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Pros: Refinement, efficiency, tech-focused cabin, fast charging.
Cons: Firm ride, vague steering.
Xpeng G6 Design
The G6 is a stylish coupe SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y. Its smooth, aerodynamic shape is clearly inspired by the latter, but not without its own distinction. For example, the slim LED lighting at the front flanking the brand’s enigmatic ‘X’ emblem and echoed again at the rear. An active grille shutter helps the car’s aero credentials, which reaps dividends for efficiency once you get out on the open road. Frameless doors also feature and there is an undeniable smart, upmarket finish to the new G6 - no surprise then Xpeng wants to be the number one premium Chinese car brand in Europe.
There’s quite a sombre palette of colours to choose from, though there is a bright orange if you really want to stand out. Each version gets the same smart-looking 20-inch set of alloy wheels.
Xpeng G6 Interior
The G6’s interior gives immediate wow factor with a modern, hi-tech look and rock solid build with plenty of good materials on display including the gorgeous synthetic leather seats in grey or black. Xpeng has clearly taken inspiration from Tesla’s minimalist cabins, but somehow made it better with the addition of a few more stalks and screens in all the right places. Don’t get us wrong: it’s still majorly a minimalist affair with a giant touchscreen with Tesla-esque menus to control the lights, side mirrors, ventilation, etc. But if you’re comfortable with all that, you’ll enjoy the intuitive displays and many, many options and features to explore. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice control are also included.
There’s also a nice digital driver display with just the right amount of information. The funky, two-spoke steering wheel is heated and wrapped in leather. Xpeng has thrown everything at this car with so many high-end features like heated and ventilated front seats, 18-speaker sound system, panoramic glass roof, 360 camera and dual wireless smartphone charging pads with cooling.
There’s loads of space in the back for passengers to stretch out. Isofix feature on the two outer seats for family buyers. The 571-litre boot is another highlight and features handy underfloor storage for charging cables. Good job because there’s no storage compartment under the bonnet.
Xpeng G6 Performance & Drive
There are two battery options available: a 66kWh LFP battery (standard range) with up to 435 kilometres (WLTP) and an 87.5kWh lithium-ion battery (long range) for up to 570 kilometres (WLTP). Both are rear wheel drive, though an all wheel drive Performance is expected before the end of the year.
We tested the standard range, which has 255hp and 440Nm of torque for swift performance and 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. It weighs in the region of two tonnes so definitely feels well planted on the road, though not quite as fun or agile as some of its rivals like the Model Y or EV6, with quite vague steering. It is impressively refined however, which makes it a quiet cruiser on the motorway. The suspension is on the firm side, most noticeable on rural roads or in town over ramps and manhole covers.
A heat pump comes as standard and the official consumption figure is 17.5 kWh per 100 kilometres, which is easy to replicate in real world driving though consumption will be higher in motorway driving. There are four levels of regenerative braking including the strongest called ‘X-Pedal’, though there are no paddles behind the steering wheel – it has to be adjusted from the screen. Same goes for the drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport and Individual) but there’s a nice amount of adjustment possible, from the brake pedal feel to the weight of the steering.
The G6 is built on an 800 volt charging architecture, which means it’s one of the fastest charging EVs of its kind. The standard range has DC charging up to 215kW, while its 280kW for the long range. At a suitably rapid charger, the battery can go from 10-80% in as little as 20 minutes. There’s also 11kW AC charging, vehicle to load charging and battery preconditioning.
Xpeng G6 Pricing
The G6 goes on sale priced from €42,000 for the standard range and from €49,440 for the long range.
Carzone Verdict
The G6 is an incredibly advanced electric coupé SUV that remains particularly accessible in its standard range form tested here. It’s brilliantly equipped for the money with a smart, tech-focused interior that is sure to impress. Some rivals feel more sharp and athletic to drive, but there’s no arguing with the G6’s incredible fast charging, refinement and efficiency that certainly keep it at the races against well-established rivals.