Xpeng G6 review: More than just another Model Y clone?

June 20, 2025 Matt Allan

Does the world need yet another Tesla Model Y rival? We drive the Xpeng G6 to find out.

There’s a lot of focus on small, affordable EVs right now, but for a long time the core of the electric car market has been the mid-sized, mid-priced family SUV segment.

If we’re being lazy, we can call it the Tesla Model Y bracket, but there are dozens of similar-sized models from the likes of Ford, Kia and Peugeot sitting in the £40,000-£50,000 price range offering 200-300bhp, 300+ miles of range and space for a family of four.

The Xpeng G6 also ticks all those boxes and is the first UK offering from yet another Chinese brand looking to carve itself a chunk of the EV action. But while conforming to so many of the basic requirements of the segment can the Xpeng do anything to stand out?

Xpeng G6 design, interior and technology

On the surface, the Xpeng G6 certainly doesn’t do anything to stand out. It’s almost remarkable for how unremarkable it looks.

It has a similar featureless appearance to the pre-facelift Model Y. While other brands are looking for ways to make their cars stand out, the G6 almost feels like it’s trying not to draw attention to itself. From the super-slim headlights to the almost hunchbacked rear end, there’s nothing to draw the eye, especially in our test car’s black paint.

The Xpeng’s design feels almost deliberately anoyymous

The interior is a similarly simple affair. Here the pared-back approach means a central touchscreen, a bright, clear digital instrument panel, and no physical controls beyond the steering wheel and stalks – with all the benefits and pitfalls that brings. On the plus side, there’s very little distraction or clutter and it’ll appeal to fans of the Scandi-minimalist aesthetic. That, along with a pale “leatherette” finish and massive sunroof, enhances the real feeling of space in the G6, which does offer impressive levels of room for four or even five adult occupants.

On the negative side, it means you rely on the 15-inch touchscreen for virtually everything. There aren’t even physical adjusters for the air vents. Xpeng has at least put some thought into its system and it’s far better than the screen-only setup in some rivals. There are shortcut bars pulled up or down from the screen edge that bring up key functions then disappear when not in use rather than clogging up the screen. The steering wheel controls can also be customised, which means you can adjust the air conditioning with a simple four-way thumb control. It’s a clever solution but one to a problem that shouldn’t exist in the first place.

Similarly, the adaptive cruise control is activated by a single pull on the drive selector rather than multiple presses of steering wheel buttons. That’s great, but to adjust any of its parameters you need to delve into submenus on the screen. The same is true for the four-stage braking regeneration, which can only be adjusted via the screen.

Away from the tech, our test car’s cabin emitted creaks and rattles that I wouldn’t expect in a car with less than 3,000 miles on the clock. And the faux ‘leather’ upholstery is fooling no-one. It’s a shame because in other ways, such as the plentiful storage, clean design and touches such as the well positioned dual wireless chargers, it’s an impressive cabin.

The Xpeng G6’s interior has a simple design but some technology that’s too clever for its own good

Battery, motor and performance

Unlike some rivals, there are just two powertrain options in the Xpeng G6.

Standard Range cars use a 65kWh LFP battery and 255bhp motor, while the Long Range model I tested gets an 85kWh NMC pack and a 281bhp rear-mounted motor.

That delivers 62mph in just over six seconds, which feels plenty quick enough. It’s also well calibrated to keep delivering decent shove all the way to higher speeds, rather than peaking early than running out of steam.

Powering up to motorway speeds, the G6 feels supremely at home. Its high-speed ride and refinement are impeccable and it feels built to soak up long distances. That’s backed up by a real-world range of around 300 miles and ultra-rapid charging of 280kW that’ll take it from 10-80% in just 20 minutes. That’s the current model, the recently revealed facelift will operate at up to 451kW, although good luck finding a charger that powerful.

The G6 is quick enough to compete with rivals but offers little in the way of driver engagement

Back on the road and away from the motorway, the G6 feels less comfortable. While its high-speed ride is composed, at lower speed it is less well resolved, bumping harshly across poor urban surfaces. It’s also not particularly adept on faster rural roads. It grips well but the steering is largely inert and you’re aware of the car’s height and weight if you take a corner too quickly.

There are four driving modes to suit different scenarios but, like many rivals, their impact on the overall experience is very limited.

Xpeng G6 price and specification

The Xpeng G6 range is blessedly simple. There are two trims and the only difference between them is the battery.

Standard Range models are priced at £39,990, the Long Range at £44,990. The only option is £700 metallic paint.

All models come with a healthy equipment list that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate and panoramic sunroof. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are also standard, along with wireless Android and Apple mirroring, an 18-speaker sound system, and a suite of driver aids ranging from adaptive cruise control to remote parking assistance.

That’s a pretty generous spec and brings more for the money than some similarly priced alternatives.

Verdict

The Xpeng G6 is very close to being a great car.

It offers impressive comfort and refinement, strong equipment levels, plus a commendable real-world range and some of the quickest charging out there. Its bland looks are forgivable but less so are the dubious low-speed ride and an over reliance on the touchscreen for functions that should be more readily accessible.

Even with those caveats, though, this is one newcomer that deserves to be given the same consideration as any of its myriad rivals.