HiPhi, the luxury electric car brand, is set to unveil its latest vehicle, the HiPhi Y, at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show in April. The HiPhi Y will be the smallest and cheapest model yet from the Chinese automaker, and it is also set to be released in global markets, including Europe.
The HiPhi Y is a departure from the brand’s earlier models, the HiPhi X and the HiPhi Z, which are high-end electric vehicles with price tags of over $80,000. The HiPhi Y, on the other hand, is designed to be less expensive, with the aim of selling in higher volumes.
According to Mark Stanton, the Chief Technology Officer at HiPhi and former head of the JSV division of Jaguar, the company is also considering manufacturing the HiPhi Y in other markets, which could explain why the car’s design is less controversial than its siblings.
Despite being more affordable than the other models, the HiPhi Y is not expected to be cheap, as the brand remains focused on luxury vehicles. However, the car’s pricing could still undercut European competitors, making it an attractive option for customers who value individuality and quality.
The HiPhi Y is a conservative-looking SUV that is 4.9 meters in length, making it larger than the Mercedes EQE SUV and the Audi Q8 e-tron. The car is expected to be a direct competitor to these models in Europe.
While HiPhi is not aiming to sell high volumes of the HiPhi Y, the company believes it has enough clout to demand higher prices away from the Chinese market. The brand’s earlier models have already proven to be popular in China, with the HiPhi X becoming the best-selling premium EV in the country in its first six months on sale.
With the launch of the HiPhi Y, HiPhi is offering an alternative to buyers who value individuality and quality, but who cannot afford other exotic brands. The car’s release in global markets, including Europe, is a significant step for the brand and could help to further establish HiPhi as a luxury electric car manufacturer.
