XPENG G6 Performance Black Edition – a comfortable performance

As you may have noticed on the roads and in advertisements, all new car brands seem to originate from China. XPENG is one of many aspiring EVs. Arriving in the UK in 2024, they have a compact but comprehensive range of vehicles.

XPENG reports that the G6 mid-size SUV coupe has undergone 20,000 changes. There are changes to the suspension, steering, and technical aspects of the vehicle. The addition of a high-performance model with 480bhp and dual motors, the Black Edition is one of the most significant changes.

Priced at €57,128/£49,990 the G6 Performance offers an excellent array of standard features and passes the benchmark 100kph/62 mph in a whisker over 4 seconds. In the listing, the range is 508km/316miles. From past experience with G6s, it is likely that 450km/280miles can be achieved under ideal conditions. Exploit your right foot though – easily done – and the range will sink! The G6 range, in the context of other brands’ car parks, isn’t bad at all and can be very useful.

It has a fast charging speed. With a 450kwh charge, the XPENG can be charged from 10 to 80% in 12 minutes. This is a time that few EVs are able to match at this moment. This makes it more practical. However, there’s always a ‘but’! It’s unlikely that you will find a charger with 450kwh here in the UK for the foreseeable future. Imagine how car manufacturers feel if you are annoyed by the lack of infrastructure and the high costs in the UK.

It is surprising how agile it can be when driving on twisting roads. The G6 Performance model is better on dual carriageways and A roads. It also makes for a pleasant drive. Comfort and equipment are excellent.

Despite my disapprobation for touchscreen and tech-mania, XPENG’s ‘Hey XPENG’ voice command system actually works rather well. This saves you from having to navigate through a multitude of menus. You can also move command icons from any screen to feature on the ‘home’ screen by dragging them as if on your laptop. The idea is to make it easier to access tech features while driving.

A Standard range G6 model will join the range later, priced at €45,697/£39,990 with a 470km/292-mile range and the benchmark 100kph/62 mph passed in a respectable 6.9 seconds. The Performance Black Edition is my favorite. Even Tesla drivers might be tempted by its performance, creature comforts, and excellent build quality.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Model: XPENG Black Edition Performance G6
• Engine: Dual motor – 358kW/480bhp – 660N-m torque
• Gears: Automatic/All-wheel-drive
• Price: €57,128/£49,990
• Performance: 0 – 100kph/60 mph 4.1 seconds
• Range: 508km/316 mile
• Emissions: 0 g/km

Model tested was UK specification, and equipment levels and pricing may vary on other markets