XPENG G6 review

Driving position

The XPENG G6 belongs to a class of cars that didn’t really exist a few years ago – compact coupé SUVs.

It means you get the best of both worlds. The SUV part brings the raised driving position that so many of us love today, and the coupé element adds range-boosting aerodynamics.

In the G6, you sit pretty high up, so you have a good view of the road, and there’s plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment to get comfy.

The dashboard feels pretty low, too, which adds to the airy feel inside.

Its coupé roofline does impact rear visibility somewhat, and you’ve got the C-pillar blind spots you get in other rivals like the Volkswagen ID.5 and MG IM6, but the rear window feels more usable than the letterbox shape found in the Tesla Model Y and BYD SEALION 7.

Standard cameras and collision prevention systems make it easy to drive anywhere, too.

Tech and features

XPENG G6 trims

– Standard Range

– Long Range

– Performance

The G6’s biggest inspiration is clearly the Tesla Model Y, because the entire interior is dominated by a large 15.6-inch touchscreen.

Even down to the total minimalism and lack of interior buttons – it’s more Model Y than SEALION 7, which still has a few shortcut buttons on the centre console.

Unlike the Tesla, though, the XPENG gets wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, so while the system itself is easy to navigate, you can use all your favourite apps and messaging platforms to stay connected on the road.

The XMART OS system has already been updated a few times since launch with over-the-air (OTA) updates, and it feels responsive and smooth.

Another difference is the fact that the XPENG gets a driver’s display, so your speed and other relevant information is shown on a 10.25-inch screen behind the wheel.

Twin cooled wireless phone chargers are some of the only things you’ll find other than the screen – up to 50W, if your phone supports that.

The ‘X’ theme is evident, because other kit includes XPILOT ASSIST collision prevention systems, self-parking, remote summon (to move the car via a smartphone app), adaptive cruise control, lane centring with assisted lane change, and more.

On the comfort front, the front seats are heated and cooled across the range; massage is available for mid- and high-spec editions. A heated steering wheel and heated rear seats are also standard.

While we weren't able to test the companion app (due to this being a press car), it seems that it’s very capable, featuring cabin preheating, charging controls, vehicle summoning and more. Your phone can also be used as keyless entry to the G6, so you don’t even need to carry the key around.

Electric motors and power

XPENG G6 performance

– Power: 252hp, 296hp or 487hp

– 0-62mph: 4.1 to 6.9 seconds

– Top speed: Up to 125mph

– Driven wheels: Rear- or four-wheel drive

If you’ve considered other electric SUVs, particularly from the likes of Tesla and BYD, then the configurations feel very familiar.

It starts with a 252hp Standard Range model, which is good for 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. Not slow by any means. It’s about the same performance as you get from entry-level versions of the Model Y (6.9 seconds) and SEALION 7 (6.7 seconds).

There’s a Long Range model with a bigger battery, but while it’s heavier, it’s also more powerful, so it’s slightly quicker (6.7 seconds).

If you’re after all-out performance, then consider the only all-wheel-drive model – Performance. It uses the same 296hp motor on the rear wheels, but adds a second 190hp motor on the front to bring its 0-62mph time down to 4.1 seconds.

That puts it between the Tesla (3.3 seconds) and BYD (4.5 seconds).

Handling and ride comfort

While many new brands struggle to adapt to Britain’s less than ideal roads, the G6 really delivers despite being XPENG’s first UK-bound model.

It feels comfortable on poor surfaces and deals with our endless speed bumps well, but steering is generally lighter and less sporty than the Model Y’s. Think comfort, not lap times.

It’s also excellent on the motorway, where wind and tyre noise are low. And that’s no mean feat in an electric car, where the lack of a noisy engine makes you pick up on other sounds more.

We tested the Performance model, and the car feels more than capable of handling the extreme acceleration because of its low centre of gravity.

Boot space

XPENG G6 boot space:

– Boot space: 571 litres

– Incl. rear seats folded: 1,374 litres

The 571-litre boot is good news – it’s a considerable upgrade over the BYD’s 520-litre boot, though it’s hard to compare with the Tesla’s because they claim 822-835 litres, which includes a large area under the boot floor.

In short, there's no shortage of boot space for everything your family can throw at the G6, like big suitcases.

The powered boot lid and 60:40 split folding seats help if you need to carry more awkwardly shaped items.

Where it falls short is in the lack of any storage under the bonnet – 114-116 litres in the Model Y is a sizeable effort, and one we think the G6 could benefit from.

Rear seats

We think the XPENG G6 offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class, with huge rear legroom thanks to the long wheelbase and decent headroom despite the sloping roofline and panoramic glass roof.

The rear seats also recline for added comfort.

Compared to the two rivals we’ve already mentioned, it’s about on par, but if you put it up against the likes of the VW ID.5, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Renault Scenic E-Tech, you’ll notice just how much better it is for families.

Storage solutions

This is another area where we feel the G6 is modelled off its two biggest rivals, but that’s no bad thing because those are already winning formulas.

Storage includes a large centre console area, well-sized door bins and a large central armrest.

XPENG G6 dimensions

– Height: 1,650mm

– Width: 1,920mm

– Length: 4,758mm

– Kerb weight: Up to 2,220kg

Safety

The G6 is packed with the company's XPILOT driver assistance systems, including driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane centring. You even get self-parking tech.

XPENG also talks of its advanced battery protection structure, designed to withstand severe impacts and extreme temperatures.

It got a full five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024 when it launched in Europe.

Range and charging

XPENG G6: electric range, battery and charging

– Range: 292 to 326 miles

– Battery size: 68.5kWh to 80.8kWh

– Max charging speed: Up to 451kW

– Charge port location: Back right

– Charge time (AC): Around 10 hours (68.5kWh) to 11.5 hours (80.8kWh) with a 7kW charger

– Charge time (DC): 10-80% in 12 minutes (382kW to 451kW, depending on battery)

– Efficiency: 3.4 to 3.7 mi/kWh (claimed)

The XPENG G6 won’t win any awards on efficiency – it’s merely average, rather than especially efficient like the Model Y.

But with a range of over 300 miles, there’s little to complain about.

It will win one award though – rapid charging. If you can find a suitable charger, up to 451kW will deliver a 10-80% top-up in 12 minutes, regardless of battery size. Most rivals take twice as long, if not more.

If you need to cross continents, you can do so with far shorter charging times. Nothing else really comes close, for now.

Reliability

Long-term reliability is still a bit unknown because XPENG is so new, but early signs show it should be dependable.

It helps that it’s an EV, which means there’s less to go wrong in the first place, and that the infotainment system receives OTA updates, so bugs can be ironed out quickly and easily.

XPENG sells its cars with a five-year/75,000-mile warranty, and a separate cover spanning eight years/100,000 miles for the high-voltage battery, so this is slightly above average.