It is another Chinese manufacturer that shows strong ambitions in Europe. The Xpeng brand, founded in 2014, is accelerating its development in the Old Continent this year.
After debuting in Norway in 2021, then in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands in 2022, this young manufacturer will launch this spring in France and Germany and a little later in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Great Britain and Ireland.
An ambitious development plan, which must support the growth of sales that are currently made mainly in China. In total, Xpeng has sold more than 400,000 cars since its debut, including 142,000 last year.
First model marketed in France, with orders currently open and first deliveries in July, a large 100% electric SUV, the G9. A manifesto of what the brand wants to offer with premium services and a very technological environment, all at quite aggressive prices.
A positioning that allows Xpeng to suffer less from the ineligibility for the French ecological bonus for models not produced in Europe, unlike its compatriots MG or BYD in the more general models offered under the limit of 47,000 euros of the main aid purchasing in France.
In terms of design, this 4.89 meter long model takes up the current codes of high-end SUVs with these large 21-inch wheels and modern lighting signatures at the front and rear. A good first impression for this G9 launched in 2022 in China and which from the outside remains quite sober.
Inside, we are far from the very refined interiors of Teslas. The abundance of leather and a very good quality of finish immediately introduce us to this premium atmosphere. We benefit from a lot of space on board, also with a 660-liter trunk, complemented by a “frunk”, a 71-liter front trunk.
On the technological side, the approach is as different as at Tesla. With, of course, a large 15-inch central screen and very few physical buttons. But we do have an instrument screen, an additional screen for the front passenger (with a filter that prevents the driver from being disturbed and therefore allows him to watch videos), or even real door handles and accessories, ‘a good old turn signal switch’. and not the Model 3 steering wheel buttons).
In the rear, on the other hand, there is no small screen as in the latest Model 3. However, we quickly console ourselves with quite luxurious comfort on a reclining bench and the possibility of moving the passenger seat forward directly from the rear. to have more legroom.
Very aggressive prices for this segment.
In terms of performance, the Long Range Propulsion version has a 98 kWh NMC battery, or 570 km of WLTP autonomy, for a power of 313 horsepower. With an 800-volt architecture, the G9 can also absorb up to 300 kW of charging power, enough to go from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes.
Promising, especially with a displayed price of 63,990 euros. Few options are offered in this model, tow hook at 1,290 euros, leather pack and premium seats at 3,990 euros and color at 1,000 or 1,500 euros.
While waiting to be able to test this G9 in the driving part, Xpeng shows an interesting positioning, between a Tesla on the “geek” side and German premium brands for the quality of the finishes.
The DNA of the American brand is thus found in this digital offer that seemed to us to be of a very high level (in particular thanks to a very responsive touch screen that allows fairly easy access to the different functions) and a simplified commercial offer. To see if this new player can convince buyers of high-end models.
A Performance version is also offered with 4-wheel drive and with the same 98 kWh battery, but two motors to convert to all-wheel drive. The power thus increases to 551 horsepower, which represents a loss of autonomy of 60 km, which drops to 520 km. Count 73,990 euros for this version.
Finally, a “standard range” propulsion version is offered with a smaller battery with LFP cells for a capacity of 78.4 kWh and 460 km of WLTP range. With a price that starts at just under 60,000 euros in France.
A more compact and coupe G6 to complete the range
Following the G9, Xpeng will launch orders in June for a second model, which will be delivered from September. A coupe and more compact SUV, the G6, also 100% electric with two battery capacities offered, 66 kWh and 87.5 kWh (between 435 and 570 km of autonomy).
With a length of 4.75 meters, it is presented as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
Prices for this G6 have not yet been announced in France, but currently start at 43,000 euros in the Netherlands. The Tesla Model Y has a price of 44,990 euros but can qualify for the ecological bonus, which reduces its price to 40,990 euros.
Source: BFM TV
