China’s Xpeng Starts U.K. Sales With G6 SUV, A Rival To Tesla Model Y

Xpeng may be new to the UK, but it’s been around in mainland Europe for a while (we first drove the G6 in Germany last summer) and was founded in China in 2014. While the G6 is the first model to arrive in the UK, with final pricing and first deliveries expected in the spring, a full range of up to five models is expected within the next three years.

The G6 has clearly targeted the Tesla Model Y, the UK’s best-selling electric car, with everything from its size to its proportions. And we’d say it’s a better bet than the Tesla, with the ride in particular making it easier to live with. With prices now confirmed, the G6 is cheaper to buy than the Model Y, too.

If you’re put off by the Tesla’s minimalist interior you’ll love the G6. It’s more conventional than the Tesla, but no less stylish and better built, too. Crucially for many, the fact that you can connect your Apple or Android smartphone to the 15-inch infotainment screen with CarPlay or Android Auto will be a big plus, too, while there’s also a separate digital display in front of the driver, although the speedo is rather small.

The G6 offers a fair degree more comfort, too. Our latest drive in a Model Y reminded us how dreadful that car’s ride quality is – the G6 rides firmly, but it’s a lot more comfortable and easy to live with day-to-day.

So it drives nicely, although it doesn’t feel as quick as a Model Y and it won’t go quite as far on a single charge – nor does Xpeng have its own charging network like Tesla. But there’s plenty of space inside, a big boot and a good view out, too. We’re big fans.