The Xpeng G6 Beats Tesla at Its Own Game, Just Not on the Bit That Matters Most
Multiple reviews reach a genuinely striking conclusion: this newcomer undercuts the Tesla Model Y on price while offering more standard equipment and, according to some testers, a nicer overall experience — everything except the outright driving enjoyment Tesla still holds onto.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Copying the Homework, Then Improving On It
Being compared to Tesla is the fate of almost every new electric SUV. Reviewers keep noting this one earns that comparison more literally than most, right down to a minimalist, Tesla-inspired cabin — while genuinely beating the Model Y on value and specification.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Electric coupé-SUV |
|---|---|
| Versions | RWD Standard Range, RWD Long Range, AWD Performance |
| Power | 248bhp to 480bhp (Performance) |
| 0–62mph | 6.9 sec (Standard) to 4.1 sec (Performance) |
| Max DC charging | Up to 451kW — among the fastest of any production EV |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear noted the G6 was designed by JuanMa López, the same designer behind the Lamborghini Miura Concept and later head of exteriors at Ferrari, though found the resulting shape "a bit of a blobject" that a 2026 facelift made even more generic-looking. They confirmed both battery sizes can charge from 10-80% in just 12 minutes given sufficiently powerful chargers, though rated the overall driving experience as measured and composed rather than genuinely engaging, concluding it's "still just a bit too generic" despite being a fundamentally competent package.
Carwow
Carwow praised the G6 as a surprisingly mature, well-sorted first effort, rating build quality and material feel as comparable to established Western manufacturers rather than typically rough-around-the-edges Chinese output. They measured well over 300 miles of real-world range from the Long Range version, and highlighted a generous 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty — better than Tesla's — though flagged limited UK dealer coverage as a genuine practical concern at launch.
🎬 Watch: Xpeng G6 review (same video, watch above ↗)
Autocar
Autocar's road test confirmed a genuine 12-minute 10-80% charge using a 400kW charger, though noted ultra-rapid chargers above 400kW remain rare in the UK, limiting how often this party trick is actually usable. They found the switch to a smaller, more sustainable LFP battery chemistry didn't come at the cost of real-world range, though rated overall efficiency as merely average for the class despite the headline charging speed.
🎬 Watch: Xpeng G6 review (same video, watch above ↗)
Trims & Engines at a Glance
All-wheel drive is a first for the G6 in the UK — the dual-motor Performance sits apart from the two rear-wheel-drive versions, currently only offered in a black-themed special edition.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6 Standard Range (68.5kWh) | Single electric motor, RWD | 248bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV coupé | 6.9s |
| G6 Long Range (80.8kWh) | Single electric motor, RWD | 292bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV coupé | 6.7s |
| G6 AWD Performance Black Edition (80.8kWh) | Dual electric motors, AWD | 480bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV coupé | 4.1s |
Official range spans 292 miles (Standard) to 326 miles (Long Range), with the Performance close behind at 316 miles. All versions use 800V architecture for rapid charging, claimed at 12 minutes for a 10-80% top-up on a suitable ultra-rapid charger. The Performance is currently offered only in Black Edition trim. Check XPeng's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely class-leading maximum charging speed
- Strong value against the Tesla Model Y on price and equipment
- Spacious, well-built cabin
- Generous 7-year warranty, better than Tesla's
Weak points
- Generic, anonymous styling, especially after the facelift
- Numb steering and uninvolving handling
- Limited UK dealer and service network at launch
- Fiddly touchscreen-dependent controls for basic functions
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want genuine value and rapid charging capability over outright driving excitement or brand familiarity. The Long Range version is the sweet spot every review converges on — quick enough without the Performance's premium, and with the longest range in the lineup.
Watch the Reviews
Xpeng G6 review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)