Performance SUV has the X factor

When you think of blistering performance, names like Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus and McLaren come to mind, all with price tags to match. But there are luxury models out there with impressive pace and a much more modest price. The Xpeng G6 Performance is one of those. X what, I hear you say? Let me explain.

XPENG is a Chinese smart EV company founded in 2014, headquartered in Guangzhou and Amsterdam. It is relatively new to the UK, and with the G6 Performance it has created a powerful electric beast that takes on established premium brands without the eye-watering cost. Delivering a whopping 44bhp, the dual motors power it to 60mph in 4.1 seconds

The G6 Performance stands out as one of the most rapid EVs I have driven recently. I had previously driven the G6 Long Range, itself an impressive range performer, but this model offers stronger performance and potential charging capability, reaching 80 per cent in just 12 minutes.

The G6 is designed to rival and undercut the Tesla Model Y, and this variant comes in at a notably lower price. It offers an attractive mix of value, build quality and battery technology. As for reliability, while the brand is young, a partnership with Volkswagen suggests it is respected by major industry players and should deliver peace of mind for potential buyers.

Design and first impressions

The car certainly draws attention with a sporty, sleek design that feels like an elegant family SUV rather than a speed machine. But the Performance badge hints at its power, while features like smart alloy wheels, auto-sensing LED lights, frameless doors, and a panoramic glass roof add premium appeal.

Inside, the minimalist cabin rivals executive-class luxury, with soft-touch leatherette, ambient lighting, and geometric wood trim. The heated, ventilated front seats with massage function hold you firmly, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel and jet-style console hint at the dual-motor performance.

Two screens dominate—a 15-inch central display for navigation and media, and a 10-inch driver’s screen for real-time data. The XPILOT ASSIST system includes cameras and collision prevention as standard, and the phone app allows remote cabin preconditioning and charging checks.

Physical buttons and rotary controls for media and climate offer a welcome tactile reprieve, though the elliptical steering wheel shape felt awkward—Xpeng claims it aids visibility, but I never got used to it.

Overall, the cabin balances plush comfort with sporting character, making long cruises or winding roads equally enjoyable—a mark of a well-executed interior.

On-the-road performance

Behind the wheel, the Performance model delivers an exhilarating driving experience. This dual-motor all-wheel-drive test model, producing 480bhp and 660Nm of torque, pins occupants back and hits 60mph in approximately 4.1 seconds.

The ride is firm yet comfortable, and the car feels planted and agile through corners, aided by responsive steering. Selecting drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport) must be done via the central screen, along with other functions, which can be distracting for the driver.

Range, charging and space

The Performance model uses an 80.8kWh battery, offering an official WLTP range of 316 miles. Although i would estimate near 280-285 during this test.

So much depends on driving conditions and how heavy your foot is with the accelerator peda.

What truly sets the G6 apart is its class-leading charging capability. The 800-volt architecture allows for a peak charging speed of 451kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can take as little as 12 minutes on a suitably powerful charger, when they become available..

Verdict

The Xpeng G6 Performance combines striking design, a premium hi tech cabin, decent real-world range and class-leading charging potential.

It has blistering pace and is a hugely enjoyable drive. Being touchscreen-heavy and featuring the unconventional steering wheel may not suit all tastes, but this Chinese newcomer is a serious and sophisticated contender in the UK's EV market.

Factfile

• XPENG G6 Performance
• Mechanical: Dual electric motors (480bhp) and 80.8kWh battery driving all wheels via auto transmission.
• Price: £49,990
• Max speed: 126mph
• 0-62mph: 4.1 seconds
• Electric range: 316 miles (WLTP)
• CO2 emissions: 0g/km
• BiK rating: 4%
• Insurance group: 44
• Warranty: 5yrs/75,000 miles (vehicle), 8yrs/100,000 miles (battery)