since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
WHEN you can’t beat them, join them. These are the classic words of Tan Sri Ben Yeoh, executive chairman of Bermaz Auto Bhd in reference to the two model previews from China during the recent media dinner in late January. The Xpeng X9 clearly challenges the dominance of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire while the Deepal comes in as a strong contender in the SUV (sport utility vehicle) market.
The Alphard/Vellfire market has captured a good share of luxury MPV (multipurpose vehicle) market shortly after it was introduced as reconditioned vehicles from Japan. In fact, these luxury MPVs are so dominating that attempts by rival brands to break its hold with similar models hardly made a dent.
The advent of the Chinese-made luxury MPVs might just shake Toyota’s iron grip somewhat given that they are priced a lot more attractively with loads of premium and electronic features to boot. And we are referring to the prices of the reconditioned range rather than those distributed by UMW Toyota Motor, which are priced much higher.
Who wouldn’t want a brand new luxury MPV with warranty backing and service programmes over a recond vehicle that lacks in both areas. Hot on the heels of the Zeekr 009 and Denza D9 (which also eye the same market segment), Bermaz’s preview of the Xpeng X9 suggests that its entry to the Malaysian market is not far off.
These Chinese luxury MPVs are all EVs (electric vehicles) while the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are ICE (internal combustion engine) models. With promises of longer distance range on electric power, the battle is shaping up nicely for a share of this popular market segment.
It is interesting to note that all the three Chinese luxury models are dimensionally larger than the Toyota range, with the Xpeng X9 having a wheelbase of 3160mm. With a body length of 5293mm, you could immediately discern its longer stance. When we opened the tailgate for the luggage area, we noted that there was more room to stow away holiday stuff even with the third rear seatrests unfolded.
And while the captain seats are already the standard fare for the middle row, there are more electronic conveniences (massage, heating and ventilation) and items to pander to those sitting in that area. You could feel a greater sense of space here, even from the third-row seats, besides luxuriating in the two captain seats for the second row. There is also a ceiling-mounted 21.4-inch display for those sitting in this section to catch up on the latest movies during long journeys.
The driver is just as well taken off with a 17.3-inch multi-info centre screen with which he could access a wide variety of controls and functions. This is complemented by the smaller 10.25-inch digital instrument panel for the driver to glean all the driving and vehicle details.
Styling-wise, the Xpeng X9 looks sleek and trendy. There is a full sweep bonnet strip, angular headlamps and a jazzy lower panel to break the monotony. The rear has an angular wedge design with a full sweep of lights to complement the bonnet item. For sure, the X9 doesn’t look unwieldy for a dimensionally large luxury MPV but looks the part it is supposed to play as a premium-class passenger vehicle.
We learnt that the X9 has two battery alternatives; an 84.5kWh lithium-ion phosphate unit with a distance range of 610km and a 101.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery capable of a longer range (700km). It has a front-mounted electric motor to drive the front wheels with a power rating of 236kW (320PS) and 450Nm. The X9 is said to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h.
Xpeng also offers an AWD (all wheel drive) version with two electric motors, one each in front and rear, for an output of 370kW (503PS) and 640Nm. 0-110km/h acceleration is faster at 5.7 seconds. Which model would be brought in here is not revealed yet but our guess would be the AWD model as many would like to own the top dog with a more exciting performance, especially if the price is very attractive compared to rivals.
As for the Deepal S07, this electric SUV should complement the models from different brands that Bermaz has under its wings. It shares the same wheelbase as the Xpeng G6 that was launched last year. The company’s choice of a Changan brand comes naturally as Mazda is in collaboration with the Chinese carmaker on a shared model basis for an electric vehicle.
For all you know, the Mazda version of the EV model from the Changan stable might just make it here as well. Given that the Mazda EV version could be introduced at an attractive price, because of its Chinese roots, is certainly a reason for it to be launched here in the not-too-distant future.
The Deepal S07, meanwhile, comes with an electric motor at the rear that delivers 190kW (258PS) and 320Nm. The battery is a 68.8kWh lithium-ion phosphate unit that is said to provide a range of almost 490km. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 180km/h.
It looks good too with an almost Porsche-ish front featuring long and sleek, windswept headlamps and two huge air vents in black on each side of the lower front. As an EV, the bonnet opens up to reveal a comparatively big and deep compartment that would be useful for storing additional items.
The interior is what you would expect from an EV although the large 15.6-inch multi-info touchscreen on the centre of the dashboard provides a rather imposing sight. Features include a head-up display for the driver, 14-speaker Sony sound system and panoramic sunroof. Passenger space is up to par for everyone on board to enjoy a comfortable travel.
Given the high concentration of Chinese SUVs in the Malaysian market, it would be interesting to see how the Changan Deepal S07 would fare against them. It has to be attractively priced to gain a strong foothold. With four different brands under the Bermaz group, there might be some cannibalisation as well, depending on the vehicle prices.
It is a challenge that Bermaz would have figured out as the company hops onto the bandwagon in offering an interesting selection of vehicles from China at attractive prices. And we reiterate: as Tan Sri Ben Yeoh says: “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
