Analysis

Xpeng, who it is and what it does, the company that bets on premium cars, artificial intelligence and robots

The Guangzhou brand immediately set itself a high-end positioning inspired by Western premium models. Driveability is one of its strong points, unlike other Chinese manufacturers that focus on technology. And, for now, it is celebrating the first million cars produced.

by Corrado Canali

2 December 2025

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

A technology package adopted by Volkswagen
European production started in Graz, Austria
Not only cars, but also humanoid robots and robotaxis
The turn towards extended-range cars
Ultrafast electric charging and after-sales services
A model factory for the cars of today and tomorrow

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Xpeng is a Chinese electric car manufacturer that stands out for the premium quality of its models as well as integrating Artificial Intelligence through technology. The brand is considered one of the main rivals of German brands as it aims to compete on equal terms in the field of battery-powered cars, but also among those with intelligent autonomous driving, thanks to its proprietary AI systems.

A technology package adopted by Volkswagen

Xpeng's advanced technology is also appreciated by Volkswagen, which has entered into an agreement to integrate it into its vehicles for the Chinese market. Models such as the G9 Standard Range, an SUV with sleek styling and a good, albeit no-frills interior, is on the market at a price of less than EUR 56,000, competitive with cars made in Germany.

European production started in Graz, Austria

Although Xpeng is a relatively young brand, having been on the market since 2014, it knows how to seize opportunities such as, for example, circumventing the tariffs on Chinese electric cars introduced by the European Union by setting up production in Graz, Austria, a location that other premium brands have chosen in the past. Replacing KTM's production and thus becoming a local manufacturer.

Not only cars, but also humanoid robots and robotaxis

Xpeng is also focusing on Artificial Intelligence with the recent development of proprietary AI, as well as the introduction of humanoid robots and robotaxis, offering itself as a brand that not only produces cars, but also advanced cognitive systems. And as of this year, Xpeng is complementing its battery-powered models with extended-range hybrid variants capable of travelling up to more than 1,600 km.

The turn towards extended-range cars

Six models will arrive in the next few months, one as early as the end of 2025, although in Europe the availability of these cars is not expected until at least a year from now. The hybrid is a logical evolution given the current impasse in sales of electrics, which remain the construction basis for the new cars with extended range. The official launch of Xpeng in Italy with a first open door.

U17605523501xMI">Ultrafast electric charging and after-sales services

Not to mention that recharging, often perceived as a limitation by potential buyers of electric cars, has been revolutionised by Xpeng thanks to ultra-fast recharging: it takes less than five minutes for an additional 100 km. An advantage that meets the needs of stress-free mobility. Another form point are the European after-sales service warehouses: one in the Netherlands and the other in Italy.

A model factory for the cars of today and tomorrow

All car factories are the same, those of Chinese manufacturers, however, are different because the Asian brands have a more recent history than the historical European factories. At Xpeng, however, they have also wanted to customise their production site with specially designed solutions for the current five models in production, as well as the new range extender models on the way.