Xpeng G6 Performance: A Clear Statement of Premium Ambitions
To quickly and sustainably establish itself as a high-tech electric vehicle brand in Switzerland, Xpeng is really stepping on the gas. This is also evident in the *Autosprint* test of the sleek G6 SUV coupe.
The brand name Xpeng is one to remember. First impressions of the G6 AWD Performance: great design and impeccable build quality. The dynamically styled cockpit looks elegant. What looks premium also feels that way. And despite its sleek, sloping rear end, the SUV coupe offers more than enough headroom and legroom—even in the back. The spacious feel is surprising and makes the G6 a very comfortable companion on long trips. The seats are comfortable yet still provide the necessary lateral support when you take the electric SUV through corners in a sportier manner.
The suspension (firm, but by no means uncomfortable) of the 4.76-meter-long and 1.92-meter-wide G6 is also a good fit. The precise steering—which doesn’t feel artificial—is also a plus, and even at high speeds on the German autobahn, the Xpeng stays firmly and confidently planted on the road. Another pleasant surprise: the range doesn’t melt away like ice on a hot summer day. The 80.8-kWh battery in our powerful all-wheel-drive model (350 kW/476 PS and 660 Nm) easily managed over 475 km in our test, despite our sporty driving style. If you take it a bit easier, up to 510 km are possible according to WLTP (the rear-wheel-drive version even manages 525 km). Charging is also quick at the charging station: thanks to 800-volt technology, it charges at up to 280 kW. This means it takes just under 15 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent.
Clever details enhance comfort
Another clever feature: As soon as the driver activates the turn signal, the camera view from that side automatically appears on the display, effectively eliminating the blind spot. The rearview mirror features a live feed. While it works flawlessly, it creates too much distraction in our peripheral vision. Given the hatchback design and the rather small rear window, the Xpeng engineers had good intentions with the camera solution, but we’re still glad that you can use it as a conventional analog rearview mirror at the touch of a button. The massage function in the front seats is a major comfort feature. You can let it knead you however you like. The options range from «Stress Relief» to «Boost Vitality» to «Physical Regeneration» and include three intensity levels. Those 15 minutes really do wonders! Ideal for charging breaks, which hardly ever last any longer anyway.
The voice assistant was another pleasant surprise during the test. While many systems respond with a frustrating «I didn’t understand you,» the Xpeng executes commands reliably and quickly: a new navigation destination, a different interior temperature, or a new radio station—no problem at all! This is where the Chinese newcomer’s AI expertise really shines. Is everything perfect with this electric all-wheel-drive vehicle, available starting at 51,600 francs? Almost. The only area where we see room for improvement is the test car’s temperature sensor, as the air conditioning seems determined to freeze us solid. Only when set to around 25 °C does the air conditioning stop blowing a biting chill and instead deliver what feels like a pleasant 20 °C.
Expert Opinion: Xpeng G6 Performance
This sleek SUV coupe impresses with its high-quality interior, ample space, excellent long-distance capabilities, and smart driver-assistance systems. In addition, this dynamic all-wheel-drive electric vehicle boasts fast-charging technology and, above all, an attractive price.
Advantages
+ Elegant interior, plenty of space, and a sense of spaciousness
+ 800 volt technology for fast charging
+ Comfortable suspension with precise handling
Disadvantages
– Overzealous air conditioning
– A digital rearview mirror is a bit too much of a tech obsession
