From flying cars to ‘ultra smart’ SUVs: how Xpeng plans to win UK buyers

The first model from Chinese newcomer Xpeng is now available to order from UK importer International Motors which is promising to bring “ultra smart” technology to the mass market.

The G6 ‘coupe SUV’ is available in two rear-wheel drive model derivatives: standard range (270 miles), priced £39,990, and long range (342 miles), priced £44,990.

Both variants claim 20 minutes 10-80% rapid charging at 280kW and have a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

A total of 29 sensors, including both hi definition wave and ultrasonic radars and cameras, link to ultra-fast computer chips for seamless ADAS interaction, claims UK product manager Edvards Mecbergs.

“It works with you not against you,” he said, in a swipe at the overly aggressive systems deployed by rival brands. Maximum detection distance is an impressive 210 metres.

Integrating the battery into the floor increases internal space by 5% and reduces weight by 21%. Further weight reductions of 17% have been achieved by using die-casting underbody at the front and rear. Both help to boost real-world efficiency.

The list of standard equipment is impressive (including parking assist, dual wireless charging ports, Apply CarPlay/Android Auto, hearted rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof, electric release door opening, electric front seats), with the only optional extra seemingly three non-standard colours at £700.

Battery warranty is eight years/100,000 miles with a five-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty.

In contrast to Chinese contemporaries BYD, which has heavily invested in marketing, and Omoda, which has expressed some highly ambitious growth aspirations, Xpeng is taking a cautious approach to registrations in the early years, with a target of just “a couple of thousand” in 2025, according to International Motors managing director William Brown.

He is also focusing on targeted marketing via social media and PR to build brand awareness.

Xpeng hopes to buck the industry trend for fleet-dominated registrations of electric vehicles, aiming for 50/50 fleet-to-retail sales.

“We will focus on natural organic growth in the market – we don’t need to force it to meet the ZEV Mandate because we are EV-only,” Brown said. “We are not into big discounts.

“Between 2025 and 2030 we intend to become the UK leader in ultra smart premium BEVs. We want to challenge Audi, BMW and Mercedes but we won’t be as cheap as other Chinese brands.”

Hot on the heels of the G6 will be the X9, a seven-seat people carrier, due in Q4. It will contain “lots of disruptive elements”, said to Brown, including four-wheel drive steering for urban manoeuvrability, an air suspension system that adapts to the road ahead, fold-flat seats at the press of a button and air-con located in the roof lining with air circulated via 6,000 holes.

Confirmed for early 2026 is the G9 large SUV, with two models to follow by 2027 taking the brand to five. They are likely to include the P7+ coupe-styled hatchback and G3i compact SUV. Less likely is Xpeng’s two-seater electric X2 flying car, which took its maiden flight in Dubai in 2022.

In an increasingly congested UK market, with Stellantis joint venture Leapmotor shortly joining the fray and Zeekr scheming its entry for 2026, Brown believes Xpeng’s USP is its technology-first approach.

“We are redefining what a car company should be. Xpeng is a technology company that builds cars,” he said. “We believe the successful companies will be the ones with the best hardware and software.

“Our smart technology will add value, and every new model will have a technology advance.”

By “smart”, Brown is referencing Xpeng’s AI tech where the car is constantly learning while being driven – “how you drive, what you use it for”, he explains.

On a more practical level, the first five franchised dealers will open in March with Xpeng anticipating a network of 25 by the end of the year, supplemented by standalone aftersales points. More dealers will be added next year.

IM has an established parts facility in the UK to minimise off-road times and will be hosting an insurance company day for the G6 in an effort to secure a favourable rating.

“We recognise the need for cars to be on the road, not off the road waiting for parts,” Brown said. “We want customers to let us now if they are having any issues.”

Who is Xpeng?

Guangzhou Xiaopeng Automotive Technology, which trades as Xpeng Motors, was founded in 2014 by a group of tech entrepreneurs, with backgrounds in software, internet and AI. They wanted to create an “explorer of future mobility”, according to vice chair and president Brian Gu.

Xpeng prioritises technology with half of its R&D team focused entirely on software and AI.

To date, the manufacturer has sold more than 620,000 electric vehicles, including 10,000 in Europe. It also has a joint venture with Volkswagen which sees every VW sold in China contain Xpeng technology.

“Our ambition is to be the number one Chinese premium electric vehicle brand overseas,” said Gu. “My definition of premium is electric vehicles priced more than 40,000 euros (£33,400).”

He added: “We will build local offices, staff and sales points and we have many products to be launched in the next few years. The UK is one of our most important and strategic markets. We believe our brand and products will resonate with UK buyers.”