- Xpeng G6 - Select's first drive
- Chinese EV is Tesla Model Y rival
- Comfort, build quality, smartphone connectivity all impress
- Our man Steve Fowler give his verdict
If you’re eyeing up a Tesla Model Y lease – and as Britain’s best-selling EV, plenty of you will be – you’ll want to consider the Xpeng G6.
It might be a new name to the UK, but Xpeng has already made waves in mainland Europe, in Australia and in China, where the brand first launched in 2014.
With the G6 (there are lots more Xpengs set to come to the UK over the next few years) it’s like Xpeng took a good, long look at the Model Y and decided to outdo it in a few key areas. The result? A stylish, well-built all-electric SUV that’s more comfortable to drive than the Tesla, packed with tech, and feels just a bit more thoughtful, too. And crucially, it’s cheaper.
.jpg)
From the moment you settle into the driver’s seat, the G6 feels reassuringly familiar, but with its own distinct flair. The interior is slightly more conventional than Tesla’s minimalistic approach, and many will find that refreshing. So there’s actually a driver display in front of the driver, rather than just relying on a single huge screen in the centre of the dash.
The materials used inside feel premium, with a nice mix of faux leather (it’s made from sustainable materials, apparently) and chrome accents across the dashboard. Unlike Tesla, there’s support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the large 15-inch touchscreen, which will be a huge win for many potential buyers.
Comfort is where the Xpeng G6 really shines. Tesla’s Model Y, while impressive in many ways, has a reputation for its jarring ride quality. By contrast, the G6 strikes a good balance between firmness and comfort. It’s still on the firm side, but never to the point of being unpleasant, making it a better choice for day-to-day drives and considerably more comfortable for rear seat passengers.
Granted, the G6 is not as sharp or dynamic in the corners as a Model Y – the body leans a bit more, the steering feels less precise and the seats – though heated and ventilated – don’t quite hold you as snugly, but I’d trade that for the better ride quality.
Performance-wise, the G6 doesn’t feel quite as quick off the mark as the Tesla, either. The long-range model’s 0-62mph sprint takes 6.2 seconds, which is plenty fast enough but lacks the Tesla’s punchy, neck-snapping acceleration.
On the plus side, the Xpeng is powered by a sophisticated 800-volt SEPA 2.0 architecture, which means rapid charging is a breeze. Using a 350kW charger, you can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in about 20 minutes—impressive stuff. The long-range model has a claimed maximum range of 354 miles, which falls slightly short of the new Model Y Long Range’s 387 miles, but it’s still more than enough for most journeys.
Inside, the G6 offers a sense of spaciousness that’s hard to beat. The frameless rear doors open wide, making it easy to hop in and out, and there’s bags of head and legroom in the back, even for taller passengers.
The panoramic glass roof adds to the airy feel and offers lovely views of the sky, much like the Tesla. Boot space is generous, too, with 571 litres to play with—bigger than a Kia EV6 and on par with the Tesla, though the G6 lacks a frunk, or front boot, for extra storage.
One of the standout features is the tech. The 15-inch central screen is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, making it swift and responsive. Voice commands are easy to use: just say “Hey Xpeng” to adjust the climate or activate features like the heated steering wheel. The in-car assistant is genuinely helpful, and software-over-the-air updates promise to keep improving the system over time. There’s also an 18-speaker Xopera sound system that does a solid job, though it feels like a bit of fine-tuning could elevate it further.
The G6 is brimming with advanced driver assistance and safety systems. XPilot uses a combination of cameras and sensors to make driving easier and safer with adaptive cruise control and the car even displays a view of your blind spot on the screen when you indicate; a thoughtful touch.
Another key advantage the G6 has is on price, starting at £39,990 which undercuts the new entry-level Model Y by £5,000 and means it won’t get stung by the new Expensive Car Supplement that will apply to all cars costing over £40,000.
Xpeng might not have Tesla’s charging network or quite the same range, but it offers a more comfortable ride, better build quality, and crucially, smartphone connectivity that Tesla still lacks. For those looking at alternatives to Tesla’s dominance, the G6 is a serious contender.
Specifications:
- Model tested: Xpeng G6 Long Range
- Price to buy outright/rough cost to lease: £39,990 to £44,990/
- Powertrain/battery size: Electric / 87kWh battery
- Power output/torque/top speed: 292bhp / 430Nm / 115mph
- Max Range/charging speed: 354 miles / 280kW fast charging (10–80% in 20 minutes)
- Fuel economy/CO2 emissions: 3.5 miles/kWh, zero emissions
- Boot space in litres: 571 litres
- BIK/road tax: 2% (BIK), £10
- Standard-issue kit: 15-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated/ventilated seats, panoramic glass roof, XPilot driver assistance, Xopera sound system
- Main rivals: Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW ID.5
** Steve Fowler is one of the UK’s best-known automotive journalists and currently EV Editor of The Independent and a regular contributor to The Guardian. He’s the only person to have edited three of the UK’s biggest car titles – Auto Express, Autocar and What Car? – and has interviewed the biggest names in the car world from Tesla’s Elon Musk to Ford’s Jim Farley. Steve has also presented documentaries for BBC Radio Four and is used as a resident ‘car guru’ on TV and Radio. He’s a World Car of the Year juror and a judge on both Germany’s and India’s Car of the Year Awards. Read more of Steve's work at stevefowler.co.uk.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- New Volvo ES90 ‘in a class of its own’
- Women motoring journalists crown their ‘Best Car for 2025’
- VW’s entry-level EV: World premiere!
- Next-gen Audi A6 Avant revealed
- Lotus unleashes new Emira Turbo SE
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
