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By Jonathan Crouch

The Xpeng G6 is a mid-sized Coupe-SUV that sets its sights on the Tesla Model Y crowd. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the improved version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 61

Don't dismiss the Xpeng G6 as just another Chinese EV. This electric mid-sized crossover is one of the most sophisticated and best value options in the Tesla Model Y segment, especially in this usefully updated form. And an outstanding effort in a class where some rivals are still struggling to hit the sweet spot. In short, it's certainly worth a look.

Backgroundword count: 220

Like us, you're probably realising that some emerging Chinese EV auto brands are more serious contenders than others. Xpeng (pronounced 'Xiaopeng') is definitely of the more serious sort. Even though it was only founded a decade ago, this tech entrepreneur start-up is already selling across half of Europe and has introduced five models so advanced that the Volkswagen Group has paid half a billion euros for a stake just 5% in the company. The first of these models to reach the UK (in February 2025) was this one, the G6 (on sale in China since mid-2023) and it sold in our market for less than a year in its original form before being substantially updated to create the version of this model we're going to look at here, which apparently features over 20,000 incremental developments. A bit more than a mere facelift then. The G6 remains an electric mid-sized Coupe-SUV aimed directly at the Tesla Model Y and that car's profitable segment, but it charges faster, gives you more standard kit, offers greater technology and costs less. Plus it's sold here by an experienced dealer network run by International Motors, who import Subaru and Isuzu here. Which means you need to take the G6 seriously if you're buying or leasing in this sector. In which case, you'll need this review.

Driving Experienceword count: 418

It isn't only the styling that has a Tesla look. So does the powertrain line-up. Things kick off as before with the Standard Range rear-driven model that uses a 68.5kWh LFP battery that energises a 262bhp motor with 440Nm of torque, able to propel the car to 62mph in 6.9s; EV range is 292 miles (22 miles more than before). Most though, are expected to want the mid-level rear-driven Long Range variant, which has 292bhp and makes 62mph in 6.7s. This volume variant now has a newly-introduced state-of-the-art lithium-iron-phosphate LFP battery, but because its capacity has fallen to 80.8kWh (down from the 87.5kWh figure of the previous NCM battery pack), range has fallen to 326 miles (down from 354 miles before). At the top of the line-up, as you'd expect, is an AWD dual motor model badged 'AWD Performance'. Here, the same 80.8kWh LFP battery powers a motor on both axles that together generate 483bhp with 680Nm of torque, enough to take the G6 to 62mph very rapidly indeed - 4.1s on the way to the 124mph top speed that all versions of this car share. EV range is 316 miles (24 miles less than before). 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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