XPeng G6: The Electric SUV with Business Appeal

The Tesla Model Y may still dominate conversations in Canary Wharf car parks and City office charging bays. Still, a growing number of Chinese manufacturers are arriving with serious ambitions – and considerable technology, writes our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay.

XPeng is one of them. The Chinese EV marque officially entered the United Kingdom in February 2025 with the G6, an electric SUV aimed at the Tesla Model Y. But XPeng didn’t take long to update the model, claiming more than 20,000 engineering improvements, new battery technology, and a flagship version called the AWD Performance Black Edition.

Smart Styling, Smarter Pricing

Park the G6 outside an office, and few people would guess it’s from a newcomer brand. Its coupe-SUV silhouette is undeniably familiar, but XPeng has added more definition than Tesla. Slim LED headlights stretch across the nose via a full-width light bar, while the posterior reflects the look with another illuminated strip beneath the tailgate glass.

It is clean, modern and understated – exactly the sort of styling that appeals to executives who want something contemporary without yelling about it. 

At £49,990 for the range-topping model, it also cheekily avoids the UK’s Expensive Car Supplement, thanks to the revised £50,000 threshold. That makes it a particularly attractive proposition for company car users watching monthly costs.

Long Range is the sweet spot

Three powertrains are available. The Standard Range with its 68.5kWh battery offers 258PS and a claimed 292 miles of WLTP range. The Long Range increases output to 296PS and extends range to 326 miles from its 80.8kWh battery. 

Then comes the AWD dual-motor Performance (Black Edition) version, using the same larger battery. With 487PS and four-wheel drive, it reaches 62mph in just 4.1 seconds while still claiming 316 miles. It’s undeniably quick.

Whether you’re stamping on the accelerator joining a motorway or overtaking slower traffic on a B-road, the G6 launches with remarkable urgency. It’s entertaining, almost ridiculously so for a family SUV.

One of the fastest-charging EVs

The updated G6 adopts new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology across the range and supports extraordinary charging speeds. 

The Standard Range can accept up to 382kW DC charging. Meanwhile, the Long Range and Performance models increase that to an astonishing 451kW – currently among the fastest charging capabilities available in a production car. Under ideal conditions, a 10-80% recharge takes around 12 minutes. 

For professionals travelling between, say, London, Birmingham and Manchester, that’s a genuine competitive advantage. 

Quiet enough to become a mobile office

Double-glazed windows do an excellent job of suppressing wind and tyre noise, making the cabin quieter than many foes at cruising speeds. Chinwagging with passengers stays effortless and over-the-phone conference calls remain pleasantly clear. 

What’s more, the minimalist dashboard reinforces that relaxed atmosphere. A 15.6-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, complemented by a compact digital driver’s display and an oval-shaped steering wheel. 

Materials feel premium throughout, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and a solid build quality. It looks suitably sophisticated.

At home around London

The XPeng G6 will feel right at home on London’s busy streets. Forward visibility is excellent, making it easy to progress along narrow roads, while the light steering in Comfort mode helps take the stress out of low-speed manoeuvres and tight parking spaces.

Rear visibility is a little more restricted because of the coupe-style roofline. Still, it’s hardly an issue in everyday driving due to front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

The suspension is tuned with a slightly firmer edge, which helps the G6 feel composed and confident on faster roads while still absorbing most bumps and imperfections on urban streets. The steering is predictable too, giving you plenty of confidence whether weaving through city traffic or cruising home on the motorway.

Practical for business and family life

The G6 will balance executive duties with family needs nicely. Front passengers have substantial space, while rear occupants enjoy loads of legroom despite the coupe-inspired roofline. 

The boot offers 571 litres, expanding to 1,374 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s easily enough for airport luggage, golf clubs or the weekly supermarket shop. 

Cabin storage is plentiful too, with deep door bins, wireless charging pads and a useful stowage area beneath the centre console.

A compelling company car case

The G6 makes financial sense. Indeed, electric vehicles continue to benefit from low Benefit-in-Kind rates, making them tax-efficient company cars. 

Combined with generous equipment, rapid charging and pricing that stays below the luxury-car tax threshold, the G6 becomes particularly attractive for fleets and salary sacrifice schemes. 

Safety credentials are reassuring too, with a top five-star Euro NCAP rating and strong scores for adult occupants, children and safety assistance technology.

For professionals looking for a stylish, practical electric SUV with company car appeal, the G6 is a convincing contender.