XPeng G6 EV launched by Bermaz XPeng, priced from RM165,000

XPeng (Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology Co., Ltd) is the latest automaker in the ‘Chinese wave’ which has been washing into Malaysia over the past two years. It is represented by Bermaz XPeng Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of public-listed Bermaz Auto which has an experienced team led by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh who has been involved in the auto industry for over 45 years, with European, Japanese and Korean brands as well as Proton. Prima Maju Auto Sdn Bhd handles the importation of XPeng vehicles into Malaysia.

Bermaz Auto is not unfamiliar with Chinese brands as it has represented them for some years in the light commercial vehicle sector. Through its subsidiaries (Berjaya China Motor, Changan Berjaya Auto and Berjaya Brilliance Auto), it handles brands such as Kaicene, Foton, Golden Dragon, Chana and Jinbei.

Pure EV brand
While Bermaz Auto is also not unfamiliar with electric vehicles as its Kia brand has a few EV models, XPeng is the first brand it is handling which is a pure EV brand. Founded just 10 years ago by former senior executives of GAC Motor, XPeng began selling its first model in 2018 and currently has 7 models in its range.

The company is just starting to step up its export activities with markets in Europe, Australia and Singapore to start this year, besides Malaysia (its first market in ASEAN). Up till the end of 2023, it has sold almost 142,000 EVs  in China, with a handful exported to Norway.

Two versions of G6
For the Malaysian market, Bermaz XPeng is starting off with the G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV, a model which XPeng unveiled in China in April last year. It will be offered in two versions – G6 580 Pro priced from RM165,000 and G6 755 Pro priced from RM185,000. The prices exclude insurance and, until the end of 2025, are imported and sold duty-free.

The mid-size crossover SUV is the brand’s fifth model but the first one to use its SEPA (Smart Electric Platform Architecture) 2.0 platform. This is a new-generation platform which is scalable to support a variety of vehicle types, including pick-up trucks which XPeng may also offer in future.

For the G6, the SEPA 2.0 platform will be installed with either a LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) battery pack with a 66 kWh capacity for the 580 Pro, or an 87.5 kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery pack for the 755 Pro. Range claimed are 435 kms for the 580 Pro and 570 kms for the 755 Pro.

Rear-wheel drive only
Both versions have only rear-mounted motors generating 440 Nm but the 755 Pro has a higher output of 282 hp whereas the 580 Pro’s is 255 hp. 800V architecture allows for faster charging and the G6 can take a DC supply of up to 280 kW (755 Pro). A recharging time within 20 minutes for 10% to 80% is claimed for both versions.

‘Circle of Life’ design concept
XPeng’s interior designers chose a design philosophy with simplicity which has a ‘Circle of Life’ concept. The generous 2890 mm wheelbase allows for a comfortable and spacious cabin with good legroom and headroom.

Xmart OS 5.0
As with other EVs, especially those from China, the G6 comes with many smart features. For the operating system, XPeng developed its own OS called Xmart OS 5.0 powered by AI technologies. The OS has a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P chipset and, together with multi-sensor software and hardware platforms, make up the Smart Cockpit.

Information and system management is done with a 14.96-inch high-resolution display complemented with a 10.2-inch digi-graphic instrument panel. The Intelligent Voice Assistant employs an interactive avatar and voice profile featuring a human-like image and refined voice quality that has 14 emotional tones.

XPILOT 2.5 manages ADAS
XPeng’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) is known as XPILOT 2.5 and uses both radar and camera sensors with image processing by a Nvidia Orin X chipset with advanced AU and machine-learning.

The XPILOT 2.5 manages active safety systems for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Centering Control, Active Lane Change, Enhanced Auto Parking Assist, Auto Exit Parking Assist and Straight Summon (via the XPENG mobile application), Driver State Monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Intelligent High Beam, Blind-spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Rear Collision Warning.

Parking is also made easier with Enhanced Auto Parking Assist which can assist the owner in positioning the G6 in perpendicular, parallel, or diagonal parking spaces with or without lines. The Auto Exit Parking Assist function using the mobile application can be used for driving out of the parking space.

CBU model
Bermaz XPeng is now accepting orders for the G6 which is imported from China as a CBU (completely built-up) vehicle. Customers have a choice of 5 exterior colours and two interior colours.

The factory warranty is 5 years or a maximum of 120,000 kms for the vehicle, and there is a separate warranty for the battery pack which is 8 years long or a maximum of 160,000 kms.

Click here for full specifications and features of G6

Bermaz Auto to sell XPeng EVs from China