The Xpeng G6 has had a facelift, and I got to check it out in Munich. This updated version boasts some seriously fast charging, a new battery type, and plenty of space for families. The big question is whether to buy the current model or wait for this new one, which won’t hit Ireland until early 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Incredible Charging Speed: 800V architecture allows for a 10-80% charge in just 12 minutes, hitting up to 451kW DC.
- New LFP Battery: Replaces the older lithium-ion battery, offering longer life and using fewer rare materials.
- Spacious and Comfortable: Designed with families in mind, offering ample room and a comfortable interior.
- Subtle Design Updates: Minor tweaks to both the exterior and interior.
- Competitive Pricing: Aims to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y, offering a lot of features as standard.
Exterior and Interior Tweaks
The facelifted G6 keeps the distinctive front light bar and discreet Xpeng badge, with headlights tucked into the lower bumper. Around the side, you’ll find Michelin tires on up to 21-inch alloy wheels, with new designs for this updated version. The teardrop shape is still there, focusing on aerodynamics. The rear is where the Xpeng branding is most prominent, with large lettering across the boot. The car in the video is shown in a classy champagne or rose gold color, a nice alternative to the previous ‘fire orange’.
Inside, Xpeng has focused on making the G6 feel more premium. The materials used are soft to the touch, and the attention to detail, like the ambient lighting and markings, really makes it feel plush. The interior in the video is a brighter cream color, adding to the sense of class. The large panoramic glass roof is a nice touch. Unlike the Tesla Model Y, there’s no rear screen for passengers, which might be a pro or con depending on your preference.
Charging and Battery Tech
One of the most impressive upgrades is the charging speed. The G6 now supports 451kW DC charging, meaning you can go from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes. While chargers with this capability aren’t widespread yet, it shows how fast charging technology is advancing. The car uses a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is 80.8 kWh for the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance models. This replaces the previous 87.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The idea behind using LFP is to reduce reliance on precious materials like manganese and cobalt. Xpeng claims this new battery has a 30% longer lifespan and has undergone rigorous testing, including heating to 1000°C and withstanding 80 tons of side crush pressure.
Practicality and Comfort
Space is a big focus for the G6. The boot offers 571 liters of storage, expanding to 1,374 liters when the rear seats are folded down. There’s a flexible parcel shelf, a 12-volt socket for a cooler box, and even space for charging cables. A subwoofer is also included in the boot. The interior is designed for comfort, with a flat floor in the rear making it easier for three people to sit comfortably. The headlining, glass, and door textures all feel nice to the touch. For longer journeys, the rear seats can be reclined using a small handle, adding to the comfort.
Up front, there are dual, air-cooled wireless charging plates, plenty of storage space, and generous door bins. The steering wheel design hasn’t changed, but much of the car’s control is handled by voice commands. While the English voice control worked well, switching to German for testing caused some issues, but that’s more of a user problem than a car problem. The 360-degree camera system is excellent, and the new ambient lighting and wood grain details add to the premium feel. Both heated and cooled seats are standard and electric.
One minor point from the previous version was the door opening buttons; a child accidentally tried to open one while moving, so it’ll be interesting to test if there’s a preventative measure now. The driver’s instrument screen provides a lot of detail, including navigation right in front of you, so you don’t need to take your eyes off the road. All the safety features, like blind-spot monitoring, come as standard.
The rear-view mirror is an upgraded 9-inch digital display, but it can be switched to a standard mirror if preferred. The infotainment system has shortcuts for things like the speed alarm and heated seats, which is handy. The night mode display is also easier on the eyes. Assistant systems can be further customized, and there are even mindfulness settings for when you’re charging. The system is quite Tesla-like, with a configurable display and navigation. Moving the screen around is easy, though it will take some time to get used to all the settings.
Driving Impressions
During the drive, the car proved to be very efficient, with consumption around 12.6 kWh per 100 km. Xpeng has made the interior even nicer, building on an already good foundation. The charging speed is a standout feature. While Ireland might not have many 451kW chargers yet, the technology is impressive. The car’s brakes have been improved; they are now calmer and less sharp than in the previous version, which was a bit too aggressive, unlike the mushy brakes found in some Volkswagen ID models. The G6 remains an incredibly quiet car, with further reductions in noise and vibration. The steering has also been slightly improved.
In terms of efficiency, the G6 is on par with the long-range Tesla Model Y, with real-world figures showing around 12.9 kWh per 100 km on the best runs and up to 15 kWh per 100 km on motorways. Xpeng claims over 500 km of range. The performance version has 480 horsepower, while the standard version has 292 horsepower. The car weighs around 2.2 tons and has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 kg.
The blind-spot camera is a very helpful feature for changing lanes, especially on busy German motorways. The adaptive cruise control works well, but it’s important to note that if you accelerate even slightly, the car won’t brake for you. Unlike Tesla’s Autopilot, the system doesn’t shut off with major steering inputs, functioning more like a standard adaptive cruise control. The quietness of the cabin is remarkable, even with a large truck passing by. The chassis has been slightly tweaked, but it’s still a soft-riding electric car that doesn’t particularly enjoy being thrown into corners, showing some pitching under hard acceleration or braking.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Xpeng G6 is a serious rival to the Tesla Model Y. While some might still prefer certain aspects of the Model Y, the G6 offers very good ride quality, quietness, efficiency, and amazing fast charging. It’s also slightly cheaper. The new LFP battery is a good option for those who prefer it for ethical reasons. While it’s not drastically different from the outgoing version, the faster charging is a significant advantage for those who frequently cross countries or need to charge quickly. The 12-minute 10-80% charge time is genuinely impressive and addresses the common argument about the speed of refueling petrol or diesel cars. With its efficiency and range, it’s a strong contender for long-distance road trips.
The Xpeng G6 is expected to arrive in Ireland in early 2026. It continues to offer a premium feel without a premium price tag, especially for the entry-level rear-wheel-drive version. The charging speed is outrageously quick, and the new LFP battery is a welcome addition. While it might not be a massive leap from the previous model, the charging capabilities alone make it worth considering for those who prioritize fast charging.