CHINA'S XPENG TEES UP FIRST THREE CARS FOR UK

EV maker to follow G6 crossover with seven-seat MPV and Audi Q6 rival

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The futuristic Xpeng X9 MPV and G9 SUV will join the G6 crossover in UK showrooms from next year as the brand moves towards a five-strong UK line-up of premium, fast-charging EVs by 2028.

Solihull-based importer International Motors (IM) - which sells GWM, Isuzu and Subaru vehicles in the UK - has added the technology-focused Chinese EV brand to its portfolio.

IM will start delivering the Xpeng G6 crossover (see box, right) in the spring, with prices expected to slightly undercut its chief rival, the Tesla Model Y.

IM managing director William Brown outlined to Autocar plans to flesh out the Xpeng model line-up and dealer network over the coming years in a bid to cement the marque as the UK's "number-one Chinese premium EV brand".

The X9 is a radically shaped seven-seater that blends elements of MPV and SUV. It will be positioned as the flagship of Xpeng's UK line-up when it's launched and pricing will be "competitive compared with other luxury vehicles". Brown cited the Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID Buzz as potential rivals for the X9 and suggested that the company will give a clearer indication of pricing around the middle of the year.

In China, the X9 is offered with a choice of single- and dual-motor powertrains with up to 496bhp and 472lb ft of torque and the option of 84.5kWh or 101.5kWh battery packs for a claimed maximum range of up to 436 miles (on China's generous CLTC cycle).