Xpeng and SAIC bring new models to Thailand

Chinese automakers Xpeng and SAIC have begun exporting the X9 MPV and IM LS6 SUV coupe, respectively. Both companies chose Thailand as the first overseas destination for these EVs.

Xpeng exported 300 units of the X9, the second model designed for both left-hand and right-hand drive markets following the G6. The EVs were shipped from the Nansha Automobile Terminal in Guangzhou Port on 22 February. The company said it was its 255th batch of overseas shipments.

In addition to Thailand, Xpeng plans to sell the X9 in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia in the ASEAN region, as well as Norway in Europe. The Chinese automaker may even launch the electric MPV in the UAE, where the company has listed the model on its website. In China, the carmaker delivered the first units of the X9 in January.

The X9 measures 5,3m in length, 2m in width, and 1,8m in height. The electric MPV has a 3,2m wheelbase and can accommodate seven people. In Thailand, Xpeng offers only one configuration for a price of 2.79 million baht (approximately 79,000 euros).

Xpeng uses only one front-mounted motor that produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque and a 101.5 kWh NCM battery pack in the Thai-spec X9. This configuration gives the electric MPV a 0 to 100 kph acceleration time of 7.7 seconds, a top speed of 200 kph, and a WLTP range of 590 km.

In addition to announcing the export commencement of the X9, Xpeng revealed it will establish charging stations in overseas markets, beginning with Hong Kong and Thailand. Later, it will set up charging stations in other Asian markets, as well as European countries and Australia. In China, the company runs over 2,000 charging stations with more than 10,000 charging points.

SAIC Motor exported 300 units of the IM LS6 as the MG IM6 on 22 February from the Shanghai Port. The company plans to launch the electric SUV coupe in Thailand on 24 March, possibly at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. It has yet to disclose the specifications and prices for the Thai market.

In China, SAIC Motor sells the IM LS6 in five different configurations, with prices ranging from 239,900 yuan (approx. 32,000 euros) to 302,900 yuan (approx. 40,000 euros). Depending on the configuration, the EV accelerates from 0 to 100 kph as quickly as 3.48 seconds and travels up to 802 km on a full charge, as per CLTC.

xpeng.com, saicmotor.com (in Chinese)