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By Jonathan Crouch

In top AWD Performance form, the Xpeng G6 sets its sights on some very quick rivals indeed. Jonathan Crouch drives the improved model.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 34

If you're searching for a very fast mid-sized electric crossover, it's almost certain that you're probably overlooked the top AWD Performance version of the improved Xpeng G6. Should it be on your short list?

Backgroundword count: 127

So how quick does a very fast mid-sized electric crossover need to be? Chinese maker Xpeng hopes it's hit the sweet spot with this top 483bhp AWD Performance version of its G6 model. Actually, total output figures don't always tell you that much in this segment of the market. A rival Tesla Model Y Performance is down around 20bhp on this Xpeng yet is nearly a second faster to 62mph. That Tesla virtually matching the sprint time of contenders in this class with over 600bhp, like BMW's i4 M60, Kia's EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5N and 6N models. And all the contenders we mentioned are over £10,000 more than this Xpeng - in most cases much more. So is this top G6 with a look?

Driving Experienceword count: 412

Xpeng hasn't really put any effort into a bespoke handling package for this top AWD Performance model. And if that saves you £10,000-£15,000 on the asking price, as it does in this case, then you might think that's fair enough. Rivals are significantly more engaging - and in most cases nearly a second faster to 62mph. But this G6 AWD Performance model's sprint time of 4.1s is quite as fast as you need to go on a public road and its 483bhp output with 659NM of torque is not to be sniffed at. Top speed like all G6s is 125mph. There's a proper front double wishbone suspension set-up and the twin motor drive system has well balanced weight distribution. The AWD Performance shares the same 80.8kWh LFP battery pack as the ordinary 292bhp Long Range G6 model. Which is different from the 87.5kWh NCM battery pack this AWD Performance was launched with back in 2025. With the change in battery chemistry, range has fallen a bit - to 316 miles for this AWD Performance model (24 miles less than before). For reference, the normal Long Range G6 manages 326 miles. All G6s offer a choice of four driving modes - 'Normal', 'Sport', 'Eco' and 'All-terrain'. And, unlike with a Tesla Model Y, you get to select varying levels of brake regen. There are four; light, medium, high and 'X-Pedal', the latter slowing the car dramatically when you come off the throttle. As before, Xpeng also provides a choice of three 'drive sounds'; 'Traditional Engine' doesn't sound anything like a traditional engine, but it's certainly better than the other-worldly feel you get with the other two options - 'Space Floating' and 'Time Warp'. And you can choose between three Power Steering settings, with the 'Sport' option quite direct but none of them particularly feelsome. There's quite a firm ride, despite the advanced 5-link rear suspension and supposedly sophisticated multi-valve Sachs multi-valve passive dampers - adaptive damping isn't offered. Despite that, perhaps predictably, the driving dynamics aren't especially involving, though to be fair the G6 is reasonably agile through the bends for a 2.1-tonne EV crossover, helped by the stiff SEPA 2.0 platform. Obviously, it's much more in its element at a cruise, where you'll appreciate the vast number of 'XPilot 2.5' camera drive assist features and the fact that all the binging and bonging that comes with them isn't too intrusive. You'll also appreciate this car's excellent refinement, helped by the double-glazed glass.

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