Tesla Model Y is the world’s best-selling electric car. More than 1.2 million were sold last year, meaning that the car alone accounted for 66 percent of Tesla’s worldwide sales.
On the other hand, Xpeng, one of the fast-emerging companies in China’s auto industry, has taken notice. Xpeng G6 aimed squarely at Tesla’s main source of income and Elon Musk should be worried.
The G6 is the first vehicle built on Xpeng’s new Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0, which is expected to support multiple new models by the end of the decade.
The company says SEPA 2.0, which incorporates an 800V electrical architecture, is expected to shorten the R&D cycle for future vehicles by 20%. It also estimates it will cut the cost of integrating advanced driver assistance systems by 75% and the cost of integrating smart infotainment systems by 85%.
A quick tour through the tape measure shows how tightly focused the G6 is on Model Y. The Xpeng is just a millimeter behind the Tesla in overall length and width, and both have identical wheelbases of 2890mm.
The only difference in size between the electric SUVs is height, with the Chinese electric model being 26mm taller than its American rival.
The exterior design features well-proportioned, clean surfaces and restrained detailing. All of this combines to give the G6 a refined, refined presence on the road.
Inside is Xpeng’s end-to-end software architecture, Xsmart OS, which supports functions such as Xpeng’s voice-controlled AI assistant, smart navigation, 3D user interface, and third-party apps.
Xsmart OS also enables the advanced driver assistance system Xpilot 2.5, which is standard across the G6 range. This system offers features such as adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping and active lane change functions, as well as a variety of automated parking functions.
The system is designed to enable more advanced autonomous driving in the future thanks to the G6’s 12 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and five high-definition millimeter-wave radar units.
How to Xpeng G6 compare?
See detailed analysis of Xpeng G6 compared to similarly sized vehicles.
Xpeng
Group 6
How much does the Xpeng G6 cost?
Australia will only get two of the three G6 models available in Europe and China when they go on sale here.
Xpeng’s strategy in Europe is to price the G6 models close to Model Y variants with powertrains that offer similar performance and range, while offering a much higher level of standard equipment for the price.
Australian pricing for the G6 isn’t expected to be announced until September, but we can expect Xpeng’s local importer, distributor and retailer, TrueEV, to follow Europe’s lead.
On that basis, the base G6 RWD version could retail for between $55,000 and $60,000, all the way up to the rear-wheel-drive Model Y version that costs $55,900.
The G6 RWD Long Range version, as its name suggests, comes with a larger battery, offers 31 percent more range, and costs between $65,000 and $70,000 — roughly the same price as the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive at $69,900.
Compared to the Tesla, both versions of the G6 offer a much higher level of standard equipment. For example, features like self-parking, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels with Michelin tires are standard across the range.
TrueEV is now accepting a $1,000 refundable deposit, giving customers “first-come, first-served” access to the G6 when the first SUVs arrive here in the fourth quarter.
To see how the Xpeng G6 stacks up against the competition, check out comparison tool.
What is What’s inside the Xpeng G6 like?
The G6’s interior design reflects some of Tesla’s trademark minimalism.
However, the driver will have a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel behind the standard heated multi-function steering wheel to complement the 14.9-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard.
The trim and materials used in the G6’s cabin give it a less formal feel than the Model Y.
Like the Tesla, it’s frustrating that there are no physical controls for functions like climate control, fan speed, or ventilation direction. However, the touchscreen menu layout is at least fairly intuitive to use.
Electrically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling functions and memory function.
Despite the relatively steep, almost coupe-like C-pillar, the heated, 60/40-split rear seats provide comfortable seating for adults over six feet tall. There’s plenty of head, leg and toe room for second-row occupants.
In addition to four USB ports – one Type-A and three Type-C – there are two 50W inductive charging trays for smartphones in the large center console.
There are two interior colors available: black and light gray.
While the steering wheel is covered in leather, the seats are covered in high quality and comfortable faux leather.
What’s under the hood?
The base G6 RWD version is equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, producing 190kW of power and 440Nm of torque.
The electric motor uses a 66kWh (net) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that gives the G6 RWD a claimed range of 435km under Europe’s WLTP testing protocol.
Xpeng claims the G6 RWD, which weighs 2,025kg, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 200km/h.
The G6 RWD Long Range gets a 210kW version of the single rear-mounted electric motor (maximum torque unchanged at 440Nm). It is equipped with a larger 87.5kWh (net) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, giving it a WLTP-certified range of 570km.
Xpeng claims the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the top speed is also limited to 200km/h.
Australia missed out on arguably the best model on the list, the G6 AWD Performance.
This adds a 140kW electric motor to the front axle to provide all-wheel drive. It has a total system output of 350kW and 660Nm, and will hit 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
The G6 AWD Performance version is equipped with the same 87.5kWh (net) battery pack as the RWD Long Range version and despite the extra power and 95kg of weight, still has a WLTP-certified range of 550km.
To see how the Xpeng G6 stacks up against the competition, check out comparison tool.
How to Xpeng G6 drive?
Our test drive was limited to the G6 AWD Performance version, which accelerates easily in a straight line, especially in Sport mode, reaching its electronically limited top speed of 200km/h surprisingly quickly.
But based on that experience, we can say that the Xpeng G6 offers a good blend of drivability, handling, and refinement.
The Xpeng G6 won’t surprise you in any way, except for feeling much more comfortable, coherent, and well-rounded than the Peugeot E-3008For example. This is a pretty good all round car to drive.
There are three driving modes – Standard, Eco, and Sport. The G6 AWD Performance also has an All-Terrain mode that activates the standard hill descent control system, as well as optimizing the throttle and brake mapping.
There are four levels of regeneration. There’s Low mode, which simulates the take-off of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with an automatic transmission, all the way up to X-Pedal mode, which allows for one-pedal driving.
Unfortunately, the lack of steering wheel controls means you have to use the touchscreen to change the regeneration level.
That said, it’s best to leave the G6 in low regen mode for most city driving situations, unless you’re doing a lot of stop-and-go, as this mode allows the car to cruise smoothly down the road.
The combination of regenerative and mechanical braking is smooth and seamless, and noise levels are generally very low.
While not designed to be outright sporty, the G6’s chassis features multi-link front and rear suspension, which provides a well-balanced feel when cornering.
As mentioned, all G6 models come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/45 Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires that offer excellent grip and low noise.
Our test rig was fitted with German-made Sachs dampers – standard across Europe – which kept body motions tightly controlled.
Ride quality is generally good, even over rough surfaces. The Chinese-market G6 is said to have softer suspension – we’d recommend Australian models stick with the European suspension.
The weakest point in the G6’s dynamics is the steering, which feels unsteady in Standard mode and doesn’t offer much feel.
Switching to Sport mode makes the weight more even as you turn the wheel, but then you notice a strong self-centering effect that makes you feel like you’re fighting against a spring.
The good news is that this problem can be fixed with a software tweak.
While we’re talking about fixing the steering wheel, ditch the trendy Xpeng non-round steering wheel. The changes in rim radius make it unnecessarily awkward to use.
Overall, there’s nothing about the Xpeng G6’s handling that couldn’t be fixed with a software update to suit the tastes of the discerning Australian consumer. The build quality is good, and it doesn’t feel cheap or compromised in any way.
What do you get?
All G6 models will offer significantly higher levels of standard equipment than comparable Tesla Model Y versions.
Highlights of Xpeng G6:
- 20 inch alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport EV Tires
- Panoramic glass roof
- Electric rear door
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power front seats with memory
- Heated rear seats
- 960W, 18-speaker sound system
- “Hey Xpeng” Voice Assistant
- Smart Navigation
- 3D User Interface
- Dual zone climate control
Available options:
- Exterior paint in graphite gray, midnight black, frost silver, fiery orange
- Electrically operated pull bar
To be Is Xpeng G6 safe?
The Xpeng G6 has yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, but it comes fully equipped with active and passive safety features.
Standard safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane control
- Active lane change
- Automatic speed limiter
- Parking assistance with 360 degree camera
- Driver monitoring system
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind Sports Detection
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear collision warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
How much? How much does it cost to use the Xpeng G6?
In Europe, the Xpeng G6 comes with a seven-year/160,000km mechanical warranty, with the battery covered for eight years/160,000km. It’s likely that Australian buyers will get the same warranty.
Xpeng claims an energy consumption of 17.5kWh/100km for both the G6 RWD and G6 RWD Long Range. Assuming an average electricity rate of 35 cents/kWh, that suggests an energy cost of around $6.12/100km.
Thanks to its 800V electrical architecture, the nickel manganese cobalt battery in the G6 RWD Long Rang can accept a peak DC charge of 280kW, allowing the 87.5kWh battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes, Xpeng said.
The base model LFP battery will accept a maximum DC charge of 215kW.
CarExpert review of Xpeng G6
The Xpeng G6 visually illustrates the rapid growth of the Chinese auto industry and the expansion of its product range.
It took Tesla 17 years to get four cars into production, while the G6 is the fifth new model from a carmaker that didn’t exist a decade ago. Xpeng is moving so fast it makes Tesla look like General Motors did in the 1980s.
The Tesla Model Y has been the default choice in this segment for a long time – not anymore. The Xpeng G6 is better built than the Tesla in terms of fit, finish, and material quality.
The car also offers more standard equipment and, depending on the model, near-equal or better performance and range at a very competitive price.
Click on the image to see the full gallery
THAN: Buy Xpeng G6
THAN: Everything Xpeng G6
