One other week and one other Chinese language model proclaims it’s launching in Australia.
It’s onerous to maintain up however the arrival of the brand new XPENG G6 this August is value being attentive to.
For those who don’t consider us ask Volkswagen. The German big has already dropped a cool billion to snap up a 5 per cent share within the Chinese language start-up after witnessing the model’s new tech.
It’s honest to say the fantastic thing about the pebble-shaped Tesla Mannequin Y rival lurks nicely beneath its floor.
The electrical platform is a murals, at the very least for automobile engineers.
Claimed to be extremely adaptable, it delivers state-of-the-art EV tech that’s able to evolving throughout a mannequin’s life.
On paper the G6 doesn’t sound like a breakthrough. All fashions include an 800-volt electrical system that may be charged at as much as 280kW – nicely beneath the 350kW Hyundai (dubiously) claims for the IONIQ 5.
It’s the execution that impresses.
Impartial exams have proven XPENGs are quicker to top-up than absolutely anything else, besides maybe the newest Porsche Taycan that prices thrice as a lot because the G6.
Meaning many are already beating the 20-minute claimed cost time it takes to prime up a G6 from 10-80 per cent.
It’s the same story for vary. Actual-world testing has resulted in drivers come inside simply 3.5 per cent of matching the claimed 550km for the quickest 350kW dual-motor AWD Efficiency. That’s spectacular, as most EVs don’t come close to their claimed vary in the true world.
In Australia we received’t get the quickest model till late this yr or early in 2025. As a substitute, there would be the selection of the RWD Commonplace vary and the RWD Lengthy Vary.
The bottom mannequin has a single e-motor that drives the rear wheels and musters 190kW and 440Nm of torque. It has a smaller 66kW battery that allows it to cowl as much as 435km on a cost.
The larger 87.5kWh battery within the Lengthy Vary model produces 570km of vary and delivers somewhat extra energy (210kW).
Each ship brisk acceleration (6.9sec v 6.7sec) however miss out on the intense thrust the dual-motor model dishes up (4.1sec).
Behind the odd oval-shaped wheel the XPENG SUV’s cabin is a nice place to spend time. It feels well-made with top quality supplies.
The ten-inch driver show is sharp and the 15-inch infotainment display crystal clear, quick and intuitive to make use of, packing processing energy nicely past many luxurious vehicles.
Regardless of creating its personal software program from scratch, XPENG will assist you to use each wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The usual system is spectacular, although, and comes with apps like YouTube and Instagram.
The driving force and passenger seat fold flat to satisfy the rear bench, making a mattress so that you can catnapping whereas the automobile recharges.
Sadly, the G6 isn’t any breakthrough in the case of driving.
Regardless of packing refined entrance and rear suspension and a close to 50:50 weight distribution the XPENG neither steers or rides in addition to the benchmark EVs.
It’s no deal-breaker as refinement ranges are excessive and wind and street noise low.
Simply two choices shall be obtainable when it lands right here – premium paint or a tow hook to permit it to haul as much as 1500kg.
The lengthy checklist of ordinary package features a full-length panoramic roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-wireless cellphone chargers, heated/ventilated vegan leather-based seats, an 18-speaker premium sound system, a warmth pump, semi-autonomous cruise management, heated rear seats and an electrical gesture-controlled tailgate.
The icing on the XPENG G6 cake is its pricing. In China it’s already positioned about 20 per cent cheaper than the Tesla Mannequin Y and may come in additional reasonably priced right here too.
If it does, there are many causes to miss Tesla’s glorious Supercharging community and purchase one over the Mannequin Y.
From our first acquaintance, it seems and feels the higher automobile.
AT A GLANCE
XPENG G6
PRICE: From about $53,000+ (estimated)
MOTOR: One electrical, 190kW/440Nm, 66kWh battery
WARRANTY/SERVICING: Seven years/limitless km
SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, site visitors signal recognition, clever high-beam help, blind-spot detection, door opening warning, lane-keep help, rear collision warning and rear cross site visitors alert
THIRST: 17.5kWh/100km
LUGGAGE: 571 litres
CHARGING: 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes
SPARE: Restore package