A recent crash involving an Xpeng X9 in China has raised concerns after the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy, despite the car being declared a total loss. Xpeng states the impact did not meet the airbag sensor’s trigger conditions, but the owner questions the system’s reliability.
Crash Details and Owner Concerns
According to Jiemian News, Mr Liu was driving his Xpeng X9 on October 15 when he lost control after hitting a curb. The vehicle struck a tree and a utility pole before rolling over, resulting in severe front-end damage. The insurer determined the car was beyond repair and recommended it be scrapped.
Mr Liu, who purchased the X9 two years ago for nearly $74,747 (~AUD 106,371), expressed his unease about the incident. “We were lucky no one was hurt, but the airbags didn’t deploy even in this situation. That’s not reassuring at all,” he said. He questioned the effectiveness of the airbag system if it did not activate under such circumstances.
Xpeng’s Response
In response to the incident, Xpeng stated that backend data and driving video confirmed the vehicle was in manual driving mode at the time of the crash. The company said the driver continued pressing the accelerator and made a sharp steering input before impact.
Xpeng explained that the collision did not reach the airbag sensor’s trigger threshold. The automaker also said it would respect Mr Liu’s request for a third-party appraisal and cooperate with any follow-up investigations.
Xpeng X9: Model Overview and Recent Issues
The Xpeng X9 is the brand’s first MPV and currently its most expensive model, launched on January 1, 2024. It is a pure-electric seven-seat MPV available in four configurations, with prices ranging from $53,788 (~AUD 76,545) to $62,758 (~AUD 89,309). In November 2023, Xpeng introduced the X9 EREV, its first extended-range variant, with Max and Ultra versions priced at $46,313 (~AUD 65,908) and $49,303 (~AUD 70,162), respectively.
The X9 has faced other quality concerns in 2026. In June, Xpeng reported global X9 deliveries had surpassed 60,000 units. Around the same time, owners reported sudden failures of the air suspension system in hot weather, leading to a recall and an extended warranty for the front air spring system to 8 years or 160,000 km. On July 24, a recall was filed for 33,473 X9 vehicles due to potential front air spring leaks in high heat and humidity, with free replacements offered.
Why this matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about airbag deployment logic and safety system transparency in modern electric vehicles. For owners, knowing when and how airbags will activate is critical for confidence in vehicle safety.
With the Xpeng X9 already facing recalls for other quality issues, this case may prompt further scrutiny of the model’s safety systems and how automakers communicate technical thresholds to consumers.
What this means for buyers
Current and prospective Xpeng X9 owners should be aware of the vehicle’s airbag deployment criteria and recent recall history. It is advisable to monitor manufacturer updates and consider third-party inspections if concerns arise after an incident.
Buyers should also take note of Xpeng’s willingness to cooperate with independent appraisals and warranty extensions, which may offer some reassurance regarding after-sales support.
Key Specs
- Model: Xpeng X9
- Type: Pure-electric seven-seat MPV
- Launch Date: January 1, 2024
- Price Range: $53,788 (~AUD 76,545) to $62,758 (~AUD 89,309)
- EREV Variant Prices: Max: $46,313 (~AUD 65,908), Ultra: $49,303 (~AUD 70,162)
- Extended Warranty: 8 years or 160,000 km
- Recall Coverage: 33,473 units (Aug 8, 2023 – Aug 11, 2025)
- 2026 Sales (Jan–Sep): 15,805 units in China
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, dubicars.com, zecar.com
