Chinese manufacturer Xpeng has officially launched in the UK as it debuted its flagship electric vehicle at an event in central London, with many suggesting its flagship SUV could rival Tesla.
The brand has unveiled lofty goals for its expansion into the UK including 20 dealerships opening across the country by the end of the year.
The Xpeng G6 has been described as an “ultra-smart all-electric mid-size coupe SUV” and has officially launched with drivers able to get their hands on the electric vehicle next month.
The G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV will launch with a price starting from £39,990, while deliveries will begin in March 2025.
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The flagship Xpeng G6 electric vehicle
XPENG
The electric vehicle has an impressive WLTP battery range of 550 kilometres (341 miles), with acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
It also comes with fast charging of up to 280kW, allowing motorists to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes.
Xpeng were keen to tell the audience at its London launch event about its goals for the UK including 20 dealers around the country before the end of the year thanks to a partnership with International Motors Ltd (IML).
Dr Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President of Xpeng, said the UK launching of the brand was a “significant step” for the Guangzhou-based manufacturer.
The Xpeng P7+ electric vehicle
XPENG
He added: “We are excited to bring a new era of smarter, more sustainable mobility to the UK market and globally.
“With Xpeng’s cutting-edge proprietary technology – ranging from futuristic design and impressive range to ultra-fast charging – we are confident that our vehicles will resonate with UK consumers, offering exceptional quality, innovation, and an outstanding driving experience.”
Similarly, William Brown, managing director of IML UK, said he was proud of the partnership with Xpeng and its huge launch into operating across the UK.
“Together, we are committed to shaping the future of electric mobility by providing market-leading vehicles and services. And we can’t wait to start our exciting journey with Xpeng,” he said.
The Xpeng X9 MPV
XPENG
Xpeng were also keen to exhibit other models including the “world’s first AI-defined vehicle” in the slick P7+, the “ultra-intelligent” G9 SUV and the X9 people carrier.
All vehicles come equipped with impressive technology including an on-board AI companion, massage seats and 360 cameras.
Xpeng, which has delivered more than 620,000 smart electric vehicles across the world since it was founded in 2014, even showed off its X2 flying car.
The eVTOL X2 flying car is set to be manufactured by Xpeng AEROHT, an Xpeng subsidiary and Asia’s largest eVTOL company, with hopes it will be launched in the coming years.
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The Xpeng X2 eVTOL flying car
XPENG
With the pricing of the G6, drivers will be able to avoid the “luxury tax” in the form of the Expensive Car Supplement, which applies to vehicles over £40,000.
From this price onwards, motorists will be required to pay £410 a year from the second year of registration for five years, coinciding with new car taxes launching in April.
While electric vehicle owners will have to start paying tax from April 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that zero mission cars will pay the lowest first year rate of £10 until 2029-2030.