since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
WITH the heightened flurry of action in the Malaysian EV (electric vehicle) market, it’s not something once could ignore as a car distributor and player. Although the Bermaz Group has its range of EVs from Kia and Mazda to cater the increasing demand, it probably felt something was missing since the buzz word these days was often Chinese EVs.
Well, it took its time selecting a Chinese EV partner as it wanted a car company that could subscribe to its marketing approach. Not one that would pressure it with high volume sales but rather one that could see its marketing logic of building the brand first to win customer support and loyalty.
The people behind Xpeng in China were obviously of like mind in that respect and Bermaz Xpeng Sdn Bhd was born. And this saw to the launch of a mid-range EV SUV called the G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV, with two variants to stimulate interest in an already increasingly crowded Chinese EV market here.
Unlike many of the other Chinese EV brands, the Xpeng G6 580 Pro Standard Range commands a premium price starting from RM165,820 on the road without insurance. The higher-spec G6 755 Pro Longer Range adds another RM20,000 up the price ladder.
Both comes with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with the Standard Range model delivering 225hp (165kW) and 440Nm, and the Long Range G6 has a higher power output of 282hp (207kW) but the same torque output.
Interestingly, these models come with different batteries; the Standard Range has a 66kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery (weighing an estimated 569kg) while the Long Range G6 comes with an 87.5kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) unit (about 559kg). The DC (Direct Current) Fast Charging Time for both batteries is 20 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent.
In performance, the Standard Range G6 sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds and the Long Range does it in 6.2. The top speed is the same for both at 200km/h. Given their kerb weight of 2025kg (same for both), that is pretty good performance. The mileage range for the Standard Range G6 is 435 kilometres while the Long Range G6, like its name suggests, goes further to 570km. There are four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Launch.
With a wheelbase of 2890mm, the Xpeng G6 is not short of interior room for passengers and luggage. The luggage space offers 571 litres and with the rear 60:40 split seatrests folded away progressively, that space is almost tripled to 1374 litres.
The electric motor drives the rear wheels and the suspension design sees a double wishbone front and a multi-link rear, which should promise good ride comfort and capable handling dynamics. The alloy wheels are 20-inch units shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV 255/45 R20 tyres.
The G6 comes with a full range of safety equipment and kit, a few of which are operated via Apps such as Remote Parking Assist, keyless door entry, remote start, Mobile App Remote Control and App Intelligent Car Locating. The air-conditioning system includes an air purification system and the surround sound system comes with 18 speakers.
Both models have a panoramic glass roof with thermal insulation and UV protection coating. The electrically six-way adjustable driver’s seat has four-lumbar adjustments. Seat upholstery is leatherette and the front seats are the ventilated type. There is also dual wireless charging for handphones.
In body styling, we couldn’t help noticing a touch of Porsche in the front outline of the G6. As there is apparently some collaboration between Xpeng Inc and Volkswagen, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Xpeng car body designer took inspiration from brands under the Volkswagen Group.
Xpeng Inc is a relatively new company, having started in 2014. It describes itself as a leading Chinese automaker of smart electric vehicles. It is listed on the New York and Hong Kong stock exchange.
The Xpeng G6 was the fifth model Xpeng Inc introduced at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai) in April 2023. It is the first new production model to be built on the modern SEPA 2.0 platform (Smart Electric Platform Architecture) with an 800-volt architecture. This is said to set the foundation of future production models.
Bermaz Xpeng had already tested customer response with the G6 being displayed in the showroom since early August and the feedback was said to be encouraging. Some pre-orders were also taken and delivery of the Xpeng G6 mid-range EV SUV is expected to be made by late September.
Bermaz Xpeng is also looking at local assembly and Xpeng engineers from China are expected to come over later in the year to look at the company’s assembly plant in the northern part of the peninsula. Perhaps by late 2025 or early 2026, a cheaper Xpeng G6 could be there for the taking. In addition, there would be other Xpeng models to be launched in due course to reach out to a wider base of EV customers.
Price list here
Specification here
