Which New Chinese Made EV To Buy This 2024
Two new Chinese made electric vehicles (EV) are on their way to Malaysian showrooms (well smart#3 is already in showrooms) and both brands have very strong brand guardians in Malaysia.
Xpeng will have the long and trusted Bermaz team behind them and smart cars which is managed by PRO-NET is about to launch its second electric vehicle, the smart#3.
Both have similar looking slippery exterior designs and latest cabin technology and like all other new Chinese electric car brands arriving in Malaysia, they provide ‘happy and smiling’ acceleration and good emissions free driving range.
Here are some facts to digest and assist you in making a decision.
The Xpeng G6 has a length, width and height of 4,753 mm, 1,920 mm and 1,650 mm, respectively and a wheelbase of 2,890 mm.
For comparison, the smart#3 has a length, width and height of 4,400 mm, 1,844 mm and 1,556 mm with a wheelbase of 2,785 mm.
The Xpeng G6 comes with an innovative SEPA2.0 platform with 800V architecture and the most advanced software technology, plenty of cabin space, good passenger comfort and uncompromising standard equipment.
This fast charging Xpeng G6 (up to 280 kW) will be available with two battery packs (66 kWh and 87.5 kWh), the largest of which has a maximum WLTP driving range of 570 km.
The Xpeng G6 will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds and is able to reach 200km/h where allowed.
With the smart#3 you will get impressive performance with peak power ranges from 315 kW for the BRABUS version to 200 kW for the other variants.
In terms of acceleration, the smart #3 performs even sportier than the #1: In the BRABUS version, this #3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The Pro+, as an entry-level line, is also impressive at 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 also increases its overall driving range to between 435 and 455 km. The optimized suspension system and the 2785 mm wheelbase combined with a very aerodynamic body featuring a drag coefficient of just 0.27 enable a dynamic driving experience.
A convenient charging experience remains a high priority for smart. With its efficient DC-charging technology with a performance of up to 150 kW/h, the smart #3 charges from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.
Decision Time
Well, both electric vehicles are sold in Europe right now at very close prices, yes, they are direct rivals in terms of selling prices and most in Malaysia might want to bring the Tesla Model Y which is priced from RM199,000 to a whopping RM288,000 for the LONG RANGE variant into the mix as a possible rival.
Well for us, the Model Y is behind in terms of build quality, cabin refinement and selling price (higher) but leads in driving distance and Supercharger network.
Between the smart#3 (we guesstimate to be RM198k to RM228k) and Xpeng G6 (which we guesstimate to be from RM188k to 228k), we suggest a test drive and showroom visit of both EV’s ON THE SAME DAY to better understand which suits your needs for the next 5 to 8 years of ownership.
