XPeng G6 Debuts In The UK, But Does This Electric SUV Give Tesla a Run for Its Money?
Image Credit: XPeng.
There's a new kid on the electric SUV block, and it's coming all the way from China. XPeng, a name that sounds like a character from a kung-fu movie, has officially landed in the UK with its G6. It looks like the electric vehicle market is getting hotter than a jalapeno in July. So, does this G6 have what it takes to steal some thunder from the reigning champ, Tesla?
We have no choice but to start with the price. Because, in this economy, who isn't watching their pennies? The G6 starts at a very reasonable £39,990 or just a smidgen over $50,130. That's a good chunk of change less than the Tesla Model Y, which currently starts at £46,990 in Blighty. Seven thousand royal pounds less, to be exact - that's nearly $9,000. Or a whole extra vacation! I'm not saying Tesla is overpriced, but let's just say XPeng is making a compelling case for itself.
But price isn't everything, is it? You can't just buy a car based on its price tag alone. You have to consider things like performance, range, and, of course, whether or not it has cupholders big enough for your super-sized latte. Thankfully, the G6 seems to deliver on all fronts. It even has an 800-volt electric system, which is double the voltage of the Tesla. What does that mean in layman's terms? Faster charging! We're talking about getting that battery from 10 to 80% in under 20 minutes. That's actually faster than I can decide what to have for lunch.
The Long Range version of the G6 can travel up to 354 miles on a single charge. That's almost enough to get you from London to Edinburgh, with a few detours for some scenic countryside drives, of course. While it may not be as quick off the mark as the Tesla Model Y (0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds versus 5.7 for the Tesla), it's still plenty fast for everyday driving.
Inside, the G6 is a breath of fresh air. It features a massive 15-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch driver display, and enough gadgets and gizmos to make James Bond jealous. We get wireless phone chargers, heated seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a sound system that could make your ears do the salsa. And the best part? It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! Something Tesla stubbornly refuses to offer.
Will the XPeng G6 dethrone the Tesla Model Y? I'm pretty sure it will try. It will try really hard. With that price, impressive range, fast charging, and user-friendly features, the G6 seems like a compelling alternative for anyone looking to make the switch to electric. If XPeng can look after its customers, Tesla can have an unpleasant surprise on its doorstep one day. Plus, it has Apple CarPlay. Need I say more?
