New premium EV brand Xpeng launches in Ireland

As reported here last October, China’s Xpeng has entered the Irish market through its exclusive importer and distributor, Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), which already distributes Mercedes-Benz cars and commercials, Smart, and BYD.

The first model from Xpeng’s all-electric passenger car range has this week been launched in Ireland, the mid-sized G6 SUV, which comes in three model variants: a ‘Standard’ range model and a ‘Long Range’ model (both with rear-wheel drive), and a ‘Performance’ model (with permanent all-wheel drive). The Performance model should arrive here this summer, with both Standard and Long Range models available immediately.

Launching at what MDL director, Ciaran Allen calls “a compellingly competitive price structure and overall value proposition”, that MDL says takes full account of the model offering itself, and of market conditions generally and the overriding national objective to expand EV ownership, models come on the market from €42,000 (Standard) and €49,440 (Long Range), prices that are inclusive of all EV grants and incentives.

Initially sold through Xpeng South Dublin (A94 W860), with a promised small network of dealers to follow to cover nationwide demand. In that regard, some interesting stats were revealed at the press launch yesterday afternoon.

Basically, while I already knew Dublin and Cork accounted for close to 55 per cent of new car volume in 2024, the figure is even higher at 62 per cent of new electric vehicles, while also accounting for 70 per cent of luxury cars.

So it would be reasonable to expect a second seller in North Dublin and one in Cork City as a matter of priority as the Xpeng range expands. MSL has retail outlets in both of those areas. After that as the range and volume grows, expect to see three or four more dealer appointments in large population centres around Ireland.

Xpeng models set to arrive after the G6 Coupé SUV on to the Irish market (dates not confirmed) are the flagship G9 SUV, the P7 Saloon, and the P7+ Fastback Saloon in all of which, the Chinese manufacturer says that AI design and manufacturing technology are a key aspect.

What is Xpeng?
Before moving on to details of the brand’s first arrival, the G6 Coupé SUV, we should ask the question – what is Xpeng?

Xpeng was co-founded in 2014 by Xia Heng (Henry Xia) and He Tao, former senior executives at GAC Group with expertise in automotive technology and research and development. Today it is a technology company developing and manufacturing premium electric vehicles, humanoid robots, and the development of flying cars.

Founded in 2014, Xpeng invests heavily in research and development, with 40 per cent of employees working in this area. It boasts of being a trendsetter in global EV transition. For instance Xpeng claims to be the first to introduce a high-voltage SIC platform for super-fast charging up to 800 volts.

As part of its ambition to be the number one Chinese premium brand overseas, Xpeng is reinforcing its commitment to the European market. It continues to expand its presence across key regions. Since deliveries began in Norway at the end of 2020, the brand has introduced its EVs in multiple countries, including Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, with further expansion underway.

Xpeng’s models, including the G6, G9 and the P7, have all received Euro NCAP five-star safety ratings. By the end of 2025, Xpeng says it aims to be present in over 60 global markets, with an ambition to achieve half of its total sales from international markets.

Consider that China has 25 million cars registered each year and the total number of registered vehicles there was reported at 329,115,500 units in December 2023. At one stage back in 2029, there were 500 electric car manufacturers in China, but that had shrunk to about 100 manufacturers and up to 200 brands in 2023. Remember also, that it is estimated that circa 60 per cent of global EV sales are in China.

The biggest Chinese EV manufacturer is BYD (also distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors). BYD is also a major producer of electric buses, trucks, electric bicycles, forklifts, and is renowned as the world’s second-largest producer of EV batteries. BYD will continue to outsell Tesla globally and Xpang will strongly challenges Tesla for sales in the premium EV sectors. This will be driven by price difference, standard technology, and premium features.

In July 2023, the Volkswagen Group invested in Xpeng for purchasing just under a five per cent stake of the company. It is collaborating with Xpeng to develop two Volkswagen brand electric models for the mid-size segment in the Chinese market in 2026. Last year both companies signed further technology cooperation agreements.

With 100,000 delivery in the first nine months of 2024, global expansion underway, and massive investment in research and development, Xpeng is expected to be a major player in future mobility.

The Xpeng G6 Coupé SUV
In April 2023, XPeng unveiled the XPeng G6 at the Shanghai Auto Show. For me it is good that this model has been on sale for over a year in several markets and if there were any issues they will have been well sorted when current models are rolling off the production line.

Rear-wheel drive ‘Standard’ and ‘Long Range’ versions are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor with 0-100km/h times rated at 6.9 seconds and 6.7 seconds respectively.

The G6 Standard Range models (190 kW/258 hp, 440 Nm) are powered by a 66kWh battery pack with a promised 435 km WLTP driving range. The price jump to Long Range models is over €7,400 but they come with their larger 87.5kWh batteries, promising a longer WLTP range of up to 570km on a full charge.

The all-wheel drive ‘Performance’ versions (due in Ireland later in the summer) promise similar to the Long Range version. In addition, Performance units have 0-100km/h acceleration of just 4.1 seconds helped by an additional electric front wheel motor that boosts output to a combined 476 hp. Optional on all models is an electrically deployable towbar with a towable capacity of 1,500 kgs.

The stylishly smooth G6 Coupé boasts a coupe-style silhouette, contoured bodywork, forward sloping bonnet, and other aerodynamic features. Eye-catching are its recessed door handles, discreet facia, sporty alloys and imposing rear with full-width taillights, and self-closing boot.

Inside, soft-touch coverings and padding, an unfussy dashboard and centre console, and rear seat spaciousness are the dominant features. It offers drivers all-round visibility helped by a firm seat and generous windscreen, all housed within a 4.75m long, 1.92m wide, and 1.65m high body with a wheelbase of 2.89m. Its 571-litres luggage compartment increases to 1,374-litres with rear seats folded.

Features present in every G6 include 20-inch rims shod with Michelin tyres, a large panoramic glass roof, multi-adjustable, heated and leatherette-covered seats all around, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, four USB ports, two 50W induction charging points for smartphones, a 960W audio system with 18 speakers, and an extensive library of music, video, entertainment and social media apps.

As might be expected in a vehicle developed with AI technology, touch-button technology is to the fore, with voice command supports there to assist driver and passengers as required.

Standard within it are driver assistance and operating systems that include blind-spot monitoring and parking assist. All-round camera coverage, 360-degree radar, and numerous other functions are centralised on an operator-friendly touchscreen, all augmented by a digital instrument panel and steering-wheel mounted controls. Other bits of note include an infotainment system running on the latest Xpeng’s Xmart OS operating system (with free over-the-air updates) and a standard heat pump to improve electrical performance and driving range in winter.

The G6 Coupe has impressive charging capabilities. With up to 280 kW, you can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes. The Xpeng G6 Coupe has been awarded a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Warranties
Xpeng is offering five years’ (160,000km) new car warranty; eight years’ (160,000km) cover for the high-voltage battery, BMS unit, and driveline (electric motor); three years’ paint warranty; and 12 years’ corrosion warranty.

Xpeng Ireland says that to maintain your warranty, your vehicle must be serviced every 12 months or every 20,000 km, whichever comes first. The company also says that it has a European central warehouse for genuine parts and accessories, to guarantee fast and efficient supply.

While mentioning paint warranty, the new G6 Coupe is offered in a choice of five colours: Artic white; Graphite grey; Midnight black; Silver frost; and Fiery orange.

Overall
There is no doubt that Xpeng is a technology-based company that is going about targeting the premium EV market in a smart way, and with a good offerings. It will be one of the Chinese brands to develop and grow sales globally. More from us after our Irish test drive in the G6 Coupe.