More Chinese EVs headed to Europe, but at least this one looks good
๐ The Core Development
It's not just BYD that has used the recent Paris Motor Show to unveil an important new SUV for the European market. Fellow Chinese brand Xpeng has done the same, unveiling its flagship G9L SUV in battery-electric and range-extender configurations. If any European brands weren't taking the threat from China seriously, they now have to.
Xpeng has priced the G9L from โฌ74,600 ($83,300) in Germany, and between โฌ74,990 ($83,700) and โฌ75,990 ($84,900) in other European markets, including France, Austria, and the Netherlands. This makes it comfortably cheaper than something like a new BMW X5, which starts at โฌ102,800 ($114,800) in plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive configuration. The G9L won't only be sold in Europe either, as Xpeng plans to sell the G9L in 64 separate markets, including Australia and New Zealand. It's been designed as a truly global SUV and will be manufactured at the firm's plant in China and Magna Steyr's factory in Austria.
๐ Background & Sector Context
The range-extender version is perhaps the most intriguing. It uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with a powerful electric motor and a 63-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, which itself is larger than the batteries of some smaller EVs. Xpeng says combined grunt sits at an impressive 577 horsepower and 513 pound-feet (695 Nm) of torque, allowing the EREV to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.4 seconds.
More impressive than the performance on offer is Xpeng's claim the G9L EREV can travel up to 270 miles (435 km) on electric power alone and has a combined driving range of 996 miles (1,602 km) on the optimistic CLTC cycle. The powertrain includes regenerative braking to maximize efficiency and intelligently adapts to the driving scenario. For example, if you're in an urban environment, it will prioritize electric power, and on a highway, the range-extender will be activated as required. Crucially, the engine never drives the wheels and only generates electricity, so the G9L EREV will accelerate as smoothly and instantly as a traditional EV.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
Two all-electric versions have been announced alongside the EREV. Base models will use a 91.9-kWh battery while others will be available with a 110-kWh pack. The most powerful version will use a pair of electric motors with 577 hp and 513 lb-ft (695 Nm) of torque. This power does come at the cost of efficiency. On the WLTC cycle, the range of this version will be capped at 344 miles (553 km). Somewhat making up for that is that the G9L supports DC charging speeds of up to 540 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80% in under 12 minutes.
Benchmark Telemetry & EV Fuel Savings
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
It's not just the available powertrains that may encourage some European buyers to ditch their BMWs and Audis for the Xpeng G9L. It is rocks the company's latest intelligent driving technologies that include city and highway assisted driving, navigation-based assisted driving, and intelligent hands-free lane changes.
The G9L's cabin also prioritizes luxury and comfort. Found in the front row are Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation, and a 16-point massage function. The second row will be available with either a bench seat or captain's chairs, all trimmed in the same Nappa leather as the front and also include heating, ventilation, and massage functions. As for the third row, it includes heated seats and a 50:50 split folding function.
