Range Rover Has a Problem… It’s Called XPENG GX

Product reviewed

XPeng G9 / “XPeng GX” (described in the video as an electric “Range Rover” alternative) is a full-size flagship SUV with an emphasis on tech, comfort, and advanced driving tech. Notable tech includes rear-wheel steering, steer-by-wire, and (on some versions) an extended-range powertrain.

Key features mentioned

Design

• Exterior styling is heavily inspired by / similar to Range Rover at most angles, but the host feels it’s less original than previous Xpeng models.
• Lighting signature:
  • Long LED front design split into three sections
  • Front elements turn blue in self-driving mode
• Wheels: options include 21 or 22-inch (the review shows 22-inch)
• Floating logo: logos stay “correctly oriented” / always straight

Handling / steering

• Rear-wheel steering: up to ±7.5°
• Turning radius: 5.4 m, claimed to be smaller than a Mini Cooper
• Steer-by-wire (XPeng first):
  • Steering ratio changes with speed
  • Low-speed full lock can be as low as 0.6 turns
• Steering wheel adjustability benefit:
  • Makes it easier to set the wheel for a relaxed posture when seated farther back

Seating / practicality

• “Third-row magic seats”:
  • 6-seat configuration can quickly switch to 4-seat by retracting/hiding seats
  • Claimed cargo capacity: ~1,700 L (cargo configuration)
  • Seats can fold up/down separately to mix people + luggage
• Rear comfort features (from the review unit):
  • Back-seat sun/brightness controls and privacy glass
  • 220V outlet, rear fridge, and fold-down table
  • Fridge access from the front seats (lift access from between seats/front)

Interior tech / displays

• 17.3-inch 3K central screen
• 80-inch heads-up display (HUD) with customization:
  • Default visuals can be busy (green/blue “snakes”)
  • Host recommends simplifying visuals to reduce distraction
• Center console phone charging pad
  • Drops down during charging for better stability/cooling

Powertrain / range (dual strategy: EV + EREV)

• Range-extended model (EREV):
  • ~1,600 km combined range (CLTC)
  • Battery shown at 430 km
• Pure electric version (BEV):
  • Up to ~750 km (top spec)
  • Frunk included, though described as small (manual frunk noted)
• Efficiency example (tester claim):
  • 16.8 kWh/100 km
  • Host reports driving “like a BEV” despite being EREV
• Charging (Xpeng-standard claims):
  • 800V architecture, 5C charging
  • Pure EV: ~525 km in 12 minutes
  • Extended-range: ~300 km in same time
  • Caveat: requires a fast enough charger

Self-driving / future tech

• Robotaxi planned to be based on the GX/G9 platform:
  • Vehicle: 2,250 TOPS
  • Robotaxi adds to 3,000 TOPS
• VLA 2.0 mentioned for China-market units
• Described as advanced, but still has edge cases requiring time

Pros (as stated)

• Easy driving despite its size
  • Rear-wheel steering + steer-by-wire help maneuvering feel manageable
• Major comfort focus
  • Steer-by-wire convenience and dual-chamber intelligent air suspension contribute to a “don’t feel the road” ride
• Highly practical seating
  • Third-row magic seats with a flexible cargo layout
• Tech-heavy cabin
  • Large screens, customizable HUD, and advanced “smart” features (fridge access, phone pad, privacy controls)
• Strong charging claims
  • Fast charging for both EV and extended-range versions (assuming compatible chargers)
• Early market traction
  • 25,000 firm orders after China release

Cons / disappointments (as stated)

• Design originality concern
  • Styling criticized as too similar to Range Rover compared to more distinctive past Xpeng designs
• Trunk access issue
  • Cargo edge/trunk shape creates an “aggressive point” that may be inconvenient
• Door handle / door mechanisms
  • Electric popping-out handles: host says they won’t be allowed for future production vehicles in China
  • Fully electric opening doors:
    • Host dislikes them, suggesting they can create problems (fighting the door / door closing on hands)
    • Sliding electric doors are praised, but traditional doors should have only assist—not full electric operation
• “Not quite luxury” interior
  • Host describes it as nice but not true luxury, more minimalist/clinical than premium-luxury
• Front seat armrest comfort deduction
  • One “queen” armrest feels awkward because the other arm support is on the door and doesn’t feel close enough
• Dynamic driving limitation
  • Even in sports mode, ride is wallowy and less dynamically engaging than expected

Comparisons made

• Range Rover
  • Framed repeatedly as a Range Rover-like alternative, while still described as “very much a typical Chinese electric SUV” underneath
• XPeng X9
  • Rear-wheel steering previously seen on X9
  • Similarities in floating-logo / wheel style (22-inch look resembles X9 wheels)
  • Host suggests X9 provides more comfort (armrest comparison)
• Other Xpeng models
  • Design originality contrasted with Xpeng X9, new P7, L03
  • Some interior elements referenced from Xpeng L03 (floating center unit), with this model adding a charging pad
• Mini Cooper
  • Turning radius claim (5.4 m) described as smaller than a Mini Cooper
• “Range Rover’s opportunity” framing
  • Host implies luxury brands could beat Xpeng mainly on driving experience/dynamics, since Xpeng targets comfort/tech

Ratings / numbers mentioned (all in-video)

• Rear-wheel steering: ±7.5°
• Turning radius: 5.4 m
• Steer-by-wire low-speed lock: as low as 0.6 turns
• Magic-seat cargo capacity: ~1,700 L
• Screens
  • Center: 17.3-inch 3K
  • HUD: 80-inch
• Battery/range (CLTC)
  • EREV: ~1,600 km combined, 430 km battery
  • BEV: up to ~750 km
• Efficiency example (tester claim): 16.8 kWh
• Charging
  • Pure EV: 525 km in 12 minutes
  • Extended range: 300 km in 12 minutes
• Robotaxi compute
  • Vehicle: 2,250 TOPS
  • Robotaxi: 3,000 TOPS
• Orders (China release): 25,000 firm orders
• Price (starting): a little over $41,000 (EV and EREV versions mentioned)
• Seating: 6-seater, switchable to 4-seat

Unique points mentioned (deduplicated list)

1. Exterior design is strongly Range Rover-inspired; host finds it less original.
2. Front LED light bar split into 3 sections; self-driving mode turns them blue.
3. Active air intake and clean overall body lighting theme.
4. Wheel options: 21/22 inches; floating logo stays upright.
5. Rear-wheel steering up to ±7.5°.
6. Turning radius: 5.4 m, claimed better than Mini Cooper.
7. Steer-by-wire first for Xpeng; variable steering ratio by speed.
8. Low-speed full lock can require only 0.6 turns.
9. Steer-by-wire allows more flexible steering wheel positioning for comfort.
10. Third-row magic seats transform 6 → 4 seats.
11. Cargo space claim: ~1,700 L with seats hidden.
12. Magic seats fold independently to optimize luggage/person mixes.
13. Trunk shape creates an inconvenient sharp/aggressive edge.
14. EREV: combined range ~1,600 km, battery 430 km.
15. Pure EV: up to 750 km and a small manual frunk.
16. Electric popping-out door handles won’t be allowed for future China production (per host).
17. Fully electric opening doors disliked due to awkwardness.
18. Interior described as minimalist/clinical; not “true luxury.”
19. Floating center unit with dropped charging pad for phone stability/cooling.
20. Some interior elements seen as more aesthetic than functional.
21. 17.3-inch 3K center screen and customizable 80-inch HUD (host recommends simpler HUD).
22. Rear fridge accessible from front seats via lift access.
23. Back-seat comfort: sun blind, privacy glass, individual window controls.
24. Rear features: 220V socket, fridge, fold-down table.
25. Front seat armrest comfort reduced due to door-based support.
26. Driving philosophy: comfort/tech focus; even sports mode feels wallowy.
27. Efficiency example while driving EREV like BEV: 16.8 kWh.
28. Charging: 800V + 5C; claimed 525 km / 300 km in 12 minutes.
29. Robotaxi compute: 2,250 TOPS vehicle, 3,000 TOPS robotaxi; VLA 2.0 and edge-case limitations noted.
30. Market signal: 25,000 firm orders in China.
31. Pricing: starting around $41,000+, with both EV and EREV options.

Verdict / recommendation (based on the video)

Strong recommendation if you prioritize comfort and tech over sporty dynamics.

The XPeng G9/GX is presented as a top-tier, feature-packed “electric Range Rover” alternative with excellent maneuverability (rear-steer + steer-by-wire), a very practical magic-seat design, and cabin tech (big screens, customizable HUD, rear fridge).

Main drawbacks include the less-original design (per host), certain annoying convenience choices (especially the discussion around electric doors/handles and the trunk edge), and a wallowy, non-dynamic driving character even in sports mode.