This would put the XPENG G6 right against the Tesla Model Y
Malaysians will soon see XPeng’s fifth EV model in selected showrooms around the country. This “ultra smart coupe” is called the G6. The G6 is XPeng’s first production model to sit atop its next-generation SEPA 2.0 platform architecture.
When it was launched a year ago, the G6 was China’s first mass-produced, die-casted front and rear integrated aluminum body which included cell-integrated body (CIB) technology that optimized cabin design with added vertical space and increased battery safety.
Combined with SEPA 2.0 and the advanced ADAS capabilities of XNGP, this XPeng G6 will be priced very close to the BYD current best selling electric car.
So, what about its battery and driving performance? Well this Electric Coupe’s 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) platform combined with its 3C battery technology can deliver up to an impressive 755 km (469 miles) of electric driving range which is an impressive 71 km increase when compared to the longest-driving models on XPeng’s previous platform.
The G6 will be able to retain 300 km (186 miles) of range after just 10 minutes on DC fast charging.
The arrival of XPeng will push historical automotive manufacturers who have had to retool and rework their production and engineering to cater to this changing landscape to re-evaluate their product strategy for Malaysia.
Why? Well, XPeng is a premium EV brand and yet their selling prices are lower than Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Volvo. Ok, you might say we are a starting to talk ‘crazy’ by putting XPENG side by side with there premium car manufacturers.
Well, since the electric movement took the fast track in the last 2 years, Chinese EV manufacturers have managed to fast track their position right next to premium European brands as the ‘game’ has changed tremendously.
Interestingly, XPeng marketers say that the Tesla Model Y (which was launched at RM199k and recently discounted to RM191k) is the main rival to the G6 in Malaysia. The G6 is positioned as an electric midsize SUV with 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 Tesla Model Y has a length, width and height of 4,750 mm, 1,921 mm and 1,624 mm and a wheelbase of 2,890 mm.
Interestingly, it seems that the stylish Hyundai IONIQ 5 updated model which arrived in January 2023, is not mentioned as a rival. On offer are three different variants, the Lite (58kWh, RM207k), Plus (58kWh, RM238k), and Max (72.6kWh, RM270k). At launch the prices were RM198k, RM229k and RM259k.
The Hyundai Lite and Plus variants are powered by a single-motor, rear-wheel drive system that utilizes a 58 kWh battery pack, offering a maximum range of 384km according to the WLTP cycle. Meanwhile, the Max variant continues to be fitted with a more powerful 72.6 kWh battery that provides a maximum range of 430km.
Consumers in Asia Pacific are now comparing European brands with Chinese brands and it is only in the super premium and super car segments that the Europeans still command un-questioned respect.
