The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng has arrived in Australia with significant ambitions, positioning the G6 Long Range as a direct Tesla Model Y competitor. Priced at $59,800 before on-road costs, the Long Range variant offers 570km of WLTP range, making it an attractive proposition for buyers seeking electric SUV practicality without premium European pricing.
Design and Proportions
The G6 adopts the increasingly popular coupe-SUV silhouette that has become synonymous with modern electric vehicles. Measuring 4753mm in length, 1650mm in height, and 1920mm in width, the G6 occupies similar real estate to its Tesla rival while offering distinctive Chinese design language that emphasizes clean lines and technological sophistication.
The exterior design strikes a balance between athletic stance and aerodynamic efficiency, with a closed-off front grille and sculpted side panels that channel airflow effectively. The vehicle rides on 20-inch sport design alloy wheels with 255/45 R20 Michelin tyres, providing an appropriately sporty appearance while maintaining ride quality.
Available color options include black, grey, orange, silver, and white, offering sufficient variety for most buyer preferences. The orange finish provides a particularly striking option that helps the G6 stand out in parking lots filled with monochrome electric SUVs.
Performance and Efficiency
The G6 Long Range achieves 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h, delivering respectable performance figures that satisfy most driving scenarios without venturing into supercar territory. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration provides adequate power delivery while maximizing efficiency.
Real-world testing reveals impressive energy management capabilities. During mixed urban, suburban, and rural driving, the G6 achieved an average energy consumption of 15.9kWh per 100km, actually bettering the official claim by 1.6kWh/100km. This efficiency advantage translates into real-world range benefits that enhance the ownership experience.
The 87.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery provides the foundation for the Long Range’s impressive range capabilities, while rapid charging speeds peak at just under 200kW with strong rates maintained up to 70% state of charge.
Interior Space and Practicality
The G6’s interior emphasizes space utilization and technological integration. Boot capacity ranges from 571 to 1374 litres, providing flexibility for varying cargo requirements. The rear seat area offers generous legroom and headroom, though the sloping roofline does compromise rear headroom compared to more traditional SUV designs.
The dashboard layout prioritizes digital interfaces while maintaining physical controls for essential functions. The central touchscreen handles most vehicle settings and infotainment duties, though the system responds intuitively to inputs and provides clear graphics throughout the interface.
Build quality impresses with solid panel gaps and premium materials throughout the cabin. The seats provide adequate support for both short trips and longer journeys, though they lack the adjustability range found in more expensive alternatives.
Technology and Features
XPeng has equipped the G6 with comprehensive technology features that align with contemporary electric vehicle expectations. The infotainment system integrates smartphone connectivity seamlessly while providing over-the-air update capabilities that ensure the vehicle’s software remains current.
Advanced driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. These systems operate smoothly in most scenarios, though they occasionally display the conservative calibration typical of new market entrants.
The vehicle’s charging capabilities extend beyond rapid DC charging. Home charging options include Level 1 EV charging with mobile cable charging speeds of 2.4kWh, providing flexibility for owners without dedicated charging infrastructure.
Market Position and Competition
The G6 Standard Range starts at $54,800 before on-road costs, while the Long Range tested here commands $59,800. This pricing strategy positions XPeng competitively against the Tesla Model Y while undercutting European alternatives significantly.
One notable limitation is the absence of an all-wheel-drive dual-motor option, while competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer AWD variants. This represents a potential disadvantage for buyers prioritizing all-weather capability or maximum acceleration performance.
The G6 enters a rapidly expanding market segment with established competitors including the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, and various European alternatives. Success will depend on XPeng’s ability to establish dealer networks and service infrastructure while maintaining competitive pricing.
Ownership Considerations
The G6 Long Range represents an interesting proposition for electric SUV buyers seeking alternatives to Tesla dominance. The combination of competitive pricing, impressive range, and comprehensive equipment levels creates a compelling package that addresses most buyer requirements.
However, potential buyers should consider the relatively new brand presence in Australia and the associated questions about long-term service support and resale values. XPeng’s success will ultimately depend on building consumer confidence through reliable products and strong dealer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the XPeng G6 Standard Range and Long Range? A: The Long Range costs $5,000 more and features an 87.5kWh NMC battery versus the Standard Range’s 66kWh LFP battery. This upgrade provides 570km range versus 435km, representing a 135km improvement, plus an additional 20kW of power output.
Q: How does the XPeng G6 Long Range compare to the Tesla Model Y? A: The G6 Long Range offers similar exterior dimensions and practicality to the Model Y but undercuts Tesla’s pricing significantly. However, it lacks all-wheel-drive options and has a newer, less established service network compared to Tesla’s mature infrastructure.
Q: What is the real-world range of the XPeng G6 Long Range? A: Testing revealed energy consumption of 15.9kWh per 100km, which is 1.6kWh/100km better than the official claim. This suggests the 570km WLTP range is achievable in real-world conditions, particularly during mixed driving scenarios.
Q: Does the XPeng G6 Long Range support fast charging? A: Yes, the G6 Long Range supports rapid DC charging with peak speeds just under 200kW. The charging curve maintains strong rates up to 70% state of charge, providing practical charging times for long-distance travel.
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