ECO MOTORS NEWS got behind the wheel of the XPeng G6 Performance, the Chinese manufacturer’s 100% electric SUV coupé, which is clearly targeting European benchmarks… and above all the Tesla Model Y. For two days, we put it through its paces in the Paris region: city, ring road, dual carriageway, motorway and country roads. It was an opportunity to see if this futuristic SUV lived up to its promises in terms of performance, range and on-board comfort.
First impressions: an assertively futuristic SUV
At first glance, the XPeng G6 Performance displays a strong styling bias, and it’s no coincidence that it catches the eye. The front end features a wide horizontal LED strip that stretches across the entire width of the vehicle, giving the whole vehicle a highly futuristic lighting signature.
With its generous dimensions (4,753 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,650 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,890 mm), it has a dynamic presence, firmly planted on its wheels despite a kerb weight of around 2,120 kg. All in all, it’s a winner in terms of exterior design: XPeng offers something different from the classic European codes, while retaining a real coherence of style.
A sleek, high-tech interior… with almost no buttons
When you step inside, the futuristic look continues. The G6’s interior is refined and minimalist, with very few physical controls. Almost everything is displayed on two large screens: the 10.2-inch instrument panel behind the steering wheel and the 14.96-inch central screen, both of which are well integrated and easy to read, providing rapid access to all the vehicle’s functions.
When first used, the absence of buttons can be surprising and even frustrating, but once you’ve got to grips with the overall ergonomics of the interface, it more than makes up for this radical choice.
One of the strong points of the cabin is XPeng’s choice of a well thought-out interior lighting signature: the different lighting strips, which can be chosen and adapted to suit the music, contribute greatly to this high-tech, immersive ambience.
In terms of perceived quality, XPeng has clearly opted for the top end of the range, with meticulous materials, reliable assembly, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, and very good quality front and rear seats. You really get the feeling that you’re in a premium electric SUV, with a level of presentation that has nothing to be ashamed of when compared with the benchmarks in the segment.
Life on board: space for all the family
Let’s stay on board the G6, where there’s no shortage of space. Up front, driver and passenger enjoy a comfortable, well-supported seat, with a driving position that’s easy to find despite the cabin’s very digital philosophy.
At the rear, the G6 offers three real seats that can be used on a daily basis: there’s plenty of legroom, the headroom remains decent despite the SUV coupé silhouette, and the bench seat makes it easy to envisage journeys with family or friends.
The boot, meanwhile, is fully in line with this electric family SUV positioning: 571 litres of volume (extendable to 1,374 litres with the seats folded down), more than enough for everyday use as well as for weekend getaways or holidays. Clearly, the XPeng G6 ticks all the essential boxes when it comes to versatility.
Behind the wheel: a truly powerful electric SUV coupé
It’s when you’re on the move that the G6 Performance fully justifies its name. In everyday driving, with Eco or Normal modes selected, acceleration is linear but already very much in evidence. Reacceleration is crisp and progressive, perfectly suited to relaxed driving in town or on the fast lane. You’ll enjoy the silence typical of an electric vehicle, with only the presence of a low-velocity external sound to warn pedestrians. A good idea on paper, but in use this ‘music’ becomes a little intrusive over time, even though several tones are available.
Switching to Sport mode, the G6 Performance clearly changes face: with its maximum power of 350 kW (476 bhp) in AWD mode, torque of 660 Nm and 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 s (top speed 200 km/h), you can feel the instant responsiveness that is typical of EVs. Acceleration becomes downright aggressive, in the good sense of the word: perfect for hard acceleration, high-speed overtaking and fast lane acceleration.
The steering, meanwhile, remains artificial in its feel, and is very fluid in use. In practice, it’s a pleasure to use on a daily basis, even if purists would no doubt have liked a little more feedback.
However, the suspension is not the G6’s strong point: on rough or ‘uneven’ roads, our driving experience revealed a certain firmness. On good road surfaces, however, the ride is taken up a notch, and the G6 offers real driving comfort, especially on long journeys. Finally, in town, the car’s size means you have to remain vigilant, but all the manoeuvring aids and numerous parking ‘gadgets’ mean you can park without any particular stress.
Battery, range and recharging: one of the best in its category
Let’s talk about one of the strong points of this Chinese SUV. It boasts a battery that clearly places it among the best in its segment in terms of efficiency and range. It is fitted with an 87.5 kWh NCM battery (800 V architecture), offering a range of up to 550 km WLTP for an average consumption in mixed use of 18 kWh/100 km, and over the two days of the test, the on-board estimates proved to be consistent with the official figures. On motorways and expressways, average fuel consumption was around 23 kWh/100 km.
Recharging is equally impressive on paper and in practice: up to 280 kW DC (10-80% in ~20 min), very competitive times for the category.
Conclusion: a highly accomplished electric SUV coupé, built for range
After two days behind the wheel of the XPeng G6 Performance, it’s hard not to recognise the seriousness of the proposition. As far as we’re concerned, it ticks almost all the boxes: a bold, futuristic exterior design, a refined, top-of-the-range interior, a generous, family-friendly interior, first-class performance and a range that’s among the best in its category.
It’s not perfect, however: the suspension is a little firm on poor surfaces, the steering has an artificial feel and the low-speed warning music gets tiresome, reminding you that this is a vehicle with a strong character. However, as long as you embrace its very digital world and its radical ergonomic choices, you’re in for a real treat.
