Photo Credit: YouTubeU.K. drivers shopping for an electric SUV have another direct challenger to the Tesla Model Y to consider: the updated XPeng G6, which is drawing attention for combining quick charging, generous standard tech, and pricing that undercuts some better-known rivals in the segment.Here's what to knowAfter spending time with the G6, longtime Car and Driving (@caranddrivingcarreviews) reviewer Jonathan Crouch said the changes make the vehicle a compelling choice in a highly competitive class.The top all-wheel-drive performance version is priced at around £50,000 ($67,973) and carries a 316-mile range rating, while the 80.8-kilowatt-hour long-range model comes in at about £45,000 ($61,176) with a quoted 326 miles.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt the entry point, buyers are looking at roughly £40,000 ($54,378) for a rear-wheel-drive G6 with a 68.5-kWh battery and 292 miles of range.Charging could be one of its biggest draws. Crouch said the larger-battery models can charge from 10% to 80% in roughly 12 minutes with help from 800-volt architecture and peak DC charging capability of 451 kilowatts.He also highlighted the standard features list, which includes a panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated seats, massaging front seats, a 15.7-inch central screen, and a 10.3-inch instrument cluster.That gives the G6 a different feel from Tesla's more stripped-back cabin design, though Crouch said it still is not the most rewarding SUV to drive.More backgroundThe review also shows how rapidly Chinese EV brands have evolved from fringe players into credible contenders in Europe.AdvertisementAdvertisementCrouch noted that XPeng is only about a decade old, yet Volkswagen still paid €500 million ($582.6 million) for a 5% stake in the business.More EV options can put pressure on companies to lower prices while giving shoppers better ranges, more features, and faster charging.For households, EVs can also bring day-to-day savings through lower fuel costs and reduced routine maintenance since they do not need oil changes and typically have fewer moving parts than gas vehicles."This car has been a huge success here in Israel — it's actually the best-selling EV here, even more than the Model Y. Hope it has great success in the U.K. as well, at least as much as in Norway, Denmark, and Israel," one commenter wrote.AdvertisementAdvertisementCrouch's own headline takeaway was direct: "Don't dismiss the Xpeng G6 as just another Chinese EV."What's being done?In the U.K., XPeng appears to be following a simple playbook: Go after Tesla shoppers with comparable performance and charging, include more standard equipment, and rely on the existing dealer network of International Motors, which also imports Subaru and Isuzu models.For drivers, home charging often costs half as much as public charging, but basic Level 1 charging tends to be slow. Qmerit provides free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home charger installations.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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