On the road in Laois: Another Chinese manufacturer arrives with a nice looking SUV

It seems the flurry of Chinese manufacturers arriving on our shores continues unabated. The latest newcomer to arrive on the Irish EV market is the XPENG brand. A new name for electric vehicle buyers to embrace.

Equipped with a range of new features and new ‘know-how’ – much of it a product of their widespread use of AI technology in its development – the G6 Coupé SUV 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 will arrive here in Q3 of this year with both Standard and Long Range models available now for customer delivery.

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.

G6 Standard Range models (190 kW/258 hp, 440 Nm) are powered by a 66kWh battery pack with a 435 km WLTP driving range, while the Long Range and all-wheel drive performance versions with their larger 87.5kWh batteries have a longer WLTP range of up to 570kms on a full charge. Optional on all models is an electrically deployable towbar with a towable capacity of 1,500 kgs.

The G6 Coupé has an attractive appearance evident in its coupe-style silhouette, contoured bodywork. I must say I really like its design. Are there hints of Porsche Cayenne styling here? 
Inside, simplicity is the operative term: soft-touch coverings and padding, an unfussy dashboard and centre console, and rear seat spaciousness are the dominant features. 

I found its all-round visibility is good helped by a firm seat and generous windscreen, all housed within a 4.75 meters long, 1.92 meters wide, and 1.65 meters high body with a wheelbase of 2.89 meters. Its 571-litres luggage compartment increases to 1,374-litres with rear seats folded.

Features present in every G6 include 20-inch rims 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 leading AI technology, touch- button technology is to the fore. 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.

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Other goodies 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.
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) inclusive of all EV grants and incentives.

Sold through XPENG South Dublin with a country-wide network of dealers to follow, XPENG models set to arrive after the G6 Coupé SUV on to the Irish market (on dates not yet arranged) are their flagship G9 SUV, their P7 Sedan, and their ‘graciously elegant’ P7+ Fastback Sedan in all of which AI design and manufacturing technology will continue to be a key aspect. I will have a full road test in the coming weeks.