Xpeng is the latest Chinese brand to enter the UK market, following the likes of Omoda, Jaecoo, and BYD. Founded in 2014, Xpeng’s focus is on advanced technology, and this G6 was first shown at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
Described as a ‘smart EV’, the focus on technology can be seen with features in the G6 such as artificial intelligence (AI), plus the usual range of driving aids. The G6’s most obvious rival is the Tesla Model Y, but the Renault Scenic and Skoda Enyaq should also be given key consideration.
Design and interior
Outside, like many Chinese cars, the Xpeng borrows design cues from European rivals. However, the G6 manages to string these all together into a design that looks different and distinctive. The curvy front design features a clamshell bonnet, and a light bar that curves around the front. The headlights are well-hidden on our black test car lower down the front airdam, with the grille at the bottom.
The side design looks more Tesla Model Y, with its curvy, coupe-like roofline, sharp flanks and pop-out handles. Although the standard 20in alloy wheels look a bit lost under the Xpeng’s arches. The rear of the G6 is probably the most interesting part of the car’s design, with its small and high-set rear window, light bar, and long spoiler, giving it a GT look.
Inside, the design feels modern and luxurious, with the lack of physical buttons, the light interior colour of our test car, and the high-set centre console, with just two cup holders and two wireless phone chargers. The dashboard itself is a slim design, with a 15in infotainment screen in the centre, and a 10.2in driver display for the instruments.
The infotainment in the Xpeng is a mixed bag. It looks slick, but everything is controlled by small icons, which are fiddly to operate on the move. It is possible to ask the built-in AI system some of these commands, but we found it didn’t always pick up what we said.
There is a decent amount of interior space in the front. The driving position, plus heated and cooling front seats proved to be very comfortable, on a 200-mile round trip in a day. Head and legroom is impressive in the back of the Xpeng – despite that sloping roofline. Boot space impresses, with 571 litres of space, it is bigger than both the Renault Scenic (454 litres), and (just) the Skoda Enyaq (570 litres).
The more time we spent in the Xpeng’s interior, the more it impressed. The standard ADAS doesn’t seem to intrude as much as with other Chinese rivals. The chrome-trimmed stalks feel like Mercedes items from a generation back, but are none the worse for this. The sound quality of the standard 18-speaker, 960-watt Xopera sound system is a welcome surprise, and little things like having the range in the corner of the large infotainment screen we felt were helpful.
Performance and drive
The Xpeng G6 will be available in three different versions; RWD (rear-wheel drive) Standard and Long Range, and an AWD (all-wheel drive) Performance version. Standard and Long Range versions (like our test car), are fitted with one electric motor with 255hp and 282hp respectively. This equals acceleration to 62mph in 6.6 and 6.2 seconds, with 270- and 354-mile ranges. The AWD version boasts a colossal 476hp.
The Long Range Single Motor car we drove impressed with its range, easily covering nearly 300 miles on a single charge during the week we had the G6 – no range anxiety here. The 66kWh battery is capable of being charged from 20 to 80% in just 20 minutes, thanks to its 210kW charging speed and a heat pump as standard.
On the road, it feels as willing as the official 0-62mph figure suggests, but at no point does the G6 feel sporty – the floaty body control, soft ride, vague steering, and odd oval steering wheel are to blame here.
The Xpeng G6 appeals to the head rather than the heart, with its long, reliable range, fast charging, comfortable and specious interior, plus what great value it is compared with rivals. Where the G6 package falls down is on the move. It is a tidy enough drive, but the Renault and Skoda offer more.
Positive: Competitive range, efficient, fast charging, practical and comfortable interior, well-equipped.
Negative: Forgettable to drive, fiddly touchscreen, oval steering wheel, driving aids sometimes annoy.
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, multi-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering, four USB ports, two wireless charging pads, 960W 18-speaker sound system.
Engines: Electric: 255hp, 282hp, 476hp
Equipment grades: RWD Standard Range, RWD Long Range, AWD Performance
Transmission: Single speed auto
| Model | XPeng G6 Long Range Single Motor |
| P11D | £44,990 |
| Residual value | 50.75% |
| Depreciation | £22,157 |
| Fuel | £3,457 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 354 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £23/£45 |
| Luggage capacity | 571 litres |
| Battery size/power | 66kWh/282hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
