THE Xpeng G6, an all-electric C-segment crossover, has been an eagerly anticipated experience since making its Malaysian debut in August last year.
After a three-day evaluation, it’s evident that the G6 has more than meets the eye by delivering impressive performance, thoughtful design, and a compelling range of features.
In Malaysia, the G6 is available as a fully imported (CBU) model in two rear-wheel-drive options starting with the 580 Pro review unit which costs on-the-road without insurance at RM165,820, while the 755 Pro is tagged at RM185,820.
Futuristic and fluidic design
The G6’s exterior design is both futuristic and streamlined to a degree, with a focus on fluidity rather than a bulky, muscular stance.
The Graphite Grey exterior with a Black leatherette interior offers an understated yet modern look, reflecting the vehicle’s design cues.
The fluidic profile is strongly characterised by its smooth silhouette that simply shouts futuristic refinement.
While rolling on 20-inch wheels wrapped by 255/45 tyres, the G6 comes with a sporty touch that complements its smooth, flowing lines.
The large wheels fill the arches well and add a hint of performance-readiness to its character without detracting from its looks.
The LED daytime running lights with integrated dynamic turn signals, split from the lower headlights, add a high-tech appeal to the front fascia and contribute to an overall design that looks both progressive and premium.
Inside, the G6 combines spaciousness with minimalism to create an atmosphere that feels both open and well put together.
With comfort and convenience in mind, the interior focuses on connectivity via Bluetooth for a clutter-free ambience.
The expansive glass roof is a standout feature, flooding the cabin with natural light during the day and offering a panoramic view of the night sky, enhancing the sense of space and airiness.
Complementing this is the somewhat plush leatherette upholstery, which provides a soft yet durable seating experience that looks to strike a balance between practicality and a premium feel.
Embracing a minimalist design philosophy, the dashboard is entirely devoid of buttons to reinforce the notion of clean aesthetics.
Instead, a large 14.96-inch floating touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster take prominence, bringing colour, functionality, and modernity to the interior.
The only other buttons are for the power windows and those on the two-spoke multifunction steering wheel which are all in easy reach without breaking away from the cabin’s minimalist approach.
Although Bluetooth is the primary connection to the vehicle, those who prefer wired options have access to USB Type-A and Type-C ports along with a 12V port, to ensure flexibility.
Altogether, the interior delivers a sophisticated blend of comfort and simplicity.
Blended with comfort and the ability to take on a spirited drive, the G6 offers a refined balance between relaxation and performance that makes it both versatile and enjoyable.
The rear-wheel-drive setup adds a dynamic, engaging edge to the handling, lending a lively responsiveness that will appeal to those who enjoy a bit of thrill behind the wheel.
Although the rear suspension has been noticeably tuned to the softer side for the sake of passenger comfort, this slightly reduces the planted feel during spirited cornering.
Nonetheless, the vehicle maintains solid control at higher speeds, providing an impressive balance of comfort and agility.
This configuration encourages drivers to tap into its agility which can bring about a playful, performance-oriented experience.
When approaching its handling limits, the electronic stability controls will noticeably step in to help maintain control.
The intervention allows drivers to recalibrate, recover, and regain command without allowing the driver to be caught too off-guard during intense, high-speed manoeuvres.
The combination allows the G6 to adapt to both relaxed cruising and more spirited drives with equal ease, delivering a rewarding driving experience that strikes an ideal middle ground between composure and excitement.
From the start, the battery’s state-of-charge (SoC) was at 98% and had an indicated range of 426km which isn’t too far from its claimed 435km range.
The range is based on a more realistic Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and after the three-day stint, the vehicle’s energy consumption was deemed acceptable considering the amount of throttle abuse it endured.
With about 110km completed, the 66kWh Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery’s SoC was drained down to 62%, with 268km of range remaining and an average energy consumption of 16.4kWh per 100km.
Although this might not seem ideal, tapping into this vehicle’s performance and handling characteristics would bring along happy faces.
Even in Eco mode with the regenerative level set to the bare minimum, a 10km+ journey at about 90kph will bring the SoC down by about 2%-3% – depending on the type of route and traffic conditions which could increase energy consumption.
Thus, with a light foot, this level of consumption should provide this electric crossover with the ability to cover longer distances of more than 400km.
Once charge levels drop to a minimum, the battery can accept up to a 215kW DC fast charger (10% - 80% in 20 minutes) or a slower 11kW AC charger (5%-100% in 7.5 hours).
Convenience is well-integrated with thoughtful touches like dual 50W wireless charging pads at the front and the ability to turn off certain advanced driver aid systems (ADAS) to significantly reduce intrusive beeps and alarms for the sake of sanity.
For added confidence, the G6 comes equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres which do well to enhance wet grip.
Notably, the G6 even has Launch Control – a feature more common among high-performance models, which can add some thrill to the experience.
Furthermore, the displays switch seamlessly between day and night modes, though drivers can keep them in night mode if preferred.
For in-car entertainment, the Spotify app is a standard inclusion along with YouTube being made available during drives to provide entertainment options that go beyond the ordinary.
The standout aspect of the G6’s ownership experience, however, is the Xpeng app.
The app provides essential information such as tyre pressure monitoring, remaining charge level and rate, and remote control of various vehicle functions including parking assistance, forward and reverse movement, climate controls, windows, and the powered tailgate.
Although Remote Parking Assist (RPA) is available through the app, some may prefer the hands-free option of Enhanced Auto Parking Assist 2.0 (EAP), which can be used while seated within the cabin.
Additionally, child-lock operation is directly accessible from the driver’s seat, adding a layer of convenience when travelling with a rear-seated child or a child-like passenger(s).
While the G6 boasts a clean modern exterior and interior, several areas could benefit from refinement.
The infotainment system, for instance, could use a bit more polished English translations for owners to keep it in high regard.
Additionally, the steering wheel controls may be simple and to-the-point, but lack dedicated controls, requiring the driver to access the infotainment system to customise settings which can be cumbersome at times.
Furthermore, the digital instrument cluster could be more legible by enlarging the font or providing an option to do so.
Adjusting the external mirrors required navigating a pull-down menu, selecting the mirror, and using the steering wheel controls, a more cumbersome process than direct controls would offer.
Similarly, accessing functions such as the powered tailgate, reading lights, and air vent adjustments is confined to the infotainment system.
Focusing attention on the heavily tinted glass roof which adds an airy, glare-free ambience to the cabin, it does struggle with the midday heat.
Furthermore, Android Auto (perhaps Apple CarPlay too) can take a moment to load and upon venturing out, it seems to require entering into the system’s app drawer for reactivation without a dedicated touch option.
While the G6 electric crossover may have a few areas that could benefit from refinement, it still stands out as an exceptional premium vehicle, particularly at its price point.
Offering a potent array of intelligent features paired with a well-rounded performance, the G6 is designed for those who prioritise agile handling and responsive control over sheer speed (200kph limit).
One of the G6’s strongest assets is its seamless integration of technology, elevating the ownership experience with features usually found in higher-end models.
SPECIFICATIONS
Xpeng G6 580 Pro
Electric motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Maximum power: 255hp
Maximum torque: 440Nm
Acceleration (0-100kph): 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 200kph
Battery: 66kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP)
Range: 435km (WLTP)
AC charging (11kw): 5%-100% in 7.5 hours
DC charging (215kW): 10%-80% in 20 minutes
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs
Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multilink
Features: Seven airbags, Driver State Monitoring, Forward Distance Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent High Beam, Blind Spot Detection, Door opening Warning, Lane Keep assistance, Emergency Lane Keeping, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise control, Lane Centering Control, Adaptive Turning Cruise, Active Lane Change, Automatic Speed Limiter, Enhanced Auto Parking Assist 2.0, Auto Exit Parking Assist, Parking Assist with 360-degree camera (12 cameras), Transparent Chassis, Straight Summon, Remote Parking Assist, automatic headlights, powered and heated external mirrors with power folding, electric release door-open button, panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate controls with PM2.5 and pollen filter, rear air vents, auto-dimming rearview mirror, powered front seats with memory and welcome function (driver 10-way, front passenger six-way), dual 50W wireless charging pads, Type A USB port, three Type-C ports, 18-speaker Xpeng Xopera Surround Sound System with Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto, 20-inch wheels
Via app: Mobile Phone Bluetooth key with Automatic Mobile phone unlocking, Mobile app remote control, intelligent car locating and remote start.
Kerb weight: 2,025kg
Boot space: 571 litres (expandable to 1,374 litres)
Average power consumption as tested: 16.4kWh per 100km
Price: RM165,820 (OTR without insurance)
Warranty: 5-year vehicle with 8-year battery and motor
