since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
IT MIGHT have been slightly more than a year that the Xpeng G6 SUV (sport utility vehicle) was launched here but things do move fast in China. And that includes automotive vehicle updates, mostly in features and enhancements.
Thus, it’s no surprise that there is already a new Xpeng G6 model to carry on the excitement and novelty generated here. Since it was launched here in August 2024, Bermaz Xpeng sold more than 600 Xpeng G6 to reflect the strong response to this EV (electric vehicle) SUV.
And a recent drive to Johore that was successfully organised by the company for a group of Xpeng G6 owners was said to reflect the general satisfaction for the vehicle performance and dynamic qualities. Range was good too and the drive was covered without any anxiety in that respect.
The latest Xpeng G6 is expected to draw equally good support, probably inspired by the likely non-extension of import tax exemption for EVs next year. That would bump up imported EV prices by 30 per cent or more. Going the CKD (complete knockdown) route would maintain attractive price levels as the government would continue some tax exemption with local assembly until 2027.
This development certainly adds a fresh shine to the latest Xpeng G6. Previously, it was made available as the Standard and Long Range RWD (rear wheel drive) variants. The latest G6 is available as the Long Range RWD and AWD (all-wheel drive) Performance. The goal clearly is to offer potential customers a more exciting drive while meeting their needs for family ride comfort, motoring performance and social status. There is also a G6 AWD Black Edition for those who want to stand out further from the crowd.
Despite being new models, the latest G6 variants remain competitively priced. Based on the Long Range RWD variant between new and old, it is actually offered at a lower ‘selling price’ of RM178,888. That’s almost RM7000 lower than the previous variant. The AWD Performance is RM11,000 more at RM189,888 and the Black Edition is up by RM15,000 at RM193,888.
While the body profile looks largely similar to the previous model, changes are made to uplift its aesthetic outlook significantly. How could you miss the full-width Starlight Wing LED (light emitting diode) light bar with integrated turn signals in the front. It is as good as daytime running lights could be and one that catches your eye and attention immediately.
As such, the Xpeng logo that used to be located on the less forward light strip in the previous model is now located on the bonnet. We prefer this badge location as the Starlight Wing light bar runs free of any ‘blemish’ while the matte grey Xpeng cross logo stands out more prominently in its new location.
The other exterior changes are the rear diffuser that is said to enhance airflow over the slippery body profile while the new ‘Ducktail’ rear design does the job of adding visual length. The latter is also meant to reinforce its stance and contribute to greater stability on highway drives. Fresh aesthetic touches are also in having the wheel arches finished in body colour to bring about a more refined look. Its aerodynamic body styling boasts a low Cd (dynamic co-efficient) of 0.248 to rank among the best of them.
Adding to its good looks are the 20-inch alloy wheels with a fresh and attractive design, with the respective variant having different wheel styling. All of them are fitted with 235/45 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres; the same tyre model and sizes as that for the previous model. These tyres should complement the G6’s double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension system.
Dimensionally, the new G6 is about the same as the previous model albeit a bit shorter in overall body length at 4758mm (previous model 4763mm). Overall width remains at 1920mm and height stays at 1650mm; likewise the wheelbase of 2890mm. However, it seems to be heavier now at 2115kg for the Long Range RWD (previous model 2025kg) and 2220kg for the AWD Performance.
This is due to the updated electric powertrain. The latest G6 is now powered by the Xpeng’s next-generation Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LFP) 800-volt high-voltage SiC (silicon carbide) platform. With that, it marks the industry’s first upgrade to 5C LFP batteries. The benefits are outlined in the car’s higher efficiency and greater long-term durability compared to conventional battery systems.
The previous Long Range model came with Nickel Meganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries. By eliminating the use of resource-intensive minerals such as cobalt and nickel, the LFP platform is said to offer a safer, more eco-friendly and sustainable solution that reduces environmental impact while providing reliable and strong performance.
Both new G6 variants feature the upgraded 80.5kWh LFP pack that replaces the 87.5kWh lithium-ion batteries of the previous model. Together with the 800V SiC platform, this new setup is said to enable exceptional charging performance, with peak charging power reaching up to 451kW. With that, the new G6 sets a new benchmark in its segment by achieving a 10-80 per cent state of charge in 12 minutes (previous model 20 minutes).
The latest G6 sees a more powerful electric motor too that delivers 218kW (296hp) against 207kW (282hp) for the previous model while peak torque stays the same at 440Nm. The AWD Performance gets an additional motor in front that delivers 140kW (190hp) and 220Nm torque.
The higher output for the Long Range RWD didn’t mean a faster 0-100km/h time though probably because it is 90kg heavier over the previous model. It does the sprint in 6.7 seconds against the previous 6.2. The AWD Performance easily turns heads with its combined power output sprinting from 0-100km/h in a very quick 4.13 seconds. The top speed for both is 202km/h, slightly faster than the previous model (200km.h).
As to the range, the Long Range RWD is good at 525 kilometres although that is 45km shy of what the previous G6 Long Range RWD could achieve (570km). Again, we feel that the additional weight the new model has to carry would eat into its range. The AWD Performance, as expected with two motors to feed, has a range of 510km.
Stepping inside the new G6, we sensed a familiar layout especially the dashboard with the large 15.6-inch central display screen and 10.25-inch driver instrument panel. However, looks are deceiving as the central screen is a bigger one with that in the previous model being a 15-inch unit. Xpeng says the interior is completely redesigned to emphasise ‘premium materials, immersive technology and comfort’.
The new Super Star-Ring interior is said to transform 60 per cent of the interior with a sleeker dashboard, ambient lighting and capacitive steering wheels. Complementary notes are in the dark grey and light grey colour themes for the upholstery and door panels. A panoramic sunroof continues to be featured and elevating comfort for the driver and front passenger are seats with massage, lumbar support, heating and ventilation functions. The rear passengers are also pampered too with a 12-level reclining seat design for ‘class-leading’ comfort.
And it has a long list of active and passive safety features. The new Xpeng G6 has much to impress and until the end of the year, it comes with attractive prices to match. Although Xpeng is said to be considering having the G6 locally assembled to maintain competitive prices, there is something about an imported SUV that underlines its status aura.
