Tesla Model Y May Be Afraid of the XPENG G6

The Chinese manufacturer XPENG arrives in France with two models, the luxurious G9 and the attractive G6 targeting the Tesla Model Y.

XPENG knows and affirms that, to win a competition, you must first defeat the best, and the target is none other than the Tesla Model Y. This obvious statement applies perfectly to the Chinese manufacturer, which unveils this week its great European ambitions. The first model arriving in dealerships this month for initial deliveries in July is the G9. 5 meters long and 2 meters wide, leather everywhere it can be applied, air suspension, and a multitude of small gadgets such as an automatic inflatable bed integrated into the rear seat. Even the XPENG executives admit that it’s a “brand image” model, without much commercial intent, intended in France only to raise awareness of the brand. If a few units are sold, that’s good, but it won’t be a bestseller in our market, which is not well-suited to this type of vehicle.

A few meters away, in Terminal 7 of the Paris Expo Park, where the brand is hosting a press stand, the G6 patiently awaits interest. At first glance, its smooth-curved body may seem anonymous, but if you take the time to look closer, it reveals lovely details. The roofline drops into a large, well-sized active spoiler, giving it a very pleasant coupe-like appearance, and the frameless windows promise a bright interior despite its compact dimensions. The front light strip is so slim that one might wonder how it provides sufficient lighting. It then becomes evident that the main headlights are integrated into what could look like large black air intake openings. A thin rear strip continues the design harmony, with flush door handles and two-tone wheel arches completing a very well-drawn overall look.

Inside, you immediately feel comfortable, welcomed by generous leather upholstery and a beautifully designed dashboard. Very symmetrical, it recalls certain American models from the 1970s-1980s, but with better build quality. The driver’s display is placed slightly low but falls directly into view behind a two-spoke steering wheel with two flat sections. The well-sized central screen is positioned at the center, and small buttons replace traditional door handles. Nothing extraordinary overall, but the finishes are impeccable, even though we’re told it’s only a demonstration prototype that has already been well-used, as confirmed by small scuffs on the door leather. Is this a way to confirm the leather’s thickness? Could it be intentional? In this regard, although the white leather is very chic, it is not recommended for families with young children, as it shows up everywhere!

A Discreet and Seductive XPENG

The happiest will undoubtedly be the rear passengers who enjoy generous headroom and legroom, putting this model in the very high-end category. The native electric architecture allows for a flat floor and a very large trunk. The expansive panoramic roof ensures optimal brightness, but unfortunately, it is not equipped with a shading system. Even though it’s claimed that 99% of heat is captured, parking in direct sunlight will be uncomfortable, and beware of glare risks. The Scenic still leads thanks to its Solarbay.

The G6 will be offered in three versions. Standard-range rear-wheel drive (265 hp, 440 Nm, 66 kWh, and 435 km range), Long-range rear-wheel drive (280 hp, 440 Nm, 87.5 kWh, and 570 km range), and Performance (480 hp, 660 Nm, 87.5 kWh, and 550 km range). Fast charging is available, with a 10 to 80% charge in 20 minutes thanks to the 800V architecture with a capacity of 280 kW.

The XPENG G6 is priced in Belgium at 42,990 euros. More expensive than a Tesla Model Y because it doesn’t benefit from the Eco Bonus, but the wealth of equipment, technology, and above all, the certainty of not driving with a typical “mister everyone” car makes this extra cost acceptable.

To date, XPENG offers only a network of 15 sales points in France, which is expected to quickly expand to 35 units. The promise is that no one will have to travel more than 50 minutes to reach one of these centers. Orders will open in June for initial deliveries in September. No exaggerated ambitions, just a steady flow of deliveries in Europe. XPENG aims to take its time to do things well, and so far, they are doing very well.