The Chinese manufacturer of electric cars, Maxus, also wants to try to carve out a good place for itself on the European market. Already present with its utility vehicles recently, it is also launching its electric SUV, the Euniq6 in order to compete with the Tesla Model Y.
Have you already heard of the Chinese manufacturer Maxus? Chances are the answer will be negative, and there’s nothing surprising about that. And for good reason, the firm was born from the purchase of the English company by the SAIC group (which notably owns MG)notably associated with Wuling which markets the Hongguang Mini EV, among others.
A new electric SUV
Originally, Maxus is rather specialized in utility vehicles, while it markets several electric models in China. But the firm is also beginning its offensive in Europe, and not only with vans intended for professionals. This is how the manufacturer also sells its MIFA9 to our Belgian neighbors. For the record, this is a large electric minivan, rivaling the Zeekr 009 and the Denza D9.
It will also compete with the Volvo EM90 when the latter comes into existence. But Maxus does not intend to stop there, and also wants to offer more general public models. Among them, the Euniq6, which this time takes the form of a more conventional electric SUV. And good news, it is now available in Europe, but not here yet. In fact, only Belgium can benefit from it for the moment.
A quick tour of the brand’s European website allows us to discover this new arrival, which displays generous dimensions. With its 4.74 meters long At 1.86 meters wide and 1.74 meters high, it competes head-on with the Tesla Model Y. But in terms of style, the Euniq6 seems a little behind, and that’s not really surprising. Because it was launched in China in 2019 while its new generation is planned for 2025.
On board, the presentation remains quite conventional, especially compared to its rival or the BYD Sea Lion, among others. However, we find a 10.24-inch touch screen, associated with a 12.3-inch digital handset. But where the electric SUV really shines is on the side of its trunk, which displays a volume of 754 liters. Which is quite impressive even if it remains below that of its American rival with 854 liters.
An attractive price, but
Under its hood, the new Maxus Euniq6 embarks a 130 kW electric motor, which equates to approximately 177 horsepower. It is associated with a 70 kWh battery, which allows it to travel up to 354 kilometers on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle. Which is correct without being incredible, since the Tesla Model Y can reach 455 kilometers in its basic RWD version with a smaller 60 kWh battery.
If the charging power has not been communicated by the Chinese manufacturer, the electric SUV may go from 30 to 80% in 35 minutes. Here again, it’s correct but not worthy of the best, especially compared to a Hyudai Ioniq 5 which requires less than 20 minutes thanks to its 800 volt architecture. In alternating current, the car is limited to only 6.6 kW, which allows charging from 5 to 100% in 12 hours.
In terms of driving aids, the allocation seems interesting, since it notably includes adaptive cruise control or the blind spot detector. On the other hand, the SUV does not seem to have semi-autonomous driving. But then, what is the price of this machine? In Belgium, it is displayed from 39,990 euros. Thus, it costs less than the Model Y, but it should not be eligible for the ecological bonus due to its manufacture in China.
In addition, it is also a little more expensive than the Renault Scénic E-Tech, which also offers much better performance, particularly in terms of autonomy. Suffice to say that the new Maxus Euniq6 will have work to do to find a place in this already very competitive market…