First Look Review: Xpeng G6 is an attractive Tesla Model Y challenger

In April 2024, Xpeng confirmed the G6, the new mid-size electric SUV coupe, as its third launch in Europe. The Tesla Model Y rival is a few months away from dealers, but I’ve had a chance to explore the EV. In March, I had the opportunity to check out its design, interior, comfort, and features in detail. Here are some of the interesting observations that I made:

Design

While the Xpeng G6’s curvy greenhouse and sloping roofline remind me of the Tesla Model Y, but it steers clear of the appearance of a high-riding sedan. The design maintains aero-focused proportions, and it ticks all the boxes for a crossover design.

Featuring a low, sloping hood, the G6 gets thin LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) flanking the brand logo. An X-shaped closed body panel graces the front, complemented by pentagon-shaped housings for the headlamps and LiDAR sensors. Additionally, it sports an A-shaped wide air intake on its chin, enhancing its sportiness.

On the sides, as I mentioned earlier, the Xpeng designers have given the G6 a fast-sloping roofline and a curvy greenhouse. Clean, minimalist styling is achieved by smooth concave surfaces on the door panels, flush door handles, and no roof rails or roof bars.

The G6 has a strong and imposing stance thanks to its hunched rear-end. Wide-spaced, block-lettered brand inscription and a full-width combination lamp are among the talking points in this angle. Drivers may not be able to see out of the back very well due to the glass’s size and extreme taper.

Interior

The Xpeng G6 features a low-key interior that incorporates curvy design elements, making its better appealing than that of the Tesla Model Y, in my opinion. Xpeng Motors equips the G6 with a range of features, including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.96-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for OTA updates, a 50W dual wireless smartphone charger, a powerful 960-watt, 18-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated rear seat, and a large panoramic sunroof. These are meaningful equipment that improve the functionality and comfort of the vehicle.

Being a 5’7” tall person, I faced no problem entering or exiting the Xpeng G6, neither in the front nor in the back. I saw that the doors have a push-button unlocking system like on many modern luxury models.

Once I settled into the driver’s seat, I noticed abundant headroom which would comfortably accommodate even much taller individuals without feeling cramped. I had good under-thigh support and lumbar support. As for visibility, I observed that rear diagonal visibility might be limited because of the thick C-pillar and small rear quarter glass.

While I liked the quality of the physical controls, there were relatively few of them. The user interface of the infotainment system seemed a bit colorful and appeared to be tailored more for Chinese customers than Western tastes. Nevertheless, the software of the infotainment system was user-friendly and operated smoothly. The upholstery across the dashboard, seats, doors, and other areas was not only looked the part but also felt premium to the touch.

The center console had two wireless charging pads, one USB Type-A port, one USB Type-C port, a 180-watt power outlet, a free storage area to keep a small grocery bag or an iPad, two cupholders without lids, and a medium-length, deep storage box.

The rear seat was also comfortable. The backrest wasn’t reclinable, but I found its fixed angle comfortable. I had approximately six and a half inches of headroom, which was plenty. The under-thigh support and lumbar support were good. I didn’t notice a lack of legroom or knee room either. The center position of the rear seat was also more comfortable than usual, as the floor was completely flat and the bench was quite wide in the center.

Specifications

The Xpeng G6 measures 4,753 mm (187.1 in.) in length, 1,920 mm (75.6 in.) in width, and 1,650 mm (65.0 in.) in height and has a 2,890 mm (113.8 in.) wheelbase. It offers 571 liters (20.1 cu. ft.) of luggage space, which can be increased to 1,374 liters (48.5 cu. ft.) by folding the rear seat.


Xpeng Motors offers the G6 in RWD Standard Range, RWD Long Range, and AWD Performance variants, all with standard V2L support. The G6 RWD Standard Range has one motor, which produces 190 kW (255 hp) and 440 Nm (325 lb.-ft.) of torque and gives it a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). A 66 kWh LFP battery pack, chargeable at up to 215 kW, gives it a WLTP range of 435 km (270 miles).

The G6 RWD Long Range upgrades to a more powerful motor that generates 210 kW (282 hp) and 440 Nm (325 lb.-ft.) of torque and can speed up from rest to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.7 seconds. Its top speed is the same, though. A significant upgrade in this variant is an 87.5 kWh NCM battery pack, which is chargeable at up to 280 kW and gives it a considerably higher WLTP range of 570 km (354 miles).

The G6 AWD Performance combines two motors for a total power of 350 kW (469 hp) and a total torque of 660 Nm (487 hp). It takes just 4.1 seconds for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint, but its top speed is no different. It uses the same 87.5 kWh NCM battery pack with the same peak charging input.

Release date

The Xpeng G6 will become available to order in Europe in May 2024 and start reaching showrooms there in Q3 2024 (July-September 2024).

TopElectricSUV says

A sleek electric mid-size SUV, expected to be priced more affordably than the Tesla Model Y, and with similar comfort, convenience, and driver assistance features, the Xpeng G6 is likely to become a popular choice even among European EV buyers.

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