In my initial 30 minute drive of Xpeng’s updated G6, I noted there seemed to likely be a lot going for it, but I was waiting for a more extended drive to better gauge the car and its recent updates.
Well, that opportunity came up recently and I can now safely say that for those in need of a medium to large SV for carrying around five full-sized adults, the Xpeng fits the bill … and still leaves some change!
In brief:
Established in China in 2014, Xpeng’s first model (the G3 Small SUV) went on local sale in 2018. Mid-2024 saw the G6 launch in China and Europe, with Australian sales beginning December 2024.
However, after a slightly rocky start under importer TrueEV, in April this year Xpeng itself took over distribution of the brand in Australia, resulting in a factory-backed operation with big plans. Xpeng now intends to rapidly expand here from their current 25 dealerships to 50, and from the current two EV models to six by the end of 2026.
It is also worth noting here that although VFACTS Australia list the G6 as a ‘Medium SUV’, its dimensions technically tip it over into the Large SUV category. As such, it is very roomy inside for a medium SUV, and remains so even when compared to many large ones!
2026 G6 updates:
As noted in my earlier article, the just released updated G6 looks little different to the initial version (aside from a sleeker bonnet and headlight treatment).
Underneath the skin is a different story.
The long-range battery was replaced with an 80.8 kWh unit. (Reducing the WLTP range down from 570 km to 525 km for the two-wheel drive). DC charge rates however are considerably up though as the new batteries utilise an 800V architecture. DC charge rates are now 382kW for the standard range and 451kW for long-range.
Multiple IT changes have also been made. A faster processing chip has been introduced, allowing for improved ‘Xpilot Assist’ functionality and a full ‘smart parking’ system that allows Remote parking via smartphone or key and fully automatic park-in and park-out.
Other improvements include upping the Vehicle to Load (V2L) output to 6kW/26A (up from 3.3 kW) and last, but definitely not least, finally rating the G6 for towing up to 1.5t. (Until now, the G6 was not rated to tow).
Interior:
Xpeng have made no changes here, remaining a minimalist, screen driven driver’s interface. On the plus side, it does retain column stalks – although the left-hand one does cover everything from the indicators and lights to the wipers and washers for both the front and rear windows. Probably something you’d become accustomed to, but even after a week’s driving, I still had to plan my actions to avoid initiating the wrong function!
The driver’s seating position is almost infinitely variable with electrically adjustable everything including height, rake and lumbar support along with the usual fore and aft.
Combined with height and rake adjustments on the steering column, my guess is it would almost be impossible not to get a suitable driving position. Given the G6’s positioning as a medium/large SUV, rear seating is not only comfortable, it offers plenty of leg and headroom for all but the tallest basketballer.
Driving range and charging
Whilst the updated G6 long-range has a slightly reduced range over the outgoing version, this is more than made up by the considerably faster DC charging speeds. Provided you can find 400kW plus DC chargers, in the long-range you would be able to replenish 400km in around 10 minutes – meaning a rushed coffee break!
Towing
Something new to the updated G6 is a tow rating. At 1,500 kg, the G6 is now able to be added to the shopping list of those who need to tow a small caravan, boat or weekend trailer-load of garden soil!
Driving
On the road, the 2WD G6 at 280kW/440Nm and 6.7 sec 0-100 km/h time is extremely quick off the line … and also very quiet inside. The combination is something to watch out for if wanting to avoid speeding fines as you get used to it. Whilst I didn’t get to drive the AWD version, that one would definitely be a demerit points-gatherer unless you were very careful!
On the other hand, the 20-inch tyres fitted to the long-range versions provided a slightly harsh ride on anything less than a smooth, pothole-free road. (Something that is getting to be rare these days in Victoria!)
Personally, I would choose the 18-inch wheels with their higher sidewall to give a slightly more compliant ride. (Note: only the standard range comes with 18-inch wheels. 20-inch wheels are fitted standard to the long-range versions).
One very notable feature was the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) in the G6. Unlike many recent new models, the second ‘A’ in ADAS was noticeably NOT for ‘Annoying’!
A feature of the new G6 is what Xpeng call adaptive ADAS, where it learns a driver’s preferences and driving style. I for one found that apart from turning off a couple of minor functions at the start of the week, I could leave it to do ‘it’s thing’ without the ADAS interfering with or distracting the driver.
The Xpeng does by adhere quite strongly to a minimalist driver interface aesthetic, although it does at least include a driver’s display and column stalks. However, the stalks do feel like they are trying hard to make up for the lack of dash buttons and a minimalist steering wheel set.
The left-hand stalk does everything from lights and indicators to the front and rear wipers and washers, all controlled by a variety of pushes, pulls and twists of various moving rings. The right too doubles as both drive selector (drive/reverse/park) plus operates the cruise control. Pushing the drive selector up towards reverse at 100km/h to disengage the cruise control is not for the faint-hearted!
Even the mirrors are controlled by a combination of screen app and temporary control via some generic steering wheel buttons that revert after a few seconds of enabling mirror adjustment.
Altogether, and I know I am being slightly contentious here, I am not a fan of entirely screen-driven apps for the basic functions of heating, radio, mirrors etc – and the Xpeng not only has none of these, it also has next to no button functions on the steering wheel either.
Together, it does not feel entirely safe to be looking down to find the exact spot on a screen to perform functions that should be available via ‘braille’.
However, I am not also alone here as both Europe and China are both bringing in requirements for manual controls (such as buttons and dials) for the basic functions, as well as mechanical operation of the door handles to facilitate a quick exit from a damaged or sinking car should the 12V electrical system fail.
(The G6 currently has electrically operated door locks – although the new L03 on display at the recent Xpeng event sported mechanical door handles to meet the newer Chinese and European requirements).
Summary:
The Xpeng G6 update is, for many reasons, a great improvement on what was already an impressive car for the price. (Currently starting at around $52,000, plus on-roads, for the 2WD standard range and working up to $63,000 plus ORCs for the new AWD).
For those who need to regularly move five full-sized adults and their luggage for extended periods, the G6 is definitely one to include on your shopping list (especially if the lack of a tow rating was previously keeping it off). However, you do need to be comfortable with its minimalist driver controls aesthetic.
Full specifications of the updated G6 can be found in TheDriven’s new models page, as well as the AEVA Fact Sheets page.
Xpeng G6 Specifications:
Seating: 5
Boot volumes in litres: (1 litre = 10 x 10 x 10 cm)
- Boot – seats up: 571 L
- Boot – seat folded/to roof: 1,374 L
- Froot (front boot): NA. No froot.
Dimensions:
- Overall length: 4,753 mm
- Overall height: 1,650 mm
- Ground clearance: 153 mm
- Overall width (edge of doors): 1,920 mm
- Overall width (edge of mirrors): not provided
Battery:
- Standard Range: 66 kWh
- Long Range: 87.5 kWh (MY25 & 26)
- Long Range: 80.8 kWh (Update)
Energy consumption: (Update model, WLTP test cycle)
- 16.6/17.9/18.4 kWh/100km (SR/LR/LR AWD)
Kerb weight:
- Update model: 2,065/2,115/2,220 kg (SR/LR/LR AWD)
Charging:
- 1 phase AC: 7 kW max.
- 3 phase AC: 11 kW max.
- DC:
– 280 kW (pre update)
– 382 kW/451 kW (SR/LR)
Charge port location:
- RHS, rear (just below the rear tail-light)
Drive configuration:
- 2WD: rear wheels driven
- AWD (New option)
Towing: unbraked/braked
- Pre update: Not rated for towing.
- Update model: 750 kg/1,500 kg
Spare tyre: No
Performance:
