XPeng G6 Performance Review: Softly Spoken, Brutally Quick

There was a time when Chinese EVs felt a bit like early karaoke machines: Lots of features, plenty of enthusiasm, but you weren’t quite sure you trusted the tuning.

Fast forward to today, and XPeng has clearly done its homework. The refreshed G6 doesn’t just want your attention; it expects it, calmly adjusting its cufflinks while doing so.

Let’s start with the big news. The range-topping G6, as tested here, is now called Performance, and unlike the previous Long Range model - which made do with a single motor and rear-wheel drive - this one goes the whole hog. Dual motors, all-wheel drive, 358kW (that’s 480 bhp for you and I) and a meaty 660 Nm of torque. WLTP range stands at a respectable 510 km, which means you can enjoy the performance (no pun intended) without living in fear of the next charging stop.

Driving It

Plant your right foot and the G6 surges forward with that familiar EV effortlessness, the sort that makes combustion engines feel like they’re pausing to clear their throats first. Zero to 100 km/h takes just 4.1 seconds, but it’s not the number that impresses; it’s the composure. There’s no drama, no histrionics. Just clean, immediate propulsion, ready to deploy all that power whenever you ask. Or “accidentally” brush the throttle. Choose wisely…

What’s more surprising is how well the G6 manages all that pace once the road starts to bend. Body control is excellent, the chassis feeling well sorted and confidence-inspiring, even when you’re pressing on. Steering response is sharp without being nervous, offering a level of precision that wouldn’t embarrass a premium European rival.

Braking performance is equally reassuring - strong, progressive and easy to modulate, which isn’t always a given in EVs. The suspension, meanwhile, strikes a very pleasing balance for daily driving; if you’ve sampled the latest BMW X3, you’ll know exactly the sweet spot XPeng is aiming for here.

Exterior

Visually, the updates are subtle but effective. The headlamps are now a single, uninterrupted unit, no longer split by the logo as before, giving the nose a cleaner, more resolved look. New 20-inch rims - and yes, 20 inches is absolutely spot-on for this car - lift the side profile considerably. The plastic cladding around the fenders is now body-coloured instead of looking like it was borrowed from a garden shed, and the rear benefits from a built-in boot spoiler that channels a hint of… Aston Martin DBX.

There’s also a re-profiled roof spoiler with an integrated rear camera, plus a new crease along the lower rear three-quarter panel that adds just enough visual tension without shouting about it.

The Inside Story

Step inside and the G6 continues its quiet flex. The cabin feels properly premium now, with Nappa leather seats all round and an Alcantara headliner that immediately lifts the ambience. Both front seats get a massage function - yes, a godsend in Singapore traffic - and all door cards now integrate ambient lighting.

The restyled dashboard also glows gently at night, doing wonders for the mood, and crucially, XPeng has listened to global user feedback by reinstating physical controls for the air-conditioning blowers; no more stabbing at a screen just to redirect airflow. The central touchscreen is larger too, crisp and responsive, without feeling like it’s trying to replace your television at home.

Space remains one of the G6’s strong suits. The rear bench comfortably accommodates three adults - tested, verified and complained about only minimally. Seat cushioning is on the firmer side, which some may prefer on longer journeys, though it won’t quite rival a traditional luxury saloon for plushness. Still, legroom and headroom are generous, and the flat floor helps keep everyone on friendly terms.

In A Nutshell

So where does that leave the XPeng G6 Performance? In a very good place, frankly. It’s quick without being juvenile, refined without being dull, and packed with features that actually improve the driving and ownership experience. More importantly, it feels cohesive - like a car that knows exactly what it wants to be.

XPeng hasn’t just built a compelling EV; it’s built a convincing premium SUV that can genuinely take the fight to established players. And it does so without shouting, posturing or trying too hard. Which, in today’s crowded EV landscape, might just be its smartest move yet.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

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