It’s March 2026, and the “soccer van” is officially cool again. But we aren’t talking about the diesel-chugging people movers of the past. Today, the conversation is dominated by a vehicle that looks like it was designed for a colony on Mars but is actually built for the school run in Mosman or a weekend getaway to the Mornington Peninsula. Enter the 2026 XPeng X9.

At EV evolution, we’ve seen some radical designs lately, but the X9 is a “Starship” in every sense of the word. It is a full-size, electric MPV Australia has been crying out for—a segment that has been largely ignored while SUVs took over the world. With its 800V architecture and a turning circle that defies physics, the X9 isn’t just a car; it’s a statement that the future of family transport has finally arrived.

We’ve spent the last week living with the flagship AWD variant, testing the “zero-gravity” life, and scouring Reddit to see if Aussie families are ready to trade their Kia Carnivals for this high-tech powerhouse.

The Price: A Luxury Play for the Sub-$100k Bracket

The XPeng X9 price in Australia is a strategic masterstroke. While the ultra-luxury Lexus LM and Zeekr 009 are pushing well north of $150,000, XPeng’s local CEO has aimed for the sweet spot.

• X9 Standard Range (FWD): Expected to start around $84,900 (plus on-road costs), keeping it just under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.
• X9 Performance (AWD): Anticipated at $96,900 (plus on-road costs).
• X9 Starship Edition (Flagship): Likely to reach $115,000, packed with every luxury imaginable.

At these prices, the XPeng X9 Australia launch isn’t just a niche luxury play—it’s a direct challenge to the high-spec Kia Carnival and Toyota Staria. You’re getting true “First Class” travel for a fraction of the European price tag.

Performance: Rear-Wheel Steering is the Secret Sauce

On paper, a 5.3-metre van should be a nightmare to park in a tight Westfield car park. But the X9 has a trick up its sleeve: Active Rear-Wheel Steering. This allows the massive MPV to have a turning radius of just 5.4 metres—the same as a tiny VW Polo.

• The Sensation: During our testing, we pulled a U-turn in a narrow Sydney side street that usually requires a three-point turn in a small SUV. It’s “ridiculously nimble,” as one owner put it.
• The Power: The AWD Performance Max version delivers 370kW and 640Nm, launching this living room on wheels from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
• The Charging: This is where the 800V architecture shines. On a 350kW ultra-fast charger, the X9 can add 300km of range in just 10 minutes. It is arguably the best example of fast charging EV Australia currently has on offer.

Real-World Review: What Aussie Redditors are Saying

We don’t just rely on the spec sheet at EV evolution. We listen to the “boots on the ground” feedback from the community. You can check out the full Aussie community discussion on the XPeng X9 here.

“The X9 is ridiculously comfortable and very quiet. The self-driving and self-parking are excellent—it even works remarkably well in roundabouts, which blew my mind. I’ve driven a Tesla Model X a lot and XPeng’s self-driving tech is actually smoother.” — Elegant-Direction570, Reddit.

“The rear-wheel steering is crazy. A turning radius of 5.4m in a 5.3m car? It makes the Kia Carnival feel like a bus by comparison. Plus, the seats fold completely flat into the floor, which is a total win for my hardware runs.” — nirmalv, Reddit.

The Pros:

• The “Zero Gravity” Seats: Both the first and second rows can be optioned with 16-point massage functions and leg rests. It’s genuinely “the finest sleep you’ll ever have in a car.”
• Massive Entertainment: A 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen keeps the kids (and adults) entertained with built-in YouTube and gaming apps.
• Spacious Boot: Even with all seats up, you get a decent trunk. With the third row folded flat into the floor, it reveals a massive 2,554L cargo space.

The Cons:

• The “Van” Stigma: Some Redditors find the futuristic, boxy look a bit “gaudy” or difficult to look at. It’s a polarizing design that won’t suit everyone.
• Rear Visibility: Without the digital rearview mirror, the view out the back is “awful” due to the high rear window and headrests.
• Software Learning Curve: There are “menus within menus.” Tweaking the air-conditioning vents via a touchscreen can be a bit of a faff while driving.

Strategise Your Starship Journey with EV evolution

Is the X9 the right “People Mover Evolution” for your family? We want you to be the smartest driver on the M1. Use our suite of tools to verify your “Electric ROI”:

• EV Fuel Savings Calculator: Compare the running costs of the X9’s 105kWh battery against a diesel people mover. You’ll likely find the X9 saves you over $3,500 a year in fuel alone.
• EV Charge Cost: Calculate exactly what it costs to fill this 800V beast at home vs. utilizing ultra-fast public chargers.
• EV Charging Time Calculator: With a 320kW peak DC limit, see how quickly you can “splash and dash” on your way to the Gold Coast.
• The EV Vibe Check: This is a long car. Use the Vibe Check to find chargers with enough “swing room” and the right amenities for a luxury family stop.

🤖 Start the Conversation with the AI Agent

Choosing between the XPeng X9 Australia launch and a high-spec 7-seater SUV like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the ultimate 2026 dilemma. Do you want the sliding-door practicality of an MPV or the rugged “vibe” of an SUV?

Don’t leave your $90k decision to guesswork—start a conversation with our EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is updated daily with the latest 2026 dealer stock, technical service bulletins, and Reddit sentiment. You can ask:

• “Compare the XPeng X9 vs the Kia EV9 for third-row adult comfort.”
• “Is the X9 eligible for the FBT exemption for business fleet operators?”
• “Explain the rear-wheel steering tech—is it reliable long-term for Australian roads?”
• “Can I fit three ISOFIX seats across the middle row of the X9?”

The Verdict: A Starship for the Suburbs

The 2026 XPeng X9 isn’t just another van; it’s a redefinition of what family luxury looks like in the electric age. By combining 800V fast-charging, elite rear-wheel steering, and a cabin that feels more like a private jet than a minivan, XPeng has created a vehicle that makes the “people mover” segment genuinely exciting.

While the design won’t please everyone and the software takes a bit of a masterclass to learn, the sheer versatility and “wow factor” make the X9 the new benchmark for the electric MPV Australia market.

Ready to see the real-world numbers? Use our EV fuel savings calculator to see the ROI, then chat with the AI Agent to plan your test drive today.

About EV Evolution

 EV evolution is Australia’s AI-powered hub for the modern driver. Through our signature EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Vibe Check and our real-time AI Agent—we provide the transparent, fact-based data you need to switch to an EV with total confidence. Our mission is to empower every Aussie to trade the petrol pump for a plug with zero guesswork. We are committed to delivering a high-fidelity knowledge base that enables young professionals and modern families to navigate their electric transition with data-driven precision.