Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) - long since the importer in Ireland for Mercedes-Benz, and more recently for Chinese brands BYD and Smart (Sino-German in the case of Smart) - has announced that it will begin importing Chinese-made Xpeng cars into Ireland.
Noting that the negotiations to bring Xpeng (pronounced ‘Shao-Peng’) to Ireland concluded “only days ago” MDL says that the first XPeng model to hit the Irish market will be the G6 SUV.
What is an Xpeng G6?
The G6 is a roomy SUV, a rival to the Tesla Model Y, which majors on fast-charging. All versions can charge up at speeds of up to 200kW, with top-spec models capable of peak 280kW charging, thanks to an 800-volt electrical architecture.
The G6 - as with all Xpeng models - uses a choice of lithium-iron phosphate batteries (cheaper, longer-lived) or lithium-ion batteries (better range and power) depending on the model, and ranges vary from 435km to 570km.
Will Xpengs be cheap?
While no Irish prices have yet been discussed, in European markets so far, the G6 has tended to be priced at a slightly more affordable point than the Tesla Model Y, although of course the new EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs might well undermine that strategy.
What other Xpeng models are coming?
Other Xpeng models that may well come to Ireland (so far, MDL has simply confirmed that the G6 is the ‘first in a range of Xpeng passenger cars all of which will be marketed here over time’) include the X9 MPV, the G9 large SUV, the P7 mid-size saloon, the P5 compact saloon, and the G3i compact crossover. So far, MDL has only mentioned the G9 and the P7 but has said that right-hand-drive production of all products is under consideration.
MDL chief executive, Paddy Finnegan said: “the Xpeng portfolio of models which we will offer to Irish motorists and their dealers - whom we have yet to fully appoint - is one that MDL will be proud to represent. Offering as it does, another excellent example of Chinese all-electric drive construction and technology, and of its build quality within a high-class designcomplete with sleek interior styling attractive to the eyes of European motorist, the current Xpeng range - plus those many models yet to be developed - will constitute an exciting choice of options for buyers and dealers seeking something new and climate-friendly in the field of personal transportation.”
Responding, Xpeng Vice Chairman and President, Dr. Brian Gu said: “Our partnership with Motor Distributors Limited marks an important step in Xpeng's global expansion. We are excited to introduce Irish consumers to a new standard in electric mobility, combining innovative technology with exceptional design to deliver an unparalleled experience that meets the demands of today's drivers. With a vision for AI-defined mobility, we aim to revolutionise the driving experience in Ireland, making it safer, smarter, more sustainable and more pleasant in the near future.”
Where will Xpengs be on sale in Ireland?
As far as dealerships are concerned, MDL has not yet confirmed whether or not Xpeng models will be sold through its existing Mercedes, Smart,and BYD outlets, and has officially said that: “An immediate task being undertaken by MDL is to expand its dealer network sufficient to ensure that effective representation and competition exists between all of the brands the Company now represents, and to that end, the Company will have conversations with dealers with whom it has worked with in the past and others that would be new to the organisation.”