Xpeng G6 – instant impact

WHAT started as a ripple may have developed into a tidal wave, but if the majority of the Chinese cars arriving in the UK are as accomplished as the Xpeng G6 then it’s time to worry – unless of course you happen to be a consumer.

The Chinese have never been able to seriously compete with the time-honoured European and American brands in producing internal combustion vehicles. Times have changed though and the playing field has not only been levelled but tilted in favour of the Far East.

Factors like control over the world’s EV battery supply, strong Government subsidies and a buoyant domestic market have resulted in more than 200 companies currently manufacturing electric cars in China.

Named after its chairman Xaiopeng HE but abbreviated in Europe to Xpeng, the brand has only been around since 2014 and launched its first model four years later.

Xpeng landed in the UK earlier this year, its operations being handled by International Motors who have been so successful in looking after the fortunes of brands like Subaru and Isuzu.

And what we have is an all-electric coupe crossover that’s seen as a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, only far better looking and around £5,000 cheaper.

Two battery sizes are available and while the standard motor produces 245bhp resulting in a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds, opting for the 87.5kWh battery of our tested Long Range model raises the output to 282bhp and a figure of 0-62 in 6.2 seconds.

As for range and charging the official Long Range distance is 354 miles with 270 miles for the standard battery variant and with both built for ultra-fast charging you should be able to get from 20 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes at a rapid charge station.

So the numbers are impressive, but what about the tech? Well there’s a shedload of that, from 29 sensors dotted around the car for parking, assisted driving and safety warnings to an 18-speaker sound system, a heat pump and a pair of fan-cooled smartphone charging pads.

The most important driving information is located directly in front of the driver on a 10.2-inch display, while all other functions are controlled via a central 14.96-inch hi-res screen.

As a family-orientated model the G6 majors on interior space, something ensured thanks to a 2.89-meter wheelbase.

The cabin is bright and airy with big windows and loads of passenger space, both front and back, and because of the car’s compact battery there’s lots of rear foot space as well.

Comfort is also enhanced courtesy of leatherette-covered seats, the driver’s seat bringing eight-way power adjustment plus four-way lumbar support and six-way power adjusted front passenger seat. There are also ventilation and heating functions in the front seats.

Meanwhile the boot is reasonable if a bit shallow, offering 571 litres of stowage, and while there are a few cubbies – central container, cup holders, door bins et al – around the interior, there’s no ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for extra stowage like cables.

Out on the road the Xpeng is smooth and comfortable if not especially engaging to drive, feeling quick rather than sporty even though the ride is quite firm. You also get Eco, Standard, Sport and Individual drive modes accessed via the touchscreen.

And every car comes with the likes of 20-inch wheels, panoramic glass roof, multi-adjustable and heated seats all around, heated steering wheel, four USB ports, a heat pump and full suite of safety and assistance features.

Prices are from £39,990 and all Xpeng G6 models have a five-year/75,000-mile vehicle warranty.