XPENG's X9 EV is packed with features U.S. drivers won't get

Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG will introduce its X9 electric car to numerous countries all over the world this year, however the U.S. remains a notable exception. Mashable recently got to check out XPENG's souped-up 2025 flagship car at their global launch event in Hong Kong, and it's a real shame that American drivers won't get to experience it.

Slipping into the supple leather driver's seat of the X9, I can't deny that it felt luxurious. Measuring over 17 feet long, the seven-seater seems almost excessive in the amount of room it affords its passengers, yet still has a spacious trunk.

The XPENG X9 has a large screen for navigation. Credit: XPENG

Left: The X9's third row of seats can fold completely down to create significant storage space, Credit: XPENG

Right: Credit: XPENG

Left: It'd probably be pretty easy to go knee deep in this passenger seat. Credit: XPENG

Right: Credit: XPENG

So much room for activities. Credit: XPENG

The X9 seems opulent in features as well, including a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen to entertain rear passengers, a storage box that can either refrigerate your food or keep it warm, an air conditioning system that wraps around the entire vehicle, a 23-speaker audio system, and ambient lighting. 

The X9's 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen should keep kids entertained. Credit: XPENG

An easily accessible compartment can keep food cool or warm. Credit: XPENG

The car has air conditioning vents throughout. Credit: XPENG

The ambient lighting is a vibe. Credit: XPENG

My phone automatically began to wirelessly charge when I dropped it into the cradle designated to my seat, though I quickly picked it back up again to operate the Chinese-language touch screen by looking at it through my Google Translate app. The seats' massage function was an unexpected novelty as well, though even the hardest setting felt too soft for my preference.

I loved these phone charging cradles — no messing with wires or MagSafe holders. Credit: XPENG

The X9 has a large navigation screen right up front. Credit: XPENG

The XPENG X9's two middle seats reclined for a relaxing ride. Credit: XPENG

The X9's seat controls are extensive. Credit: XPENG

Unfortunately I didn't get to drive the X9 myself, so can't speak as to how it handles. However, I can say that it appears to offer a comfortable throne for a passenger princess. Even stationary, XPENG's flagship certainly has enough bells and whistles to pique potential customers' interest and compete with other EVs.

That is, if it's given the chance. U.S. tariffs have kept Chinese EVs out of the country for years, a situation that appears unlikely to change any time soon.

"We [see the U.S. tariff situation] as an opportunity for us to differentiate from the rest of [the] EV players, because we feel like we're bringing something different," said XPENG vice-chairman and president Dr. Brian Gu. "We're not just another affordable China brand in a foreign market. 

"We want to be viewed as bringing the best in technology, the highest quality, and the coolest brand to these local customers. And that's something I think will position us well when there's actually these difficulties and tensions around the world." 

Disclosure: Mashable travelled to Hong Kong as a guest of XPENG.