Xpeng has become the latest Chinese EV maker to announce its arrival in the UK, after signing a distribution deal with International Motors Ltd (IML).

The Xpeng G6 fully electric coupé SUV showcased at Goodwood arrives first

The brand launches in the UK from early 2025, starting first with the Xpeng G6 fully electric coupé SUV. The Tesla Model Y rival features an all-wheel drive powertrain with a 0-62mph time of less than four seconds, a range of up to 342 miles and recharging from 10 to 80%. Showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, the car has already earned a top five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

Xpeng was founded in 2014 in Guangzhou, China,  focused on “clean, intuitive, and creative mobility solutions” with “superior safety, electric efficiency and on-road performance” to markets across the globe.

In 2023, Volkswagen announced that it had invested $700m (£553.7m) in Xpeng to jointly develop two electric cars for delivery in China, expected in 2026.

Xpeng is the latest brand to sign a distribution deal with International Motors, which already holds agreements with Isuzu, Subaru and GWM Ora.

William Brown, MD at International Motors, said: “We are delighted to formally announce a distributor partnership with Xpeng. IML has been working with Xpeng for some time, and this was highlighted with the UK debut of the Xpeng G6 at the world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.

“This new long-term agreement demonstrates IML’s ambition to seek alliances with forward-thinking partners that share the company’s values. Both parties look forward to launching the impressive G6 to UK customers in early 2025.”

Alex Tang, head of international business at XPeng, said: “We are excited to introduce UK consumers to a new standard in electric mobility, combining innovative technology with exceptional design to deliver an unparalleled experience that meets the demands of today’s drivers.

“With a vision for AI-defined mobility, we aim to revolutionise the driving experience in the UK, making it safer, smarter, more sustainable and more pleasant in the near future.”