The Xpeng G6 underwent a thorough facelift after less than a year on sale in the UK. By John Kendall.

What is it? Large SUV  How much? From £39,990  Range: 316/326 miles (AWD Performance/long range)  Efficiency: 3.5-3.6mpkWh How long to charge 10-80%? 50 minutes (100kW DC charger)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Xpeng is not another new Chinese entry into the UK car market. The company was launched here in February 2025, with IM Group as its importer. That was a shrewd move on Xpeng’s behalf as the company has a long track record importing brands such as Subaru and Isuzu as well as GWM, formerly known as Great Wall Motors, another Chinese brand.

When Xpeng arrived, its launch model was the G6, an electric-only five-seat SUV, looking not dissimilar to other five-seat electric SUV models. Now, a year on, the company has re-launched the G6, claiming more than 20,000 incremental engineering refinements. Xpeng says the changes are the result of feedback from use, and gathered technical knowledge.

As part of the re-launch, the range now includes a dual-motor, AWD Performance Black Edition, which adds £10,000 to the £39,990 starting price for the G6 standard range model. This gives the G6 a three-model line-up with £5,000 steps between each: Standard Range, Long Range and AWD Performance Black Edition.

External changes include a full-width LED light bar at the front, revised rear with what Xpeng describes as a ‘ducktail’ design as well as body-coloured wheelarches and re-positioned badging. For the Performance Black Edition, there are dark exterior details, black wheels and brake callipers. There’s a new colour too, Stellar Purple.

Inside, the changes include new dashboard finishes and trim materials around the cabin, new steering wheel design, configurable ambient cabin lighting and front seats that now include a massage function and lumbar support as well as heating and ventilation. Xpeng claims faster system performance from the touchscreen and digital instrument display, as well as smoother interface transitions and more responsive voice control.

Under the skin, there is a new lithium iron phosphate battery and 800V architecture, capable of delivering faster charging. Xpeng claims that battery lifespan has been increased by 30%, which ought to help RVs. Claimed ranges of up to 326 miles for long-range variants and up to 316 miles for AWD models are good, rather than exceptional.

On the road, the Xpeng has a lot going for it. It is pleasant to drive with good handling and ride. Obviously, the Performance Black Edition is more fun to drive and quicker, but for optimum range the rear-wheel-drive Long Range model would be the fleet pick.

The steering wheel controls are more European than in some Chinese brands, but the interior felt a bit bland, particularly with the two-tone grey dashboard.

Perhaps it’s the absence of dashboard switches that makes the difference. While it gives a clean appearance, it feels a bit characterless. At least there are soft keys on the central screen to take you direct to things like heating and ventilation, so you don’t have to scroll through menus to get to things that you use regularly. It is well equipped.

There is good space for rear seat passengers and it would be a comfortable four-seater for touring. This is one of the more desirable Chinese cars, but there is

a fair bit of competition in this price range from all established car manufacturers.

In Brief:

Key fleet model: G6 long range

For: Specification; value; interior

Against: Charging capabilities; space

Seven-word summary: Offers value for money and selection simplicity

Also consider Hyundai Ioniq 5; BYD Seal; Tesla Model Y