Introduction to the 2025 XPeng G6
Understandably, few Irish car buyers will have heard of the XPeng brand. It’s Chinese, as you will probably have guessed, founded in 2014 by a group of executives formerly working at GAC, Alibaba and Xiaomi. It has been selling cars since 2018 in China, was listed on the New York stock exchange in 2020 and entered the Norwegian car market in 2021. The following year it debuted in the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark and in 2023 it signed a strategic collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and launched the XPeng G6 in China.
The G6 is the car XPeng enters the Irish market with and at its launch there is already a showroom open - in Deansgrange, Dublin - with plenty of stock awaiting buyers. Encouragingly, the XPeng brand will be imported and distributed by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), a well-established private company that also oversees Mercedes, Smart and BYD in Ireland. Our first chance to drive the G6 was at its Irish media introduction on the outskirts of Dublin City.
Pros & Cons of the 2025 XPeng G6
Pros: Good pricing, lots of equipment, spacious and high-quality cabin
Cons: A complete unknown in terms of brand and residual values
Exterior & Design of the 2025 XPeng G6
• The XPeng G6 is bigger than most rivals
• It’s referred to as a coupe-SUV
• Five paint colours including ‘Fiery Orange’
The XPeng G6 is a physically larger vehicle than those it is priced to compete with, as it’s longer, wider and taller than most of its supposed rivals, including the Cupra Tavascan, Skoda Enyaq Coupe, Volkswagen ID.5, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya. For reference, the key dimensions are:
Length: 4,753mm
Width: 1,920mm
Height: 1,650mm
Wheelbase: 2,890mm
XPeng describes the front of the car as a ‘robot face’, and while we can see where it’s coming from, in truth the G6’s nose isn’t its most distinctive feature. It is low and smooth, no doubt in a bid to reduce aerodynamic drag (XPeng quotes an impressively low coefficient of drag for the car at 0.248), and saved somewhat by the long, slender LED daytime running lights flanking the X badge in the middle.
The side profile is more successful, as the rising waistline and retracting door handles give the G6 a modern and stylish look. This is enhanced by the black B-pillar, which lends the side glass an uninterrupted appearance, while the circular wheelarch detailing disguises the bulk of the body to good effect.
As a panoramic glass roof is standard on the G6, all cars get a sweeping curve from the windscreen pillars, up and over the cabin and around the back of the car again. It really adds to its sleekness and the roof spoiler is cleverly picked out in body colour to make the back window look more sloped than it is.
At the back, there’s a full-width (more or less) LED light bar with the brand name boldly emblazoned across the tailgate.
All models feature the same set of 19-inch alloy wheels and there are five paint colours to choose from, including the distinctive ‘Fiery Orange’ hue shown here.
Interior, Practicality, Tech & Comfort of the 2025 XPeng G6
• High-quality cabin
• Above-average boot volume
• Relies heavily on touchscreen
The large body is put to good use inside the G6, where its long wheelbase (that’s the distance between the front and rear wheels) translates to excellent passenger space front and rear. There’s a flat floor at the back as well so while the middle section of the seat isn’t as comfortable or as wide as the outer too, anyone that has to sit there will at least have plenty of space for their feet.
Buyers can choose - for no extra cost - between light and dark interior themes. The upholstery is synthetic leather, and it feels soft and supple to the touch, certainly on the more luxurious end of the spectrum. There’s a pleasant mix of materials and tactile surfaces throughout the cabin, breaking up the minimalist look and adding to the premium feel.
We really like the light-coloured interior, though would worry about the longevity of the colour on the steering wheel rim. It’s good to hold despite the strange ‘squashed circle’ shape.
Behind it are a drive selector and combination stalk for the wipers, lights and indicators. Curiously, these are the same items as found in some Mercedes cars, and hence they work well.
Unfortunately, that’s about it for physical switchgear in the car, as everything else is done through the 14.96-inch touchscreen, including adjusting the direction the air comes out of the vents at. While we’d much rather have separate buttons for the climate control at a minimum, at least the G6’s screen is quick to respond and sensibly laid out.
It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the expected over-the-air updates, while there are two large wireless charging pads on the centre console as well. They’re high-powered (50W), with built in cooling vents to keep your device’s temperature in check while it’s charging up.
XPeng fits a powerful sound system to the G6, with 18 speakers (two of them in the driver’s seat) and total power of 960W. Interestingly, it uses this as part of a noise-reduction system, claimed to reduce noise levels in the car at high speeds.
The front seats are very comfortable and it’s easy to tweak your position on the move thanks to electric adjustment. They’re both heated and ventilated and can be reclined fully back - for snoozing during charging stops presumably.
In the rear, the seat backs are adjustable, there’s seat heating and a large central armrest with integrated cupholders.
There’s a substantial boot behind the passenger cabin, holding up to 571 litres when all seats are in use. That’s at the larger end of the scale when compared with other similarly priced electric SUVs.
The rear seat back splits 60:40 and folds down to create a flat load area accommodating up to 1,374 litres when needed and the tailgate is electrically operated.
XPeng makes a big deal of its “Xpilot” suite of active safety systems, which has a substantial package of components including five high-definition millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic wave radars and 12 cameras.
Performance of the 2025 XPeng G6
• Two power outputs, up to 286hp
• Rear-wheel drive only
• Smooth driving experience
While some markets receive a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive option in the lineup, demand for such cars is low in Ireland so the G6 will only be available with rear-wheel drive from a single electric motor. Nonetheless, there are two different power outputs offered. The Standard Range model’s motor makes up to 258hp, while the Long Range car’s manages up to 286hp. Both produce the same 440Nm of torque, which is what you feel as acceleration when you put your foot down.
The official figures show that there’s not much between them in terms of straight-line acceleration, either, with the Long Range model doing 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, just 0.2 seconds faster than the Standard Range car.
That’s a quick time by any measure for what is a ‘normal’ vehicle, not a high-performance one, and from behind the wheel it feels pleasingly rapid and responsive without being hypersensitive to the accelerator pedal.
Overall, the car impresses with its refinement and smoothness. The suspension has clearly been developed for comfort and the same for the driving controls, which are light and well-weighted. There’s no pretence at sportiness here, but it’s a pleasant car to drive in everyday duties.
Range, Battery & Charging of the 2025 Xpeng G6
• Two battery options, up to 570km range
• Fast DC charging of up to 280kW
• Vehicle-to-load built in
The Standard Range model comes with a 66kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery and an official WLTP range of 435 kilometres. That’s far more than most drivers need in a week. Unfortunately, our time with the G6 was short so we didn’t get a chance to test its real-world range.
Those that want the safety blanket of more can opt for the Long Range variant. It uses a more energy-dense lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery, of 87.5kWh capacity, enabling a range of up to 570km.
Despite the difference in the battery capacities, XPeng quotes the same theoretical 20-minute 10-80 per cent charge time for them as the bigger battery can charge at a faster rate on DC connections with enough power. It can manage up to 280kW, while the smaller unit maxes out at 215kW, still a usefully fast recharge rate to minimise time waiting around on longer journeys.
Perhaps just as useful, depending on the public chargers you plan to frequent, all versions of the G6 can make use of three-phase kerbside AC chargers at up to 11kW.
Of course, most owners will charge up at home to reduce running costs and though few will leave the battery ever get to zero charge, it’s worth knowing that it’ll take up to 10.5 hours on a 7.4kW home wallbox to fully replenish the Standard Range battery, or 14 hours for the Long Range model.
All variants of the G6 feature vehicle-to-load capability and, using an adaptor, you can plug external devices into the car and use its battery as a power source, for example in a remote area or if there’s a power cut. It’s rated at up to 3.3kW, versus say 1.5kW for a powerful electric kettle.
Running Costs of the 2025 Xpeng G6
• Low running costs like all EVs
• Comprehensive warranty package
• Efficiency on a par with other electric SUVs
All electric cars are cheap to run when compared with their internal-combustion-engined counterparts. For starters, they attract the lowest rate of motor tax, at just €120 a year. Servicing is minimal as well as there are no regular oil changes and the like required, while brake wear is reduced as the car makes use of ‘brake energy regeneration’ through the electric motor.
XPeng quotes a competitive 17.5kWh/100km energy consumption figure for both versions of the G6, and it has a heat pump to help buyers maximise range when ambient temperatures are low, but our experience in other similar electric SUVs suggests the average driver will see closer to 20kWh/100km. Obviously how and where the G6 is driven will influence the efficiency any given driver manages.
The XPeng G6 comes with a strong warranty package, including five years or 160,000km for the car in general and up to eight years for the battery and electric motor. There’s a three-year paint warranty and 12-year anti-corrosion warranty as well. The only thing to watch out for is that XPeng insists you service the car every year or every 20,000km (whichever comes first) to maintain that warranty.
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the 2025 Xpeng G6
• XPeng G6 starts at €42,000 in Ireland
• Two models to choose from
• Limited number of options
Buying an XPeng G6 is not complicated, as there are just two core models to choose from, packed with the same high level of standard equipment. Buyers must pick from dark or light interiors and then from one of five colours - though we note that only white is free.
Nonetheless, at a starting price of €42,000 after government incentives, the Standard Range car is auspiciously good value. The updated Volkswagen ID.4 can be had for less, admittedly, as can the Hyundai Ioniq 5, though many comparable cars are priced more in line with the Long Range G6, priced at €49,440.
The G6 is therefore not a bargain-basement kind of car, but it’s certainly competitively priced, especially when you take a look at the list of included features: electric windows all round, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two wireless chargers, electric tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control and much more.
Aside from upgrading to a paint colour other than white, one of the few options is adding an electrically retracting tow bar, allowing for a braked trailer of up to 1,500kg.
Verdict - Should You Buy the 2025 Xpeng G6?
If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, you’re spoiled for choice. There are plenty of established and popular options, such as the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and loads more launched since, such as the Nissan Ariya and Renault Scenic. And that’s before we mention those marketed as coupe-SUVs, such as the new Cupra Tavascan and the VW ID.5.
The XPeng G6 compares favourably with them all, offering buyers a bit more space for their money and a generous specification wanting for nothing. It seems to do everything in a competent manner, too, so it’ll be interesting to see if buyers welcome this new brand to the market, as its newness - and the fact it’s an unknown quantity - is one of the few hurdles facing it.
FAQs About the 2025 Xpeng G6
Does the XPeng G6 have a ‘frunk’?
No, it doesn’t. No version of it does.
How many child seats fit in the back of the XPeng G6?
There are ISOFIX points only in the two outer rear seats, though the central rear seat is wider than average so you may squeeze a slim booster in there using the seatbelt.
Does the XPeng G6 have a heat pump?
Yes, it does. A heat pump is standard across the lineup.
Does the XPeng G6 qualify for the SEAI grant?
It does indeed. At the time of writing, cars priced between €18,001 and €60,000 are eligible for the full €3,500 SEAI grant, which covers all models in the G6 lineup. There’s also VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) relief, which will vary by the cost of the car you order. Your XPeng dealer should be able to talk you through all of that. The prices quoted elsewhere in this review already take the SEAI grant and VRT relief into account.
Has the XPeng G6 been assessed for safety by Euro NCAP?
Yes, it has, and it excelled with a full five-star rating. Within that the score for adult occupant protection was 88 per cent, child occupant 85 per cent, vulnerable road users 81 per cent and 75 per cent for safety assist (covering active safety systems). Read the full Euro NCAP safety assessment of the XPeng G6 here.
Want to know more about the XPeng G6?
If there’s anything about the XPeng G6 we’ve not covered, or you’d like advice in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
