XPeng G6 review: Chinese Tesla rival impresses

This impressive newcomer has Tesla in its sights and a drive of its latest SUV suggests it has the quality and engineering smarts to win over buyers.

Another week and another Chinese brand announces it’s launching in Australia.

It’s hard to keep up but the arrival of the new XPENG G6 this August is worth paying attention to.

If you don’t believe us ask Volkswagen. The German giant has already dropped a cool billion to snap up a 5 per cent share in the Chinese start-up after witnessing the brand’s new tech.

It’s fair to say the beauty of the pebble-shaped Tesla Model Y rival lurks well beneath its surface.

The electric platform is a work of art, at least for car engineers.

Claimed to be highly adaptable, it delivers state-of-the-art EV tech that is capable of evolving during a model’s life.

XPENG is expected to arrive here in August. Picture: Supplied.

On paper the G6 doesn’t sound like a breakthrough. All models come with an 800-volt electrical system that can be charged at up to 280kW – well below the 350kW Hyundai (dubiously) claims for the IONIQ 5.

It’s the execution that impresses.

Independent tests have shown XPENGs are faster to top-up than just about anything else, except perhaps the latest Porsche Taycan that costs three times as much as the G6.

That means many are already beating the 20-minute claimed charge time it takes to top up a G6 from 10-80 per cent.

It’s a similar story for range. Real-world testing has resulted in drivers come within just 3.5 per cent of matching the claimed 550km for the fastest 350kW dual-motor AWD Performance. That’s impressive, as most EVs don’t come near their claimed range in the real world.

The SUV is well built, with quality materials and clever engineering. Picture: Supplied.

In Australia we won’t get the fastest version until late this year or early in 2025. Instead, there will be the choice of the RWD Standard range and the RWD Long Range.

The base model has a single e-motor that drives the rear wheels and musters 190kW and 440Nm of torque. It has a smaller 66kW battery that enables it to cover up to 435km on a charge.

The bigger 87.5kWh battery in the Long Range version produces 570km of range and delivers a little more power (210kW).

Both deliver brisk acceleration (6.9sec v 6.7sec) but miss out on the serious thrust the dual-motor version dishes up (4.1sec).

Behind the odd oval-shaped wheel the XPENG SUV’s cabin is a pleasant place to spend time. It feels well-made with high quality materials.

The XPENG G6 has the same minimalist interior as a Tesla. Picture: Supplied.

The 10-inch driver display is sharp and the 15-inch infotainment screen crystal clear, fast and intuitive to use, packing processing power well beyond many luxury cars.

Despite creating its own software from scratch, XPENG will allow you to use both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The standard system is impressive, though, and comes with apps like YouTube and Instagram.

The driver and passenger seat fold flat to meet the rear bench, creating a bed for you to catnapping while the car recharges.

Unfortunately, the G6 is no breakthrough when it comes to driving.

Despite packing sophisticated front and rear suspension and a near 50:50 weight distribution the XPENG neither steers or rides as well as the benchmark EVs.

The newcomer doesn’t drive as nicely as the leading EVs. Picture: Supplied.

It’s no deal-breaker as refinement levels are high and wind and road noise low.

Just two options will be available when it lands here – premium paint or a tow hook to allow it to haul up to 1500kg.

The long list of standard kit includes a full-length panoramic roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-wireless phone chargers, heated/ventilated vegan leather seats, an 18-speaker premium sound system, a heat pump, semi-autonomous cruise control, heated rear seats and an electric gesture-controlled tailgate.

The icing on the XPENG G6 cake is its pricing. In China it’s already positioned about 20 per cent cheaper than the Tesla Model Y and should come in more affordable here too.

If it does, there are plenty of reasons to overlook Tesla’s excellent Supercharging network and buy one over the Model Y.

From our first acquaintance, it looks and feels the better car.

The G6 has the ability to charge rapidly. Picture: Supplied.

AT A GLANCE

XPENG G6

PRICE: From about $53,000+ (estimated)

MOTOR: One electric, 190kW/440Nm, 66kWh battery

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Seven years/unlimited km

SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent high-beam assist, blind-spot detection, door opening warning, lane-keep assist, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert

THIRST: 17.5kWh/100km

LUGGAGE: 571 litres

CHARGING: 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes

SPARE: Repair kit

Originally published as XPeng G6 review: Chinese Tesla rival impresses