New XPENG G6 Gets Next-Gen Tech.

New XPENG G6 Gets Next-Gen Tech.

XPENG is a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that was founded in 2014 by two former senior executives at GAC Group with expertise in automotive technology and research & development (R&D). The company is headquartered in China, but also has offices in California and Germany. In 2023, the Volkswagen Group purchased a 4.99% stake in XPENG, with the two companies set to develop two VW-branded EVs for the mid-size segment in the Chinese market this year.

Substantial Upgrade.

Distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), the ultra-smart 4-door XPENG G6 Coupe-SUV was the first model to appear on Irish roads. Equipped with an alluring range of features and new ‘know-how’ – much of it a product of their widespread use of AI technology in its development – the G6 provided buyers with a cutting-edge driving experience. New for 2026 is the revised G6, which features substantial chassis and suspension upgrades, along with advanced smart tech, a new steering wheel, and minor exterior design revisions that include a full-width front light bar and a ducktail spoiler on the tailgate.

Three Variants.

As before, the XPENG G6 is available in three model variants –  a ‘Standard  Range’ model with 248bhp and a ‘Long Range’ model with 292bhp, both of which send power to the car’s rear wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission, and a ‘Performance’ model with 480bhp and permanent all-wheel drive as standard. The G6 has an overall length of 4.75 metres and a height of 1.65 metres, and this places it in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q6 e-tron and Skoda Enyaq to name just a few.

Generously-Equipped.

The G6 comes equipped with an extensive array of comfort, convenience, safety, infotainment and connectivity features as standard. Key specification includes 20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, a large panoramic glass roof, leatherette-covered seats (heated, and multi-adjustable), ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, USB ports x 4, two 50W induction charging points for smartphones, a 960W audio system with 18 speakers, and an extensive library of music, video, entertainment and social media apps. Standard safety systems include blind-spot monitoring, parking assist, all-round camera coverage, 360-degree radar, and many more driver assistance systems, all of which are augmented by a digital instrument panel and steering-wheel mounted controls for easy access. The G6 was awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating), with an adult occupant rating of 88% and a child occupant rating of 85%. The infotainment system in the G6 now runs on the latest Qualcomm 8295 processor that results in a more responsive, smoother and faster user experience. The G6 is equipped with an enhanced voice assistant that can understand and respond to complex commands from all four zones of the car, even when offline. The XPENG App provides remote access to a host of functions, including pre-conditioning, location, and remote charging. For added convenience, a heat pump is fitted as standard in order to improve electrical performance and driving range in winter.

Stylish & Spacious.

The starship-inspired exterior features a striking fastback silhouette with dynamic proportions, and a new full-width front light bar with integrated indicators at each end, while a selection of colours inspired by the Deep Space highlight the visual appeal of the new G6. With its eye-catching coupé-style silhouette, contoured bodywork, forward sloping bonnet, recessed door handles, sporty alloy wheels and imposing rear design, the G6 commands terrific road presence. Based on an all-new model platform, the G6 comes complete with several key tech features that defy its €42,000 starting price (inclusive of current Irish Government EV incentives for private buyers). These include 800V rapid charging, sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems, and cutting-edge on-board digital technology. With an impressive 2.89 metre wheelbase and an intelligently-designed interior, every passenger enjoys ample legroom and headroom, ensuring comfort for all. Boot space is equally impressive, with 571-litres available in 5-seat mode, and up to 1374-litres on offer with the rear seats folded.

Rapid Charge in 12 Minutes.

The new G6 offers ground-breaking charging capabilities. With its revolutionary 800V architecture and peak power increased to an incredible 451kW, you can charge the battery from 10-80% in just 12 minutes. The new 68.5 kWh LFP battery used in the Standard Range variant provides a WLTP range of up to 470km, with the new 80.8kWh LFP battery in the Long Range variant providing up to 525km of range. Due to the extra  weight of the G6 AWD Performance variant, the achievable range reduces to a still-impressive 510km.

Test Car Details.

My XPENG G6 RWD Standard Range test car was finished in elegant Silver Frost metallic paintwork with Imposing Grey interior trim. The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 248bhp and 440Nm of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels via a single-speed reduction-gear transmission. The car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 200km/h (where permitted). The SEPA 2.0 platform that underpins the G6 features a moulded body structure designed to deliver a lighter, yet stronger, vehicle frame. This innovative design enhances overall performance, improves energy efficiency, and optimises vehicle dynamics, resulting in greater range and a more refined driving experience. The battery is seamlessly integrated into the platform as a fixed component, ensuring durability and efficiency. A robust triple-layer battery-shield design enhances resistance to impact, fire and thermal runaway, while the side pillars are engineered to withstand pressures of up to 80 tons. This advanced design achieves a 5% reduction in vertical space, delivering both enhanced driving dynamics and a more spacious cabin. The car’s steering is nicely weighted in its natural setting, with plenty of driver feedback at all times, and there is certainly a confident feel to the cohesive way that the G6 performs on the road. The significant improvements to the cars’ chassis and suspension, along with upgraded software, make it a more polished and enjoyable vehicle to drive. The new G6 doesn’t just improve on its predecessor, as it clearly sets a new benchmark for what buyers can expect from a modern electric vehicle.

Verdict, Price & Warranty.

The new XPENG G6 is a terrific car, and is a worthy contender in the ever-increasing EV market. The G6 Standard Range and Long Range models are priced at €42,000 and €49,440 respectively, with the AWD Performance model priced at €54,500 (inclusive of current EV incentives), representing a compelling value proposition for EV buyers in Ireland. The G6 is supplied with an XPENG Warranty Package that consists of a 5 year/ 160,000km new car warranty, an 8 year/160,000km battery and electric motor warranty, a 3 year paint warranty, and a 12 year corrosion warranty.

Visit www.xpeng.com/ie for further information.