decided to Launch the X9 POWER X with an Internal Combustion Engine

From the perspective of the Chinese market, from January to May 2025, EREV sales reached 980,000 units, a year-on-year growth of 82%, with a growth rate four times that of pure electric vehicles. Both Leapmotor and LI Auto have achieved profitability through EREVs.

At the same time, data also shows that EREV owners drive on electricity for 90% of their daily trips, relying on fuel only for long journeys. In key cities, electric driving accounts for over 60% of the total mileage, indicating user behavior has shifted from using electricity as a backup to treating it as the primary energy source.

Therefore, XPENG's CEO stated that in the next decade, only 5-7 car manufacturers will remain in the Chinese market, and EREV represents a pragmatic strategy to remain competitive in the evolving market.