Chinese newcomer Xpeng opens pre-orders for G6 electric SUV

Xpeng, which in May revealed it would be one of a number of a Chinese electric carmakers expanding into Australia, has opened up pre-orders for its G6 electric SUV – but with no sign yet of pricing.

Having signed up newly formed TrueEV as its sole importer and distributor, Xpeng Australia has now invited interested buyers to put down a $1,000 deposit ahead of a pricing announcement in September.

While specific Australian pricing remains undisclosed, it is expected to compete with the Tesla Model Y, which starts at $55,900 before on-road costs in Australia for the entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant.

If it does so, it will be with equally competitive specifications: according to Xpeng’s Australian website, there will be two rear-wheel-drive variants available.

A Standard Range with a WLTP range of up to 435 km and 6.9 seconds acceleration from 0-100km/hr stands up against the Model Y’s 455km, which has the same acceleration.

A Long Range variant – which unlike the Long Range Model Y does not have dual motors – offers slightly longer range than the Tesla: 570km WLTP range compared to 533km. However, with just a single motor, its acceleration is more docile: 6.7 seconds compared to 5 seconds.

Nevertheless, it will also offer a superior 800V fast-charging experience, achieving 10-80% in 20 minutes. Xpeng says the G6 can charge at up to 280kW – although we note its Chinese website says this is based on experimental data. 

Variant	Arrives	Drive train	Battery (kWh)	Range (km, WLTP)	Power/ Torque (kW/Nm)	Acceleration (0-100km/hr)	Charge rate (kW)
Xpeng G6 Standard Range	Late 2024	RWD	66	435	190/440	6.9	280
Xpeng G6 Long Range	Late 2024	RWD	87.5	570	210/440	6.7	280

Both versions include a panoramic roof, and a luxurious, spacious interior with “duo leather” leatherette seats. Did we mention that the photos from the company's Chinese website show the front passenger seat can fold right back, opening up the interior space even more? 

Other notable features include:

• Choice of white or black interior,

• 20-inch rims with Michelin tyres,
• A spacious panoramic glass roof,
• Eight-way power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats,
• Four-way lumbar support,
• A heated steering wheel,
• 10.2” heads-up display,
• 14.86” touchscreen interface,
• 4 USB ports, and 2 x 50W charging ports for smartphones,
• 18-speaker Xopera 960 watt sound system,
• Five colour options ranging from white to black or “fiery orange”.

Advanced features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, “Xpilot” driver assistance as standard, intelligent autonomous navigation, heat pump air conditioning for optimal energy use, and an integrated battery back with “three layer anti-collision" structure combined with a side pillar that can withstand 80 tonnes of pressure complete the offering.

Not on offer for Australia is the high-performance all-wheel-drive G6, which in China boasts 358 kW power and 660 Nm torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The Chinese G6 is also offered with advanced AI-driven autonomous driving features, aqua and “photon blue” exterior colour options and four interior colourways.

Although Euro NCAP nor Australian ANCAP ratings have not yet been announced, Xpeng China says that the G6 adheres to its own C-NCAP safety standards as well as Euro NCAP safety standards.

Likewise, a warranty has not yet been specified for Australia, but in Hong Kong, the Xpeng G6 comes with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty for the battery and motor.