KUALA LUMPUR: Ever since Bermaz Auto secured the distributorship for Xpeng vehicles in Malaysia back in March, anticipation has been building for the official introduction of these electric vehicles. The wait appears to be nearly over, as a new Malaysian Xpeng website, branded with Bermaz Xpeng Sdn Bhd at the bottom, has just gone live.

The company has also set up Facebook and Instagram profiles. Intriguingly, the website features a countdown, set to end in six days, teasing the unveiling of "A New Dawn in Electric Refinement." While it's too early to say for certain if this will be the official introduction of their vehicles, it is clear that something significant is on the horizon at Xpeng Malaysia.

According to a report by The Edge last month, the first Xpeng model to be introduced in Malaysia will be the Xpeng G6. However, Bermaz Auto will not be importing a large volume of these cars initially. The company believes that “Malaysia’s EV ecosystem—comprising charging stations and technical expertise for maintenance and repairs—is not yet developed enough to attract a large segment of the automotive market.” Bermaz group CEO Datuk Francis Lee Kok Chuan emphasized the necessity of entering the EV space despite the current limitations of the infrastructure. He stated however that their partners, Xpeng has agreed to a gradual and steady market penetration strategy.

Despite this, it seems that it will still be on our roads and here’s a quick recap of what the Xpeng G6 is all about. The Xpeng G6, launched in China in June 2023, showcases the brand's advanced SEPA2.0 technology. This compact SUV EV blends sleek design, cutting-edge intelligence, and superior charging tech with a spacious, luxurious cabin.

Transitioning to right-hand drive for markets like Malaysia and Thailand, the G6 will debut in Southeast Asia, starting with Thailand. It's now available for booking and is available in two rear-wheel drive variants: Standard Range (approx. RM200,000) and Long Range (approx. RM230,000), competing with the Tesla Model Y.

The G6 measures 4,753 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm. It features a rear-mounted motor producing 296 PS and 440 Nm of torque. The Standard Range variant has a 66 kWh battery with up to 580 km range, while the Long Range has an 87.5 kWh battery with up to 755 km range.

Luxury features include LED lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, pop-out door handles, a 14.96-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety tech with Lidar sensors. The G6 also offers a spacious, futuristic cabin designed with Sci-Fi author Liu Cixin, featuring the Xmart OS 4.0 and a high-tech voice assistant.

Also Read:  2024 Xpeng G6: All you need to know about the Tesla Model Y rival