Xpengs Aufstieg: Einblicke in den chinesischen E-Auto-Pionier und seine wachsende Präsenz in Europa

Who Xpeng represents, the types of electric vehicles they produce, and their price range

Their selection includes electric SUVs, the G6 and G9, and the P7 sports sedan

Continuously, Chinese automotive brands are making their way into Europe. Xpeng is the latest, with operations already established in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

Next, we'll delve into the range of models offered, but before that, let's take a closer look at the company itself: its beginnings, its manufacturing hubs, and its proprietary technologies. Did you know, for instance, that it employs over 15,000 people globally?

Photo Exhibit: Xpeng's 2024 Model Range

Xpeng: Company Overview

As you might have surmised, Xpeng is a fledgling enterprise. Established in 2014 in Guangzhou, China by a team of visionary entrepreneurs, their enduring mission is to "transform mobility with the power of technology".

The company's main headquarters are situated in Guangzhou, China, yet its international presence is evident with key branches in Beijing, Shanghai, and Amsterdam. Additionally, the corporation has established research and development hubs in Silicon Valley and San Diego in the United States, and boasts a center of expertise in Munich.

The vehicles are manufactured across three different facilities, including one in Guangzhou and the other two located in Zhaoqing and Wuhan. Interestingly, the company's shares are traded on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Xpeng claims to be at the forefront and an innovator in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into transportation solutions. They have developed the industry's inaugural AI-integrated automotive operating system, named AI Tianji System XOS 5.1.0, a holistic AI-based smart driving model encompassing XNet, XPlanner, and XBrain. Additionally, they have introduced the Xpeng Turing, a groundbreaking 40-core chip designed for AI-powered cars, robots, and aerial vehicles, along with their advanced AI perception sensor technology known as Hawkeye Vision.

Xpeng has also developed its own advanced driver assistance systems (XPILOT), smart operating systems, and artificial intelligence-based software solutions.

Committed to environmental and social accountability, the Chinese firm has initiated the X-SEG project (Smart, Efficient, and Green) to embrace sustainable practices across its manufacturing processes, encompassing everything from supply chain operations and eco-friendly production to product testing and material management.

Xpeng's lineup of fully electric vehicles includes a pair of SUVs—the G6 coupe and its larger counterpart, the G9—as well as an attractive sports sedan known as the P7. Pricing for the G6 starts at €44,990, which accounts for promotional offers but excludes subsidies from the MOVES III plan.

The Xpeng G6 is a sporty SUV that falls within the D-segment category with its length of 4.75 meters. It features a spacious interior and a capacious trunk with a volume of 571 liters. Notable features include a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster measuring 10.2 inches, a central display screen of 15 inches, and the XOpera audio system equipped with 18 speakers.

There are three versions to choose from. The RWD Standard Range, priced at €43,600, features a single motor and rear-wheel drive, delivers 255 horsepower, offers a range of 435 km according to the WLTP cycle, and supports a maximum charging power of 215 kW (charging from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes).

The 2024 model of the Xpeng

The Long Range version with rear-wheel drive, priced at 47,600 euros, delivers 280 horsepower. Its range extends to 570 kilometers, and the charging capacity increases to 280 kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes.

The top-tier AWD Performance model is priced at 51,600 euros and delivers an output of 470 horsepower with 600 Nm of torque, offering a certified driving range of 550 kilometers. Similar to the Long Range version, it supports rapid charging up to 280 kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. The entire G6 series comes equipped with a two-way charging system known as Vehicle to Load (V2L).

Xpeng G9

Individuals seeking a more family-oriented SUV might consider the G9, which stretches to a length of 4.89 meters. This model boasts a high-end cabin adorned with three screens: a 10-inch instrument cluster and dual 15-inch displays for both the center and passengers' convenience. The vehicle is equipped with 4G connectivity and an XOpera sound system that includes an impressive array of 22 speakers.

The available configurations are identical to those of the G6. The RWD Standard Range is priced at 59,600 euros while the RWD Long Range costs 63,600 euros, both producing 313 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. The former delivers a driving range of 460 kilometers and can charge at a maximum rate of 260 kW with an LFP battery. The latter increases these figures to 570 kilometers on a single charge and a charging capacity of 300 kW.

Upcoming Xpeng G9 Model Set to

The AWD Performance model, priced at 71,600 euros, comes standard with air suspension and delivers 551 horsepower along with a torque of 717 Nm. When measured by the combined WLTP cycle, its range is 520 kilometers and it can handle a peak charging power of up to 300 kW.

No matter which G9 model you opt for, each one is capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 19 minutes. The G9 Performance model especially impresses with its ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in merely 3.9 seconds.

Inside the 2024 Xpeng G9

The Xpeng P7 sedan is next in line, boasting an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.24 thanks to its meticulously designed profile. This vehicle stretches to a length of 4.89 meters and features a luminous interior complete with a panoramic roof. Inside, it showcases two expansive screens – a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and a 15-inch central display.

The three options on offer include the RWD Long Range priced at 49,600 euros, the AWD Performance for 58,600 euros, and the Wing Edition at 69,600 euros. The base model delivers 276 horsepower and boasts an officially certified range of 576 kilometers.

Upcoming 2024 Xpeng P7

The Performance and Wing Edition models generate 473 horsepower and 757 Newton-meters of torque. Across the whole series, the peak charging capacity is 175 kilowatts, which allows the batteries to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes.

The P7 Performance model boasts the fastest acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, whereas the Wing Edition is distinguished by its signature scissor doors.

Inside the 2024 Xpeng P7

Xpeng's Research and Development

Xpeng's manufacturing facilities employ cutting-edge, fully integrated manufacturing processes featuring Gigacast technology, advanced robotics, and the use of self-driving transport vehicles. Together, these facilities have the potential to produce up to 600,000 vehicles annually.

The facility in Guangzhou is particularly well-equipped, featuring not just areas for waste processing but also tracks for testing, centers for quality assurance, and spaces dedicated to the manufacturing of batteries, electric motors, and various other parts.

Additional brands originating from China:

Overall, Xpeng's future appears promising, having delivered 400,000 vehicles from 2019 to 2023, alongside consistent growth: in 2023, sales surged by 170% and revenue increased by 154% compared to the figures from the previous year.

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