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Xpeng G6 review

We test drive a new car from a new brand – the all-electric Xpeng G6 mid-sized electric SUV…

The latest EV brand from China to reach Europe has its work cut out. Just for starters, its family SUV is pitched against the Tesla Model Y – the world’s most popular new car of 2023, with sales totalling 1.22 million.

The fact that the G6 is an SUV will help matters because this is the fastest rising sector, but starting from scratch is a big challenge.

Founded in 2014 by a group of entrepreneurs with a shared vision to transform future mobility with technology, Xpeng launched its first car (the G3 compact SUV) in 2018, followed by others including the P7 saloon in 2019 and the big G9 SUV in 2023.

In fact, Xpeng is held in such high regard that Volkswagen announced a partnership with the company earlier in 2024 to jointly develop two smarts EVs.

So, is the G6 any good and will it be able to compete with the mighty Tesla Model Y and other rivals including the Kia EV6, Volvo EX30, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq. Smart #3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E?

Well, if you just consider the car, then it’s a worthy rival. Whilst I respect the game-changing success of Tesla and the Model Y’s massive sales, I’m not a huge fan of the vehicle itself.

From the dumpy front styling to the firm ride, so-so quality of materials and dull driving dynamics, the Model Y is something of an enigma to me.

The Xpeng G6 is marketed as an “ultra-smart coupe SUV” and is almost identical in size and weight to its American rival. It’s also likely to be competitively priced when it goes on sale in the UK later in 2024. Xpeng hasn’t announced pricing yet, partly because of tariff issues, but the Model Y is priced from £44,990.

For me, the “robot face” of the Xpeng G6 gives it the edge aesthetically, while its streamlined body shape (which boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.248Cd) is similar to the Tesla and comes complete with pop-out door handles and frameless doors.

Inside, there’s the same minimalist, tech-led feel of the Model Y, but with the welcome addition of a 10.2-inch display ahead of the driver, showing essentials such as speed, battery range and navigation instructions. Beats me why the Model Y and Volvo EX30 have decided to do away with this necessity and opt for only a central touchscreen.

The Xpeng G6 gets one of those too (15 inches, no less) and it works well enough (the graphics aren’t class-leading), but – as ever – there is a high learning curve. The system is due to have an over-the-air upgrade later this year, which should make it more intuitive, while new mapping from TomTom will also be welcome.

Ultimately, just like many other EVs, there are too many necessities controlled via the centre touchscreen, taking your eyes off the road ahead. Controls for everything from drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain), brake regen and steering weight options, wing mirror adjustment and air conditioning are accessed via the screen.

Unfortunately, the Xpeng G6 also follows another annoying trend. The right hand steering wheel stalk is now the gear shifter, while the left doubles up indicators and wipers. No prizes for guessing what comes next until you get used to the system.

On the plus side, the cabin oozes space front and back, it’s bathed in light thanks to the panoramic sunroof, it’s all well put together and it had a classy feel with the use of quality materials, though delve down in the cabin and there’s still some scratchy black plastic.

Oh, and a special mention for the leatherette seats, which are comfortable, even if the driving position is a little on the high side for my liking.

Luggage capacity is a decent, if not class-leading 571 litres, expanding to 1,374 litres with the rear seats down, but there’s no ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for storing cables and no passenger glovebox.

Three versions of the Xpeng G6 are available. The entry-level RWD Standard range combines a 66kWh battery with a 262bhp rear-wheel-drive motor. The RWD Long Range version gets a larger 87.5kWh battery and slightly more powerful 290bhp motor, while the range-topping dual-motor AWD Performance version uses the same 87.5kWh battery but with 483bhp driving all four wheels.

The RWD Standard range delivers a claimed potential of 272 miles and a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. The RWD Long Range offers an impressive 356 miles of range and a slightly faster sprint time of 6.7 seconds. Finally, the AWD Performance is properly fast (4.1 seconds), though overall range takes a hit (344 miles).

Just as importantly, the Xpeng G6 uses state-of-the-art ultra-rapid 800V charging architecture, meaning a 10% to 80% boost can take just 20 minutes with a fast enough charger.

We tested the AWD Performance, which is just as well because it was tanking down on our test route in the Netherlands, so the extra traction was more than welcome.

On the road, the Xpeng G6 is smooth and refined with Standard drive mode offering the best balance of efficiency and performance. Sport is fun for overtaking and acceleration demos, but the effort of going into the touchscreen to switch drive modes is likely to mean it will be rarely used.

The ride is firm, which is par for the course with electric SUVs, and body lean is kept in check, though we didn’t really get the chance to stretch the G6’s legs on the flat, mostly residential road route. On balance, I’d say it’s a tad more dynamic than the Model Y, so job done.

The steering is best left in standard (Sport is too heavy) and visibility is good except for the slim rear window. Thankfully there are plenty of cameras and sensors to help with tighter manoeuvres. What’s more, it has a memory-based automatic parking functionality and it can be parked remotely via a smartphone app.

We achieved a decent 3.8 miles per kWh during our limited test run, and we’d expect a real-world range for the AWD Performance closer to 300 miles.

Xpeng has kept things simple with the G6. You just choose the powertrain, one of five exterior colours, and white or black artificial leather. In fact, the only option is an electrically deployable tow bar (maximum towing capacity: 1,500kg).

Ultimately, the success of the Xpeng G6 in the UK could rely on a combination of keen pricing, clever marketing and a proper dealer network for sales, servicing and parts.

Verdict: The Xpeng G6 is a welcome addition to the seriously competitive mid-size electric SUV sector. Boldly styled, spacious, well built, comfortable and packed with tech, it’s more than a match for the Tesla Model Y.

Xpeng

Renault Scenic E-Tech review

We get behind the wheel of the all-new, all-electric Renault Scenic E-Tech…

The Renault Scenic has been re-invented for 2024. It’s goodbye to the worthy MPV and hello to a chic zero emissions family crossover – the 2024 European Car of the Year, no less.

Based on kerb appeal alone, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech is more than a match for its many rivals which include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Nissan Ariya, Skoda Enyaq and Peugeot E-3008.

Priced from a very competitive £37,495, Renault is offering the Megane E-Tech’s big brother with two battery options, two power outputs and a choice of three trim levels (entry-level Techno, sporty Esprit Alpine and even better equipped Iconic).

With hints of hatchback and SUV, it’s certainly stylish. The front end is particularly striking with the latest Renault logo set within diamonds which merge into the LED headlights.

Other goodies, such as flush door handles and big 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, help to make this a statement car.

There’s a wow factor inside too with a 12.3-inch driver display and a portrait-orientated 12.0-inch centre infotainment touchscreen which uses Google’s slick tech.

The spacious, classy interior features plenty of storage areas, plus a 545-litre boot, which expands to an impressive 1,670 litres with the rear seats folded.

A special mention for the rear central armrest which houses cup holders that also double up as smartphone or tablet holders, plus two USB-C ports.

There’s also a clever ‘Solarbay’ glass roof on top spec models. It is, in effect, a cutting-edge sunblind, switching from clear to opaque at the touch of a button – and doesn’t eat into headroom either.

Build quality is right up there with the best of its rivals. The animal-friendly leather-like seats and most of the surfaces have a plush feel, and it’s only when you feel around lower down that cheaper, scratchy plastics can be found.

The Scenic E-Tech scores big when it comes to sustainability too. Renault claims that 24% of the materials used are recycled, and 90% of its mass – including the battery – is recyclable.

Standard equipment includes a frameless electro-chromatic rear-view mirror (it can switch to a rear-view screen), heated front seats and steering wheel, paddle shifters for regenerative braking, automatic wipers and a rear-view camera.

Driver assistance and safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, traffic and speed sign recognition, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and blind spot warning.

The new Renault Scenic E-Tech is available with two sizes of battery and it’s front-wheel only. The standard range model has a 60kWh battery paired with a 168bhp electric motor, delivering a claimed range of more than 260 miles and a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds.

The larger 87kWh battery and more powerful 217bhp electric motor has a range of 379 miles, while the 0-62mph sprint takes 7.9 seconds.

Rapid charging is good, but not outstanding (up to 150kW for the larger battery and 130kW for the basic one), so a 20-80% boost should take around 30 minutes. On the plus side, the Scenic E-Tech does come with a heat pump as standard (a feature which is often an optional extra) which aids recharging, especially in cooler temperatures.

Our test car was a top-of-the-range Scenic E-Tech in Iconic trim, featuring the larger 87kWh battery pack.

The driving position is on the high side for me, but it does offer a commanding view of the road ahead, plus there’s plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and seat. Rear visibility isn’t so hot thanks to large C pillars and the slim tailgate window.

That said, the Scenic E-Tech is blessed with light steering, a tight turning circle and lots of parking aids, making it easy to manoeuvre and drive in town.

With instant torque, it’s quick off the mark too, but not blisteringly so like some other EVs.

The ride is comfortable for the most part, only becoming unsettled on poorer surfaces, while the cabin is refined, making it a smooth cruiser.

It’s fair to say that it looks more athletic than it is, so while it’s not a dull drive, it’s not particularly dynamic either. Even so, it manages to stay reasonably flat in more challenging corners and there’s good grip.

Sadly, like many EVs, the brakes are spongy, so there’s a lot of dead travel before they bite, making it hard to slow down smoothly.

The ‘Multi Sense’ driving modes (Personal, Comfort, Eco and Sport) alter the steering weight, throttle response and interior ambient lighting, but – as ever – you’ll find yourself staying in Eco or Comfort, for the best all-round experience and efficiency.

We’d need to spend at least a week with the car to give a proper estimate of real-world range, but we’d guess it’s an impressive 310-330 miles in the 87kWh and the right side of 200 miles in the entry-level model.

Verdict: Stylish, safe, spacious, easy to drive and well equipped as standard, the all-new Renault Scenic E-Tech is keenly priced and one of the best family EVs on the market.

Renault UK

Milestone: 1.5 millionth Kia sold in the UK

Gareth Herincx

15 hours ago
Auto News

Kia sold its 1.5 millionth car in the UK this April, amid a record-breaking month for the South Korean brand.

The landmark sale was a Kia EV6 GT-Line S in Yacht Blue, sold at 9:35am on 16 April at Norton Way GWR Kia in Brentford, London.

The milestone comes 33 years after Kia made its UK debut with the little Pride. The EV6 couldn’t be more different, with its fully electric powertrain and cutting-edge rapid charging capabilities.

Kia reached its first 500,000th sale in June 2013, 22 years after launching in the UK, in 1991. The millionth Kia sold was announced in January 2019, just six years later.

A record April for Kia, sales amounted to 8,044 and a market share of 6%, making Kia the fifth best-selling brand in the month and fourth in the year.

The Sportage was the sixth best-selling car in the April UK market overall, and is the UK’s third best-selling car year-to-date, with 2,192 sales in April and 15,824 this year respectively, while the Niro EV was the ninth best-selling electric car in the month and seventh year-to-date.

Kia’s popular Picanto city car was once again the best-selling vehicle in its class with 1,148 cars sold.

“This landmark achievement has been reached in record time and in yet another record-breaking month of sales, amplifying our continued success,” said Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK.

“This has in no small way been thanks to the continued efforts of our dealer partners and multi award-winning electrified product line-up.”

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Audi Q4 e-tron review

We get behind the wheel of the Q4 e-tron – Audi’s entry-level, all-electric car…

Launched in 2021, the Audi Q4 e-tron battles it out in the hugely competitive mid-sized SUV sector.

Its many rivals include the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2.

Priced from £51,325, it also competes with its Volkswagen Group cousins (they share the same platform) – the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.5.

Available in both SUV and sleeker Sportback versions, the Q4 e-tron comes with a 76.6kWh battery and two power levels – the ’40’ (rear-wheel drive single electric motor) or the top-spec ’50’ quattro (two electric motors driving all four wheels).

The ’40’ delivers 201bhp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, while the ’50’ has 295bhp on tap and can hit 62mph in 6.2 seconds.

Both versions have a 135kW charge capacity, which can get you from 5% to 80% in as little 29 minutes. Like all EVs, it will also charge up overnight if you have a home wallbox.

Depending on body style and power output, the Q4 e-tron has a claimed range of 292 – 328 miles.

Naturally, the Q4 e-tron is generously equipped, but as ever with Audi, there’s still a lengthy list of options, plus three packs (Technology, Technology Pro and Safety Package Plus) in addition to the basic three trim levels (Sport, S Line and Black Edition).

We road tested the Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro in S Line trim. Our car was a Sportback, which is mechanically identical to the more conventional SUV version, except for the sharply raked roofline for extra kerb appeal. Perhaps more importantly, its slippery body also delivers a slightly longer range.

Inside it’s very Audi. In other words, it’s a combination of top build quality, state-of-the-art tech, comfort and space.

As with all SUVs, there’s a high driving position, while the dashboard layout is refreshingly conventional with a user-friendly blend of 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 11.6-inch central touchscreen, separate (physical) climate controls and a multifunction steering wheel.

Audi’s infotainment system is as slick as ever. What’s more, it uses ‘haptic feedback’ (there’s a slight clicking sensation when you touch it), which is much better than the frustrating touch-sensitive system used by other VW Group brands such as Volkswagen and Seat.

Visibility is good and where there are deficiencies, the multitude of cameras and sensors make up for it. Oh, and kudos to Audi for sticking with a rear wiper, an essential missing from competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

On the road, the Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro may not be as blisteringly fast in a straight line as some rivals, but it’s still swift enough for everyday driving.

The ride is a tad stiff, but even so, it manages to stay comfortable and refined with very little wind and road noise making it into the cabin.

In fact, our test car – which was fitted with 20-inch wheels and optional adaptive suspension – only got caught out on poorer surfaces.

The Q4 disguises its weight well, for a fairly heavy car (more than two tonnes), thanks to a low centre of gravity, but also light and accurate steering with a reasonably tight turning circle. It’s only when stopping from speed that you sense how hard the brakes are working.

Push it on more challenging roads and it would be a stretch to call it the most engaging of drives, but at least it manages to remain relatively flat in faster corners, plus it grips well and traction is excellent.

There are various drive modes (Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual) and selecting Dynamic does make it feel slightly sharper and more responsive, but that’s as far as it goes.

We also like the way you can also adjust the level of brake regeneration via the paddles on the steering wheel, plus there’s a B-mode on the gear selector, for maximising energy recuperation.

Based on a week of mixed driving, we’d estimate our Q4 e-tron has a real-world range of around 270 miles. However, if you opt for the entry level model, your range is likely to be closer to 230 miles.

The Q4 e-tron’s interior is spacious and there’s enough room for six-footers to sit comfortably in the rear which isn’t always the case with sportier SUVs.

Add 535 litres of luggage space in the boot (15 litres more than the SUV version) and 1,460 litres with the rear seats folded, and it’s a very practical proposition.

Finally, and as with most modern EVs, the Q4 e-tron is loaded with the latest technology and solidly built, achieving a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP’s crash tests.

Verdict: Handsome, comfortable, practical and easy to drive, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron oozes badge appeal and is one of the best 100% electric SUVs in its sector.

Audi UK

The Italian Job: Kia EV6 GT finishes 1000 Miglia Green in style

The Kia EV6 GT has completed the 1000 Miglia Green 2023, dubbed the “most beautiful race in the world”.

Finishing as the highest-ranking performance electric vehicle entered and sixth overall, the 1000 Miglia is a true test of endurance for both car, driver and navigator, requiring performance, precision and skill in order to score well throughout the race.

The 1000 Miglia Green is a sub-category of the historic Italian event, open only to fully electric cars.

The 2023 event was the longest in the race’s near 100-year history, spanning five days and more than 2,000 kilometres.

Not only was the Kia EV6 GT the first Korean car to ever compete in the 1000 Miglia Green, but the pro rally driver pairing of Jade Paveley and Ross Leach was the only team to represent Great Britain in the race.

In addition, the event marked the first time that an EV6 GT has been entered into a competitive, FIA-approved motor race.

Designed from the outset as a true GT car, the EV6 GT offers blistering performance from its twin electric motor setup that together deliver 577bhp and 740Nm of torque through all four wheels.

That power translates into a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds, and an official top speed of 162mph.

Mated with a powerful 77.4kWh battery, the car is capable of covering 263 miles (WLTP combined) per charge.

Charging is equally rapid, thanks to the car’s E-GMP platform that supports 800V charging, enabling 10-80 per cent charge in as little as 18 minutes at the fastest charge points.

Importantly and despite the considerable distance and demanding nature of the roads and speeds required for the race, each of the timed legs travelled during the event were completed using a single charge of the car.

Charging was completed using public charge points, plus destination charging where possible at hotels at the end of each day.

The 1000 Miglia Green’s blend of rapid road driving under police escort along with precision time-trial and special stages on closed roads were the perfect test for the car’s considerable performance.

“The 1000 Miglia Green is a fantastic challenge that blends fast open road driving with time-trials and special stages,” said Ross Leach, rally driver and navigator

“It’s a great way to put any car through its paces and although incredibly demanding, the EV6 GT never skipped a beat and was a constant pleasure to be in. Particularly where outright speed and handling are concerned, the GT is able to easily hold its own, even against those in the supercar segment.

“We’re delighted to have participated in this year’s event, put the EV6 GT to the test and come home in sixth place overall but as the highest-scoring performance EV.”