- The automotive division of the Chinese drone and artificial intelligence brand brings two electric SUVs to Colombia
Innovation in the automotive sector is increasingly geared towards a global experience. The most innovative brands no longer limit themselves to electric motorisation, a dashboard screen, or a sensor to prevent accidents, but instead offer a package that includes artificial intelligence, voice recognition, interconnection with mobile devices, and techniques derived from the Internet of Things. A brand like Xpeng, which arrives in Colombia through the Inchcape group, brings a significant technological showcase to the Colombian market to compete with any manufacturer in the world.
Xpeng, the Chinese technology company, has chosen Inchcape as its representative in Colombia. The British-origin group, which is the largest in the world, will leverage its full commercial strength and support to back its electric vehicles. Inchcape will provide support through a network of sales points, authorised workshops, and logistical backing to ensure the capabilities of a vision that goes beyond mobility.
This vision is embodied in the two initial vehicles that the Chinese brand is presenting at the Bogotá International Motor Show: the G6 and G9 SUVs. Xpeng's expertise in technologies such as drone construction, humanoids, and developments more typical of a Tech Hub than an automotive company is reflected in these two models, which compete with the most renowned electric mobility brands at an unbeatable price.
“Xpeng is a technology company that makes electric cars. We work to integrate advanced assistance systems based on artificial intelligence and connect the vehicle with the daily lives of individuals. This ensures that our vehicles combine high performance and advanced technology focused on autonomous driving and connectivity. We stand out for innovative solutions such as OTA (Over-The-Air) updates and satellite internet connectivity, offering a premium experience oriented towards digital comfort and safety on every journey,” said Nicolás Muñoz, Xpeng's brand manager for Colombia.
Thus, the two SUVs are characterised by a vision of modern vehicles. The G6 features a highly sporty coupé design, while the G9 has a more rectilinear and luxurious design without losing the agile lines of a highly aerodynamic design. These lines also aid air penetration, reducing resistance and improving range.
The Xpeng G6 is coming to Colombia in two versions: the entry-level Air, which has a 185-kilowatt (248 horsepower) motor and a 68 kWh battery capacity, allowing for a range of 450 kilometres under the WLTP cycle. The Pro version features 218 kW (292 horsepower) of power, an 80 kWh battery capacity, and a range of 520 kilometres. Both batteries use LFP (lithium iron phosphate) technology, which ensures a long lifespan and ultra-fast charging systems of the EU 2 - CCS 2 type, enabling the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes with authorised chargers.
Meanwhile, the G9 comes in a single Performance version with two motors: a front asynchronous motor and a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a total power of 423 kW (567 horsepower). The 94 kWh LFP battery provides a range of 540 km and a charging speed of up to 11 kW, allowing the vehicle to charge from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes with an authorised charger. Additionally, the battery features a power delivery system that can supply up to 6 kWh to charge other devices or electrical networks.
This technology is not limited solely to the propulsion system. All three SUVs are equipped with the Xpilot Assist safety system, which includes 360-degree surround cameras, a minimum of 16 front and rear sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, autonomous parking, traffic sign recognition, and alerts for cross-traffic, rear collisions, lane departure, and pedestrian warnings. The G9 also includes a built-in dashcam, driver state monitoring, and seven high-precision cameras.
For driver comfort, the G6 Air includes a 15.6’’ screen and a 10.5’’ dashboard, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Huawei App Store integrated, as well as welcome mode, meditation, and voice control. The driver and passenger seats have 10 programmable positions, a wireless charger, and air conditioning with an N95 anti-pollen filter. The Pro version adds ventilated seats with massage, a rear-view mirror with camera transmission, and an anti-fatigue mode.
The G9, on the other hand, features an intelligent thermal management system that includes 2.5 particulate microfilters, a panoramic roof with UV filter, ventilated front seats with massage, and heated rear seats in both the cushion and backrest. It also includes the brand's proprietary “Hey Xpeng” system with four positions, unlocking via mobile phone, a digital key linked to Bluetooth and NFC, and navigation with intelligent location via the app.
“We want Colombians to have in their homes and enjoy on the streets and roads of the country the best that global technology can offer. We are confident that Xpeng will not only be a technological spectacle but will also set a milestone for driving enthusiasts who enjoy advanced technology with style and safety,” said Muñoz.
Xpeng will have sales points and authorised workshops in the country's main cities, starting in January in Bogotá, and later expanding to Cali and Medellín in April.