The seven-seat Xpeng X9 is coming to the UK with lots of range and a karaoke machine

Xpeng. The Chinese carmaker has given us the tech-filled G6, and showcased its flying car technology. Now it’s launching the all-electric seven-seater X9 in the UK later this year. And it’s not just any old seven-seater.

Wrapped in Xpeng's latest design language (read: narrow head and tail lights and a sleek, deep grille morphing into a geometric-patterned front skirt), the new people carrier has a karaoke machine, Rolls-Royce-inspired wheels and zero-gravity seats. Since when did family cars become fun again?

There are two (very efficient) battery choices: 94.8kWh or 105kWh, capable of 403 or 436 miles respectively, at least according to official Chinese tests. How efficient? Xpeng claims a remarkable battery efficiency of 16.2kWh/100km – for context, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a WLTP efficiency of 14.3kWh/100km. The battery can replenish 249 miles in only 13 minutes when connected to a quick hose, and it's (literally) so robust, engineers shoot the thing – yes, shoot, with a gun – to test its safety.

X9 has fitted 'real-time adaptive' suspension, and given the big lug a turning circle of only 5.4m. That's smaller than the Smart Fortwo's 6.95m, and we're talking about manouevring a land-barge, not a two-seater mini mobile.

In the cabin, those fancy seats (when reclined) make you feel like you’re floating in space, apparently. That karaoke machine has six mics, so you can go full-Katy Perry (in her Blue Origin era) whenever the mood takes you.

All seats, including the third row, are heated as standard, and there are other posh bits like extra device charging ports and pockets, a 21.4in rear entertainment screen, automatic sliding doors on both sides and a panoramic roof to make the back feel more like a lounge.

Or a bedroom. Or a garage. Because when the third row of seats is down, Xpeng says the boot fits a double bed or five adult bikes standing upright. Hold that deposit on the motorhome. We're expecting more information in the second half of the year. Stay tuned.