The electric SUV market is getting crowded, but most buyers still seem to default to the Tesla Model Y, despite Elon Musk’s behaviour. I guess futuristic design, impressive range, and even better finance deals help. However, the XPENG G6 is an interesting challenger bringing similar looks, great range, and genuinely fast charging.
After spending time with the G6, it’s clear XPENG has done a lot right. But at this price, there are also a few things that should be better.
Pros
- Spacious family SUV
- Tech-filled interior
- Big range, fast-charging
Cons
- Questionable quality
- Dull drive
- Better rivals cost less
My first impressions of the XPENG G6
At first glance, the XPENG G6 doesn’t try too hard to stand out. The design is clean and modern, but it’s also quite generic. Park it in a field of other electric SUVs and you could easily lose track of which one is which. Then again, this design is functional. The smooth bodywork and coupe-style roofline help air pass over the car with little resistance, improving efficiency, i.e. more range.
G6 long range key features
- 354 miles of range
- Fast-charging
- Premium-looking interior
- Advanced driver assistance features
- Performance version available
How does the XPENG G6 drive?
On the road, the G6 is easy and comfortable to drive. The steering is light but precise, making it simple to place the car on narrower roads, and the suspension does a good job of smoothing out bumps. It’s not particularly exciting to drive, but it doesn’t need to be. This is a family SUV designed to be relaxing rather than sporty. And in that role, it works well. It feels stable on the motorway, quiet at speed, and easy to live with day to day.
XPENG G6 long range performance specs
| Battery capacity | 87.5 kWh |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 285 PS |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Electric range | 354 Miles |
| 0-62 MPH | 6.2 Seconds |
The rear-wheel drive long-range version is comfortably quick for a family SUV, even if it isn’t trying to be a performance car. More importantly for everyday usability, the XPENG G6 gets up to 354 miles of range from a single charge – not far off Tesla’s 383 miles.
In real-world use, the range proved perfectly usable. Two return journeys between Glasgow and Edinburgh were easily achievable without needing to charge. For most drivers, that kind of real-world capability will remove a lot of the usual EV anxiety.
What about charging?
Admittedly, the Tesla Supercharger network is incredible. Owners simply rock up to the charger, plug the car in, and can boost range by up to 166 miles in just 15 minutes (though it didn’t quite work when I tried Supercharging the Tesla Model Y). But the XPENG is still one of the fastest-charging electric SUVs currently available, supporting rapid charging up to 280 kW DC rapid charging. In fact, the latest model now charges from 10-80% in 12 minutes. For drivers regularly covering motorway miles, that can save hours of overall travel time.
Interior design and technology
Inside is where the G6 makes its best first impression. It’s spacious and has a useful 571-litre boot. The plain cabin somehow looks elegant, probably because of the convincing faux leather upholstery that wouldn’t feel out of place in a more expensive car. Unfortunately, looks are deceiving. The build quality is poor for the price. While driving, there were occasional rattles from, well, everywhere, and some panels creaked slightly when pressed. None of it is catastrophic, but it does undermine the otherwise premium feel. Especially in a car costing over £40,000.
Infotainment and ease of use
A large central touchscreen controls most of the car’s functions, like you’ll find in a Tesla. Normally that would be a concern because many manufacturers make these systems overly complicated. Fortunately, XPENG has thought about usability.
Swipe-down menus give quick access to common functions, and the multifunction steering wheel buttons can be customised to control almost anything, including climate settings. That’s important because physical buttons are almost completely absent. After a short time, the system becomes surprisingly intuitive to use. Unusually, the technology generally works well and feels polished.
How much does an XPENG G6 cost in the UK?
The XPENG G6 standard range starts from £39,990, ducking the expensive car supplement in the UK. Long-range models start at around £44,990, or you can put down another five grand to get a Performance.
For this, the specification is strong. You get impressive range, extremely fast charging and plenty of technology. However, when buyers are spending this kind of money, build quality becomes more important. That’s where the G6 falls slightly behind others, like the BYD Sealion 7 or Polestar 4.
| Trim | Price (OTR) |
|---|---|
| Standard | £39,990 |
| Long range | £44,990 |
| Performance | £49,990 |
Should you buy an XPENG G6 over a Tesla Model Y?
I would genuinely recommend the XPENG G6 for families for its great range, fast recharges, and a tech-packed interior. Plus, the touchscreen is much easier to use than most. In many ways, it feels like a less frustrating alternative to the Tesla Model Y. But the build quality can’t be ignored.
Rattles and creaks are disappointing in a car at this price, especially when the cabin otherwise looks so premium. That said, the 2026 XPENG G6 has been updated, so perhaps these issues have been fixed now.
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