After Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, Xpeng has just announced its presence in France. The Chinese manufacturer is launching an initial attack with two electric SUVs. To secure a place in the French market, the brand is focusing particularly on its imposing G9.
Xpeng launches flagship in France
It’s no longer just fiction. In 2024, Chinese manufacturers are truly entering Europe. Among the most well-known are BYD, MG, Great Wall, Nio, and now Xpeng. The latter has announced the launch of its range in France after first targeting the Nordic countries. Unlike the strategy adopted in Norway, the Chinese brand will not market its P7 in France.
The team responsible for developing the company in the French market believes that the electric sedan “is already well advanced in its life cycle“. However, the electric SUVs G6 and G9 will be part of the lineup. These are currently the only two models with which Xpeng aims to establish itself in France. Automobile Propre had the opportunity to get on board the larger of the two: the G9.
A beautiful baby
The flagship of the Chinese brand has some interesting features. In terms of dimensions, we have quite a beautiful baby: 4.89 m long, 1.94 m wide, and 1.68 m high. Its weight ranges from 2,235 to 2,340 kg. The trunk volume ranges from 660 to 1,576 liters. In addition to that, there are 71 liters of the frunk. Unlike BYD, which is focused on volume, Xpeng aims to position itself in the premium segment.
The Guangzhou firm aims to stand out with the tech aspect of its models and certain manufacturing quality. Here are some features equipped by the Xpeng G9 sold in France: 360° camera, Xpilot 2.5 driving assistance systems, heated seats, panoramic glass roof (Saint-Gobain), Surround sound system, sensor-controlled tailgate, a 14.96-inch screen, etc.
10-80% in 20 minutes for the Xpeng G9
But it is mainly thanks to the recharging performance of the model that Xpeng hopes to make a difference. Indeed, the G9 is capable of handling up to 300 kW in DC (direct current). According to the brand, this can allow the large 98 kWh battery (available on the two most expensive versions of the model) to go from 10 to 80% in just 20 minutes. A charging time more favorable than that of its competitors.
To achieve the 10-80%, the Skoda Enyaq takes 29 minutes, the BMW iX3 takes 34 minutes, the Kia EV9 takes 25 minutes, and the BMW iX takes 31 minutes. Regarding the range, the Chinese model also seems to be well positioned. Depending on the chosen version, it ranges from 460 to 570 km on the WLTP cycle with a single charge. Two types of batteries (800 volts) are available: a “small” one of 78.2 kWh and another of 98 kWh.
The announced consumption varies from 19.4 to 21.3 kWh/100 km. In terms of engines, the Xpeng G9 offers performances ranging from 230 kW (312 hp) and 430 Nm of torque for the rear-wheel-drive versions to 405 kW (550 hp) and 717 Nm of torque for the all-wheel-drive version. In its AWD Performance version (the most sporty), the electric SUV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Psychological price?
As for the price, Xpeng has also aimed to differentiate itself from its competitors in the French market. Its large model starts at 59,990 euros and can go up to 73,990 euros in its premium version. It’s quite interesting, even though it shouldn’t be forgotten that the same model is sold between 250,000 and 300,000 yuan (between 32,000 and 38,000 euros) in China.
If “Chinese brand” doesn’t always rhyme with “quality” in the minds of French consumers, it must be acknowledged that the G9 is quite successful. The finishing touches are clean, the seats are comfortable, the model is equipped with a NVIDIA Drive Orin chip and a level 2.5 autonomous driving system. In short, it is up to par. Here are the three versions of the Xpeng G9 available in France since May 15, 2024:
Xpeng G9 RWD Standard Range
- Battery: 78.4 kWh
- Cell type: LFP
- Range: 460 km WLTP
- Consumption: 19.4 kWh/100 km
- DC charging power: up to 260 kW
- Engine: RWD 230 kW (312 hp)
- Torque: 430 Nm
- Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 6.4 sec
- Selling price: 59,990 euros
Xpeng G9 RWD Extended Range
- Battery: 98 kWh
- Cell type: NMC
- Range: 570 km WLTP
- Consumption: 19.4 kWh/100 km
- DC charging power: up to 300 kW
- Engine: RWD 230 kW (312 hp)
- Torque: 430 Nm
- Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 6.4 sec
- Selling price: 63,990 euros
Xpeng G9 AWD Performance
- Battery: 98 kWh
- Cell type: NMC
- Range: 520 km WLTP
- Consumption: 21.3 kWh/100 km
- DC charging power: up to 300 kW
- Engine: AWD 405 kW (550 hp)
- Torque: 717 Nm
- Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 3.9 sec
- Selling price: 73,990 euros
A unique options package is offered for 3,990 euros. With this, the G9 benefits from Nappa leather seats with massage function (for all four seats). The audio system also receives some upgrades with 18 speakers and Dolby Atmos technology for a completely immersive sound. Finally, it is also possible to add a deployable and retractable electrically operated trailer hitch for 1,290 euros.
To distribute its first two electric models, Xpeng has decided to establish a network of dealers. The company already has 15 dealerships throughout the country and aims to reach 55 sales points by the end of 2025. According to the manufacturer, this is “the only way to reassure customers”. Ultimately, the brand promises that there will be no more than 50 minutes between each dealership.