Any new electric SUV arriving in the UK right now faces an awkward problem: the Tesla Model Y already exists. It’s the car that dominates comparison charts, buyer shortlists, dinner-table conversations, and even the sales charts, so rivals need a very clear reason to tempt people away. Enter the Xpeng G6.
Pros
+ Exceptionally quiet and refined
+ Long Range model hits the sweet spot
+ Impressive charging hardware
Cons
– Ride and body control lack polish
– Steering feel is oddly artificial
– Infotainment looks great, frustrates in use
The what? The Xpeng G6. It arrived in the UK from China last year, but has just been updated for the UK and European markets, and its headline claim is attention-grabbing even by EV standards. Xpeng says the G6 can charge at speeds of up to 451kW, theoretically allowing a 10–80% top-up in as little as 12 minutes. That’s an impressive number, and the sort of figure normally associated with concept cars or distant future promises rather than something you can actually buy today.
Of course, reality quickly intrudes. There are currently no chargers in the UK capable of delivering that power, and only a small number that even approach 400kW. The G6 may be technologically future-proofed, but for now, its spectacular charging potential is more about reassurance than everyday advantage. Still, fast-charging capability is never a bad thing to have, especially as charging infrastructure continues to improve, and Xpeng deserves credit for pushing the hardware this far.
Performance without the drama
Most of my time was spent in the rear-wheel-drive Long Range version, which immediately feels like the sensible choice in the line-up. It’s brisk without being silly — the 0–62 sprint takes just 6.7 seconds — and smooth in the way modern EVs tend to be. It’s certainly more than quick enough for real-world driving.
The all-wheel-drive Performance model (the one in all the photographs here) is undeniably faster, hitting 62mph in 4.2 seconds, but it doesn’t dramatically alter the car’s character. There’s plenty of pace then, but it never quite delivers the sort of punch that makes you laugh out loud. Even the launch mode, hidden away in a menu on the touchscreen, feels subtle to the point of invisibility, with any benefit detectable more by timing equipment than by human senses.
Given the price gap between the versions, the Long Range car stands out as the sweet spot. It delivers the same fundamental experience for noticeably less money, while the Performance variant struggles to justify its premium unless you have a specific need for four-wheel drive.
Relaxing to drive, less convincing to push
Fast to charge and brisk on the move, sure, but that doesn’t translate to engaging dynamics on the road. Instead, one of the G6’s most immediately impressive traits is refinement. Noise levels are exceptionally low, even at motorway speeds, lending the car a calm, almost hushed character that compares well with more established alternatives. Long journeys feel relaxed and effortless, which is exactly what many buyers want from a family-focused SUV.
The chassis, however, doesn’t always match that sense of polish. There’s a noticeable amount of body roll, and the car can feel unsettled over imperfect surfaces, particularly at the rear. It’s never unruly, but it lacks the tied-down composure of the best cars in this class. On uneven roads, you’re aware of the suspension working beneath you, the body moving around more than you would expect.
The steering adds to that impression. Xpeng offers three steering modes, yet none feel entirely natural. Lighter settings verge on over-assisted, while ‘sportier’ ones introduce resistance without delivering any additional feedback. The result is a driving experience that prioritises ease over engagement, which will suit some drivers perfectly but may leave others — especially those opting for the Performance model — wanting more connection.
Huge screen, tiny irritations
The Xpeng G6 follows the now-familiar minimalist EV template inside. A 15.6-inch central touchscreen dominates the cabin, handling most vehicle functions. It’s sharp and clear, but usability is less convincing. Icons are frequently small, with those in the lower right sometimes hidden from view behind the steering wheel. Common adjustments are buried within menus, and interacting with the system on the move requires more attention than is ideal — something you’ll be chastised about as the driver monitor barks at you to keep your eyes on the road.
Voice control, theoretically a solution to touchscreen overload, proved inconsistent. Sometimes it works smoothly, sometimes it hesitates or misunderstands, a behaviour that places it firmly alongside many rivals rather than ahead of them.
One piece of technology that feels particularly undercooked is the digital rear-view mirror. Unlike most systems that physically tilt or adjust when switching between camera and reflective modes, the Xpeng’s mirror remains fixed in place. In digital mode, this means you can still see a faint conventional reflection sitting over the camera feed, but at a completely different scale and depth. It’s a frustratingly distracting experience, as your eyes attempt to reconcile two conflicting images at once. Switch back to normal mirror mode, and the problem doesn’t entirely disappear, because the glass itself is so dark that the view behind loses clarity, especially in lower light. Digital mirrors are supposed to be an upgrade; here, it’s a very clear downgrade.
Happily, practicality is generally strong, with generous passenger space and a roomy rear seat, though a few omissions stand out. The absence of a glovebox feels strange in a family car, and there’s no front boot unless you specify one as an extra. Neither issue is disastrous, but both feel slightly at odds with the G6’s otherwise family-friendly, forward-thinking image.
Xpeng G6: The Average Joes verdict
Now tuned for the UK, the Xpeng G6 makes an interesting first impression. It’s extremely quiet, well equipped and competitively priced, particularly in Long Range guise.
Yet despite the emphasis on advanced technology and engineering refinement, some of its weaknesses are surprisingly traditional and difficult to ignore. Ride composure, steering feel, and infotainment ergonomics are the things drivers notice every day, and here the G6 doesn’t set the benchmark.
Choose the right version, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Expect it to feel like a class leader, and the picture becomes more complicated.
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.
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