The Xpeng X9 from China has hints of Tesla's massive Cybertruck and a masculine, squared-jawed look that has street presence but is much less aggressive than say a BMW X7.
That should endear the all-electric five-seater to many would-be van buyers who are put off by the bold luxury beast image of contemporary German products.
The Xpeng is a people carrier of a kind we have almost forgotten, more than 40 years after the debut of the Chrysler Voyager and the Renault Espace.
It is also a bulky exercise in form following function and is more maxi-limousine than minivan. It's the same pitch that Mercedes is making with the VLE, which also aims to grab a share of the Chinese market.
Despite the smooth exterior, the X9 stands at 5.32 metres and looks imposing. Directing one through traffic has an oddly detached feel to it too.
The car's dimensions are difficult to gauge because of the deep dashboard and you tend to drive by the camera displays rather than by your own perception.
The powertrain delivers up to 503 hp (370 kW) and propels this XXL car, which weighs over 2.7 tonnes, to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.
Thanks to the rear-axle steering, it feels as though you're driving a much more manoeuvrable car. The air suspension and complete soundproofing ensure that you are just as unaware of the road surface as you are of the surroundings.
The driver assistance systems can be a bit of a pain though. While they take almost every last bit of work off the driver's hands and make holding the steering wheel a mere formality, as in most cars from Chinese brands, they are also hyper-sensitive in the X9 and quickly become so irritating that you end up switching them off.
Meanwhile, the passengers can sit back and chill. The rear offers plenty of space, and in the range-topping model, the second-row seats can be converted into recliners with climate-controlled cushions and a back massage function.
A full-size screen can also be lowered from the roof. In the third row of seats, however, space is as limited as it ever is in most people carriers.
The entry-level version of the X9, available in Europe for €77,600, has a 94.8 kWh battery offering a range of 535 kilometres under standard conditions, while the top-of-the-range model – which costs at least €10,000 more – has a 110 kWh battery and a range of up to 615 kilometres.
Charging at a charging point is quicker than with most rival electric cars as well. The 800-volt batteries charge up at a rate of up to 542 kW. It takes just 12 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge.
While Xpeng has tended to fly under the radar in Europe until now, the spacious X9 is likely to put the Chinese manufacturer firmly in the spotlight and take electric driving to a whole new level.
Not only does the new Mercedes VLE look outdated by comparison – the Xpeng even takes some of the shine off conventional luxury limousines such as the venerable Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Specifications: Xpeng X9 AWD Performance
