In recent times we see that new manufacturers are constantly arriving on the scene. Most of the new products are provided by the Chinese brandswhich clearly show the power of the industry in that country and also the goal they have of conquering Europe. There are all kinds, some that focus on offering affordable prices to reach the majority and others that directly opt for a more premium approach. In the middle part would be Xpengwhich has just arrived in Spain and that is why we review this milestone.
What is Xpeng
Xpeng comes from Xiaopeng Motors and is a Chinese company founded in Guangzhou in 2014. With just a decade of life has become one of the most prominent nationally for its technological approach that does not only focus on the automobile in its conventional form. They want to be more of a technology company mobility and focus a lot on the futureIn fact, they also boast of having autonomous driving technologies, advanced artificial intelligence and even flying car prototypes.
Its first car, the G3, was launched in 2018, no time ago, so to speak. However, its expansion in China has been enormous and already has a wide range. It is listed on the Stock Exchanges of New York and Hong Kong, while it has three production plants in China. The facilities in Zhaoqing, Guangzhou and Wuhan boast a combined capacity of 600,000 units per yearNeedless to say, automation is high and they have their own Industry 4.0 techniques.
After standing out in the Chinese market, Xpeng aims to expand and be a global brand. Although they have already had a European presence since 2021, when they entered Norway, now is the time to reach new markets. It should not be forgotten that this firm focuses on electric cars and that the evolution of its sales has been uneven. In 2024 begins its journey in Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Greece; as well as other markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Xpeng models in Spain
For Spain, the Chinese firm will start with three very capable models:
- Xpeng G6: a crossover with coupé airs, which stands out for its design and also for its interior quality. There is no shortage of technology through two 10.2 and 14.96-inch screens, while the mechanical range offers three options. There is a RWD Standard Range with LFP battery, a RWD Long Range with NCM battery and up to 570 km of autonomy and a top-of-the-range AWD Performance with 476 hp of power. The fast charges of up to 280 kW stand out and the price of the entry-level version is 44,990 euros.
- Xpeng G9: The brand’s flagship is a 4.89-metre SUV that shares the same design language but has increased its interior capacity. Technology and luxury reach a new level, with more carefully selected materials and additional elements such as a screen for the passenger. The range has a similar distribution with the RWD Standard Range with LFP battery as the entry-level variant that starts at 58,970 euros. It is followed by the RWD Long Range and AWD Performance, variants with NMC battery and power outputs reaching 551 hp at the top of the range.
- Xpeng P7: There is also room in the range for an aerodynamic sedan with a more elaborate design. The P7 even has a “Wing Edition” version that has scissor-opening front doors. Inside, it maintains the premises of its crossover siblings and the mechanical range is also similar. All have a high-capacity NMC battery and a charge of up to 175 kW, with a RWD Long Range that reaches up to 576 km of autonomy. The AWD Performance and Wing Edition offer a power of 473 hp and the price of this model starts at 51,990 euros without aid.
With whom Xpeng arrives in Spain
Entering a market like the Spanish one without previous experience is a great challenge and that is why Xpeng has wanted to have a luxury ally in this project. They come from the hand of Salvador Caetano Autoa company with extensive experience in the import and distribution of vehicles both in Spain and in other areas of Europe, South America and Africa. They will be responsible for bringing Xpeng to our market and to the Portuguese market, as well as offering the customer top-quality support thanks to their after-sales service.
During 10 dealerships will open in 2024 from Xpeng (Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, Zaragoza, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Cadiz and La Coruña) and by 2025 it is expected to reach a total of 16 centers. All models of the brand have a five-year or 120,000-kilometer warrantyalthough the battery is guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 kilometres. In any case, Xpeng’s logistics and parts supply is assured thanks to Salvador Caetano’s logistics warehouse in Spain, which has the support of Kuehne Nagel and the European spare parts centre in Holland.