Xpeng Challenges Tesla with Arrogance

It is rare to see a manufacturer directly competing with a market benchmark. However, that is the case with Xpeng.

At least we cannot accuse Xpeng of timidity when the manufacturer announces “joining the segment of the best-selling car in the world in 2023”. You guessed it, the target is the Tesla Model Y and no one else! Nice for the little European buddies who are still putting in a lot of effort… So ambition is good, a little arrogance doesn’t hurt, but one must have the means to achieve their ambitions.

The main weapon of this nice G6? Its exceptional charging capacity thanks to the 800V architecture that handles ultra-fast charging up to 280 kW. Charging the battery from 10 to 80% thus takes less than 20 minutes. It will initially be available with two battery packs of 66 kWh and 87.5 kWh, with the larger offering a maximum WLTP range of 570 km.

The coupe SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive delivering 258 hp (190 kW) and 440 Nm of torque. The Long Range version will also be offered with all-wheel drive with 350 kW/476 hp and 660 Nm of torque thanks to two electric motors, enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. The top speed for all versions is 200 km/h.

It looks like Tesla, and it’s fully embraced

20-inch wheels fitted with Michelin tires, a large 15-inch central screen housing most controls, a glass panoramic roof illuminating a simple and uncluttered cabin, a large trunk of 571 liters,… It’s incredible how the specifications of this Xpeng are indistinguishable from those of the Model Y! Even the name of the driving aid system Xpilot reminds us of the American Autopilot. We do not yet know the prices of this ambitious Chinese vehicle, but our little finger tells us that it should be very close to those of Tesla.

We will soon know just how much Xpeng has drawn inspiration from its admitted reference since orders will open in May for first deliveries by the latest in the third quarter of 2024.

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