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Chinese car-maker XPENG's all-new G6 poses an alternative to other electric mid-size SUVs.
The 2024 XPENG G6 is the latest Chinese mid-size electric SUV set to arrive in Australia and already available for pre-order. This model takes aim at both Chinese competitors and international brands like Tesla, offering an appealing mix of range, latest tech features and practicality for the price-conscious EV buyer.
One of the G6's biggest selling points is its affordability compared to other premium electric SUVs.
Australian pricing was recently announced by TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke, with the G6 Standard range starting from $54,800 and the long-range variant starting from $59,800. A dual-motor G6 AWD Performance model is also expected to become available later in 2024 with a predicted price below $80,000.
Rivals the G6 will be taking on include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (from $67,500), Toyota bZ4X (from $66,000), Subaru Solterra (from $69,990) and Kia EV6 (from $72,590).
Despite its relatively low base price, the 2024 XPENG G6 comes with a generous list of standard features. These include a full-length panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, a fully digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated multi-function steering wheel, heated/ventilated vegan-leather seats that also fold flat into a bed, and an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
Premium features such as metallic paint and sleek-looking 20-inch sport wheels will also be standard.
The G6 also offers as standard an integrated wireless smartphone charging, 960W 18-speaker premium sound system, semi-autonomous cruise control, electric gesture-control tailgate and keyless entry.
The XPENG is expected to be sold with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty in Australia, along with a guarantee of eight years/160,000km on the high-voltage battery.
XPENG has clearly put some time and attention into its technology offering in the G6. At the heart of the G6's tech package is XPENG's Xmart OS 4.0, the brand's proprietary infotainment and control system. The system is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8155 chip, ensuring fast processing speeds and fluid user interactions. Infotainment is controlled via a 15-inch touchscreen, with support for voice commands and gesture controls, along with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
Autonomous driving capabilities are a standout feature for this category of vehicle, with the XPENG providing a full of suite advanced driver-assistance systems via its XPILOT 4.0. Enhanced lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking and more mean the car is not fully autonomous but capable of handling most driving tasks on highways with minimal driver input.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio and apps such as Amazon Prime, Instagram, Apple TV, YouTube, Audible and Disney Plus are compatible with the G6's infotainment system.
Clean, minimalist design characterises the G6 interior, while achieving a premium feel through a mix of soft-touch plastics, leatherette and high-quality fabrics. The seats are well-padded and supportive, while the rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making the G6 a suitable vehicle for a family of four or five.
The panoramic sunroof, combined with large windows, gives the cabin an airy feel. The G6’s soundproofing is also noticeable given the absence of engine noise. Storage space is generous, with 571 litres of boot space extended to 1374 litres when the 60/40-split folding rear seats are lowered. There is additional space under the front hood, known as a 'frunk'.
For the devices, dual 50W wireless charging pads complement three USB-C ports (1 x 60W, 2 x 15W), one USB-A (10W) and two 12V power sockets across the car.
The G6 is created from an all-new architecture for XPENG which boosts its crash readiness, the pioneering triple-layer structure specially designed to withstand a 50-tonne side impact.
Other standard safety features include seven airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a 360-degree camera system. The XPILOT driver assist suite is built around 29 sensors comprising 12 cameras, 12 radars and five HD millimetre-wave radars to prevent collisions and reduce driver fatigue on long trips.
In Australia XPENG will launch the G6 with two single-motor, rear-wheel drive models – the RWD Standard and RWD Long Range. The first will produce 190kW and 440Nm of torque, its 66kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery enabling the 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds. By contrast, the Long Range packs a larger 87.5kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery, its single rear e-motor also producing 440Nm of peak torque peak but a more powerful 210kW, allowing this model to cover 0-100km/h in 6.7sec.
The car handles well for a mid-size SUV, with minimal body roll even during sharp turns, making it feel more agile than some of its competitors. The steering is light, and the regenerative braking system is adjustable, allowing drivers to customise their driving experience.
XPENG offers two battery options for the G6: a 66 kWh battery for the standard range and a 87.5 kWh battery for the long-range version. The standard model offers a range of around 435 km (per the WLTP test cycle) from its 66 kWh battery, while the long-range version can cover up to 570 km on a single charge, depending on driving conditions.
Fast charging capabilities allow the G6 to charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes, making it convenient for long trips. The model's 800-volt electrical architecture allows the LFP battery in the Standard vehicle to be DC fast-charged to 215kW, and to over 280kW for the Long Range battery. Energy consumption for both variants is stated as a highly respectable 17.5kWh/100km.
The 2024 XPENG G6 is an impressive mid-size SUV that offers excellent value for money. Its combination of competitive pricing, impressive standard-issue tech, range and overall package of features make it a strong contender in the increasingly competitive EV market.