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By Jonathan Crouch

The Xpeng G6 is a Coupe-SUV that sets its sights on the Tesla Model Y crowd. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 56

Don't dismiss the Xpeng G6 as just another Chinese EV. This electric mid-sized crossover is one of the most sophisticated and best value options in the Tesla Model Y segment. And an outstanding first effort in a class where some rivals are still struggling to hit the sweet spot. In short, it's certainly worth a look.

Backgroundword count: 162

Like us, you're probably realising that some emerging Chinese EV auto brands are more serious contenders than others. Xpeng (pronounced 'Xiaopeng') is definitely of the more serious sort. Even though it was only founded a decade ago, this tech entrepreneur start-up is already selling across half of Europe and has introduced five models so advanced that the Volkswagen Group has paid half a billion euros for a stake just 5% in the company. The first of these models to reach the UK was this one, the G6. It's an electric mid-sized Coupe-SUV aimed directly at the Tesla Model Y and that car's profitable segment, but it charges faster, gives you more standard kit, offers greater technology and costs less. Plus it's sold here by an experienced dealer network run by International Motors, who import Subaru and Isuzu here. Which means you need to take the G6 seriously if you're buying or leasing in this sector. In which case, you'll need this review.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 249

It isn't only the styling that has a Tesla look. So does the powertrain line-up. Things kick off with the Standard Range rear-driven model that uses a 66kWh LFP battery that energises a 262bhp motor with 440Nm of torque, able to propel the car to 62mph in 6.9s; EV range is 270 miles. Most though, are expected to want the mid-level rear-driven Long Range variant, which gives you a larger NCM battery with 87.5kWh that boosts range to 354 miles. To compensate for the extra weight, here the rear axle motor's output is boosted to 290bhp, so the 0-62mph sprint time of 6.7s is hardly any different. At the top of the line-up, as you'd expect, is an AWD dual motor model badged 'AWD Performance'. Here, the bigger 87.5kWh battery powers a motor on both axles that together generate 483bhp with 680Nm of torque, enough to take the G6 to 62mph very rapidly indeed - 4.1s on the way to the 124mph top speed that all versions of this car share. EV range is 340 miles. All G6s offer a choice of four driving modes - 'Normal', 'Sport', 'Eco' and 'All-terrain'. And, unlike with a Tesla Model Y, you get to select varying levels of brake regen. - There are four; light, medium, high and 'X-Pedal', the latter slowing the car dramatically when you come off the throttle. Expect a firm ride, despite the advanced 5-link rear suspension. But not especially involving driving dynamics, compensated for with excellent refinement.

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