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Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I test drove XPeng's electric minivan. Its back seats are the business class of the road.
Last year, over 17 million EVs were produced globally, and China made most of them. Our reviewer drove the XPeng X9, a seven-seater EV minivan, around Singapore for three days. The back seats felt like business class, and it made him rethink what a people mover can be. Chinese EVs are coming in every shape and size — including luxury minivans. I spent three days driving the XPeng X9 around Singapore to find out what this futuristic people-mover is all about. I was seriously impressed. XPeng, founded in 2014 and based in Guangzhou, isn't just making EVs — it's also dabbling in flying cars and robotics, making it one of the more ambitious players among a cutthroat global battle for transportation dominance. "Competition in 2025 will be fiercer than ever," XPeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, wrote in a letter to employees last year. He added that the next two years mark the "elimination round." In 2024, over 17 million EVs were produced globally, a 25% jump from 2023. Over 70% of them were made in China, per the International Energy Agency. As of March 2025, XPeng is selling cars across Asia and Europe, with plans to expand to the Middle East and Africa. The X9 was inspired by the CEO's experience balancing family life with his role as an entrepreneur and a "hands-on father," Alex Tang, the head of XPeng's international sales and service division, told Business Insider in a statement. "He envisioned a vehicle that drives with the agility of an SUV, carries the sleek silhouette of a coupe, and delivers the comfort and practicality of a premium MPV," Tang said. On the outside The seven-seater X9, first released in October 2023, is priced between 359,800 and 419,800 Chinese yuan, or $50,185 and $58,550. It grabbed my attention right away, mostly because of its shape. Instead of following the usual luxury minivan formula, XPeng gave it a bold, trapezoidal twist. It feels like the Tesla Cybertruck of the EV multipurpose vehicle world: sharply styled, tech-packed, and built to rethink what a people mover can be. The proportions and lines are spot-on, topped off with sleek 20-inch alloys. Getting behind the wheel The X9 is big — really big. At 208 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70 inches tall, it's the longest of any Chinese electric minivan on the market. While it's not the slimmest in width, its overall dimensions still make it one of the most space-efficient in its class. For perspective, it's even longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the real surprise was how easily it maneuvered into tight parking spots, even parallel ones. XPeng has equipped it with an easy-to-use park assist system. It can park itself if you want it to. But if you're like me and prefer doing it yourself, the network of cameras and sensors makes the job stress-free. The system is named XPilot Parking. While it's not a function that's unique to the XPeng, no BYD models — the world's largest electric vehicle maker — offer the same feature. Another neat party trick: rear-wheel steering. It gives the X9 an edge in maneuverability — a feature typically reserved for high-end luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series. It really shines on winding roads or when a hot hatch is tailgating and you need to stay sharp. XPeng says the X9's WLTP range exceeds 350 miles on a single charge. I couldn't validate it, as I only covered 160 miles during the three-day drive. On the inside The X9 comes fitted with standard air suspension, which you can set to Comfort, Standard, or Sport for your different driving moods. I found that for a luxury minivan like this, Sport seemed unnecessary. The setting stiffens the suspension. While it reduces body roll and improves overall handling, it also transmits more bumps and road imperfections, compromising ride comfort for everyone on board. This suspension allows drivers to raise or lower the car at the touch of a button on the 17.3-inch touchscreen. Lift it when there's flooding, or drop it for easier access when passengers are getting in or out. No other EV minivan offers this feature. The Chinese have really nailed the art of crafting luxurious interiors, and the X9 is no exception. Many Chinese cars, including the X9, now come standard with massive screens, premium materials like leather and high-quality plastics, and even reclining rear seats with massage functions. Features that were once reserved for top-tier German brands are now common in the latest generation of Chinese vehicles. One of the coolest touches of XPeng's minivan: The rear air conditioning vents are seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, like something you'd see in a convention hall. Ride in the back A car like the X9 makes calling "shotgun" pointless — the best seats are in the back. A pair of captain's chairs offers plenty of controls to find your sweet spot, plus a third row that's honestly the most comfortable and well-cushioned I've seen in my 23 years of reviewing cars. Once again, XPeng shows serious attention to detail: The third row, usually where you stash someone you'd rather not hear yapping the whole ride, is not only easy to access but actually comfortable for adults. Since this is a luxury minivan, passengers in the back get pampered with perks like a built-in fridge to keep drinks chilled and a 21.4-inch entertainment screen. And if you've got teenagers, you can hook up an Xbox to keep them entertained instead of listening to them confuse you with their Gen Alpha slang.
Rakyat Post
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Rakyat Post
BMW Group Malaysia & Quill Automobiles Unveil New State-Of-The-Art Body & Paint Centre
Subscribe to our FREE Quill Automobiles, one of the largest authorised BMW Group dealerships in Malaysia, unveiled their new Quill Body & Paint Centre, setting new benchmarks in BMW aftersales excellence, designed to deliver precision repairs and expert craftsmanship. The new workshop, located in the heart of Petaling Jaya's business district, stands as the latest and most comprehensive embodiment of BMW Group Malaysia's full 360-approach to Premium Ownership – Relax. We Care., to date. The Relax. We Care. Customer Support promise is powered by a suite of smart services including the BMW Service Promise, BMW Proactive Care, and BMW ConnectedDrive, driving prescient customer reassurance at every step. Building on a modern, premium approach to vehicle ownership, these features ensure customers receive real-time vehicle diagnostics, expert technical support, and seamless service appointments via the My BMW App and in-vehicle interfaces. Paired with comprehensive coverage through the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive (BSRI) programme, BMW owners can enjoy up to 6 years of service coverage and 8 years of high-voltage battery warranty for electric vehicles, complemented by 24/7 BMW Roadside Assistance, guaranteeing that customers are cared for, no matter the situation. BMW Group Malaysia and Quill Automobiles unveil new state-of-the-art Body & Paint Centre. Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, said, 'Our promise to each customer under the BMW Group is a commitment to providing Sheer Driving Pleasure not just at the wheel, but throughout the entire Premium Ownership journey, extending far beyond their initial drive out of the showroom. Relax. We Care. represents our active goal to meet customer needs with proactive care, expert service, advanced connectivity, and transparent support. As Technology Openness and the Power of Choice remain cornerstones of our strategy, it is also equally vital that our aftersales experience reflects the same values – flexible, innovative, and ready to support every kind of BMW driver. The upgraded Body & Paint facilities here at Quill Automobiles further strengthen this promise, delivering the level of excellence and care that our customers rightfully expect for total peace-of-mind in regard to their BMW vehicles.' Alex Tang, Dealer Principle of Quill Automobiles, added, 'As one of the largest retail and service centres for BMW Group Malaysia, we are thrilled to unveil our new Body & Paint Centre as a continuation of our investment into premium automotive care for our valued customers. With increased dedicated service bays, and our new state of-the-art repair systems that provide the latest technology in vehicle restoration, we are equipped to handle everything from minor touch-ups to complex servicing with factory-grade precision. Our goal is to ensure every vehicle that enters our workshop is returned to its owner in peak condition – allowing it to continue delivering the Sheer Driving Pleasure they know and love.' With a functionally-focused layout and advanced infrastructure, the new Quill Automobiles Body & Paint Centre is designed to deliver BMW-certified repair excellence with maximum efficiency and care. Spread across a 15,625-square foot workshop space with an additional 6,397 square feet of office space, the facility is equipped to handle a wide range of repair needs, from minor cosmetic work to advanced vehicle restoration, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, precision, and customer reassurance. The centre houses 10 dedicated repair bays, 2 state-of-the-art spray booths, and 4 fully equipped preparation bays that support seamless repair flow and quality control. A dedicated Mixing room allows for comprehensive detailing work, while a top-of-the-line Car-O-Liner frame alignment system ensures real-time diagnostic accuracy to manufacturer specifications. Inside, a team of 11 trained specialists work in tandem with the latest BMW-approved tools and diagnostic equipment to provide a slew of comprehensive vehicle care services that include collision repair, paint restoration, wheel refurbishment, and windshield replacement. Quill Body & Paint Centre Beyond its physical capabilities, the new Quill Automobiles Body & Paint Centre represents a broader commitment to supporting the Future of Mobility. With specialised infrastructure and technician training in place, the centre is fully prepared to manage the unique demands of electric vehicle repairs, including high-voltage battery systems, carbon fibre components, and advanced material handling. In tandem with the official unveiling of their Body & Paint Centre, Quill Automobiles also hosted a series of technical workshops for key partners. These behind-the scenes sessions, led by a BMW Technical & EV Expert Training Manager reinforced the depth of expertise and service offerings customers can expect from every visit, encompassing advanced BMW repair techniques, the sophisticated processes behind colour mixing, EV servicing, and how-tos on the latest technologies behind structural diagnostics. The Quill Automobiles Body & Paint Centre operates daily between 8.30am – 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8.30am – 1.00pm on Saturday while the centre is closed on Sundays & Public Holidays. The facility is located at Lot 12, Jalan 51A/241, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
XPENG appoints Hedin Mobility Group as distributor and importer for Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Sales will start in the second quarter of 2025. 3 XPENG models will be available for all markets: the sleek P7 sedan, the popular G9 flagship SUV, and the ultra-smart G6 coupe SUV. Each model earned the prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating. Hedin is also cooperating with XPENG as a retailer for Belgium and Luxembourg. The partnership in Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia further strengthens Hedin Mobility Group's presence in the European market, solidifying its position as one of the continent's largest mobility Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XPENG, a leading high-tech smart mobility company, announces its arrival on the car market in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The company has entered into an agreement with Hedin Mobility Group regarding the import and distribution rights for XPENG in both countries as well as sales of vehicles, aftermarket services, and spare parts. Sales will start in the markets in the second quarter of 2025. The introduction of XPENG in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia marks another milestone for XPENG in Europe. "Our brand launch and our partnership with Hedin Mobility Group bolster XPENG's European ambitions," says Alex Tang, Head of International Division of Sales and Service at XPENG. "We are excited to introduce consumers in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to a new standard in electric mobility, combining XPENG's innovative technology with exceptional design to deliver an unparalleled experience that meets the demands of today's drivers." Strong market presence in Central Europe With the start of sales in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and in Slovakia, XPENG is strengthening its market presence in Central Europe. XPENG becomes Hedin Mobility Group's fourteenth distribution brand, which means that Hedin Mobility Group further strengthens its position as a leading European distributor. The strategic partnership with XPENG also underscores Hedin Mobility Group's strong commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions in the European markets where the company operates. Hedin Mobility Group is one of Europe's largest mobility providers, with more than 12,500 employees and operations in 14 countries. In 2023, the Group sold more than 218,000 vehicles. "We are proud to take our collaboration with XPENG to the next level. We are also distributor for XPENG in Switzerland and a retailer for the brand in Belgium and Luxembourg. Innovation, sustainability, and smart technology are some of XPENG's hallmarks, and this aligns perfectly with our ambition to offer our customers not just a car but an advanced driving experience. Together with XPENG, we are determined to contribute to a greener vehicle fleet," comments Anders Hedin, CEO of Hedin Mobility Group. XPENG is committed to Europe XPENG is committed to Europe. Since entering the European car market in Norway in 2021, XPENG has introduced advanced technologies and solutions, now operating in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and soon also in Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia with ambitions for more expansion. The company plans to operate in more than 60 global markets by the end of 2025, with an ambitious goal of achieving half of its sales from overseas markets. The company has successfully launched three vehicles in Europe - the sleek P7 sedan, the popular G9 flagship SUV, and the ultra-smart G6 coupe SUV - each of which has earned the prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating. All models will all be available in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. XPENG has a DNA resolutely built around technology, which inspires it to think and contribute to the future of mobility. The passion demonstrated by its teams enriches the group's mission, which is to place the user at the heart of its creative process, to offer a simpler, more eco-conscious and enriching travel experience for European society, thanks to technological innovation. About XPENG Founded in 2014, XPENG is a leading Chinese born AI-driven mobility company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs, catering to a growing base of tech-savvy consumers. With the rapid advancement of AI, XPENG aspires to become a global leader in AI mobility, with a mission to drive the Smart EV revolution through cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of mobility. To enhance the customer experience, XPENG develops its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and intelligent in-car operating system in-house, along with core vehicle systems such as the powertrain and electrical/electronic architecture (EEA). Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG also operates key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, and Amsterdam. Its Smart EVs are primarily manufactured at its facilities in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. XPENG is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: XPEV) and Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX: 9868). For more information, please visit Contacts:For Media Enquiries:XPENG PR DepartmentEmail: pr@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
