As someone who’s been behind the wheel of a Tesla Model Y for the past two years, I recently had the chance to spend four days with the Xpeng G6, a direct competitor from China. After spending some quality time with this new challenger, it’s time to share my unfiltered thoughts on how it stacks up against Tesla’s all-electric SUV. Spoiler: it’s a strong contender, but not without its quirks.
A Familiar Feel, with Room for Improvement
Transitioning from my Model Y to the Xpeng G6 felt surprisingly familiar. It was almost like swapping from one smartphone to another—both sleek and modern, but with some notable differences. Xpeng clearly studied what works in Tesla’s design and functionality, and in many ways, they’ve adapted it quite well.
The driving controls are a prime example. The gear lever is located on the same right stalk, the turn signal logic follows the Tesla layout, and the brake regeneration management is similarly intuitive. All these details made the G6 feel comfortable and easy to handle right from the start, something that any Tesla owner would appreciate.
Xpeng didn’t reinvent the wheel but instead improved upon it in subtle yet impactful ways. This is especially true when it comes to the Autopilot system. By keeping the basics of Tesla’s system—double-click activation on the stalk, familiar visualization—it was easy to get into the groove. But what impressed me most were the enhancements, like better management of temporary deactivations.
The Interior: Where Xpeng Makes a Bold Statement
While the exterior design of the G6 didn’t immediately win me over—its lines are a bit more conventional than the Model Y’s sleek, minimalist curves—the interior was a different story. Once inside, the G6 felt like a step up in terms of material quality and build. The fit and finish felt noticeably more premium compared to my Tesla.
The seats in the G6 were particularly impressive. Ventilated seats up front (a feature Tesla doesn’t offer yet) provided excellent support and comfort, while the cabin’s sound insulation far surpassed what I’m used to in the Model Y, especially on highways. For long drives, this is a game-changer.
The central 15-inch display is reminiscent of Tesla’s, though the interface wasn’t as smooth. That said, it was definitely more fluid than what I’ve experienced with most other manufacturers. And the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? A welcome addition that I’ve missed dearly in my Tesla.
Another standout feature was the driver’s display behind the steering wheel. While it wasn’t as sharp as I’d hoped, it was a definite improvement over Tesla’s basic setup. I do wish there was a head-up display—a feature offered by other premium manufacturers like Volvo or even BYD.
A New Ecosystem: Xpeng’s App Store is a Major Plus
One area where Xpeng really shines is its ecosystem of apps. The G6 comes with a fully functional app store—something I’ve only seen in Google Automotive vehicles in Europe. You can install Apple TV, YouTube, TikTok, and even Instagram. Though these are technically web apps optimized for the system, the integration is seamless, and it’s a step forward from Tesla’s more closed-off approach.
That said, there are still some bugs to iron out. Some translations were off, and a few apps, like Apple TV, can be used while driving (which, let’s be honest, is a safety concern). The overall system isn’t yet on par with Tesla’s in terms of fluidity, but regular updates show that Xpeng is actively improving it.
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Sportiness
When it comes to driving dynamics, the G6 offers a more comfortable ride than my Model Y. The acceleration is smoother and less abrupt (even in Sport mode), and the suspension does a better job of handling road imperfections, making the G6 feel more like a family car than a sporty SUV.
On the highway, the range and consumption are nearly identical to the Model Y, though I was particularly impressed by the rapid charging performance. The G6’s 800V platform allows for incredibly fast charging, with a well-maintained high-power plateau. In this department, it even outperforms my Model Y in certain situations.
XPilot: Close to Perfection
The XPilot system in the G6 deserves special mention. It handles lane changes with more grace than Tesla’s Autopilot, maintaining its active status even when you activate the turn signal for overtaking. In my Tesla, Autopilot tends to deactivate at this point, but in the G6, it stays engaged, making long-distance drives much less stressful.
The safety features of XPilot were also impressive, especially the vehicle detection and the automated lane-changing function, which was smooth and predictable. However, I did find that the G6 tends to slow down too much when approaching sharper curves, dropping speeds by 20-30 km/h below the set speed limit. While this is reassuring from a safety perspective, it can get a bit frustrating on winding roads.
Audio System: A Major Strength
As an audiophile, the sound system in the G6 blew me away. The Xopera system delivers 960 watts of power through 18 speakers, and it sounds incredible. The bass is deep yet controlled, and the mids and highs are clear without being harsh. Even at high volumes, the sound doesn’t distort. Plus, the integration of speakers in the headrests was a brilliant touch, providing clearer calls and navigation instructions directly to the driver.
However, the voice assistant was a letdown. Although Xpeng has a great reputation for voice recognition in China, the system here struggled to understand basic commands in English. Tesla’s voice commands may not be perfect, but at least they’re more reliable than what I encountered in the G6.
Space and Practicality: A Mixed Bag
The size of the G6 is a bit of a mixed bag. At 4.75 meters in length and 1.92 meters in width, it’s larger than the Model Y, which can make it a bit tricky in tight spaces like underground parking or narrow streets. Ironically, despite being a bigger car, the G6 offers less boot space than the Model Y, though the rear legroom is generous, making it more comfortable for passengers.
What helps make up for this is the G6’s 360° camera system, which offers an impressive high-definition view of the surroundings. The system is proactive, automatically zooming in on areas of interest as you approach obstacles. It made parking and maneuvering the G6 surprisingly easy for such a large vehicle, a feature I found superior to Tesla’s more basic camera setup.
AutoPark: A Winning Feature
One feature I couldn’t ignore was the AutoPark system. Unlike some competitors whose parking systems can be a bit clumsy, the G6 parks flawlessly. It quickly identifies available spaces and executes the necessary maneuvers with precision. I was especially impressed with its ability to handle tight spots where my Model Y might have struggled.
Will I Switch to the Xpeng G6?
So, would I switch from my Model Y to the Xpeng G6? Honestly, it’s a tough call. The comfort, tech, and features of the G6—especially the audio system and driver-assistance technologies—are impressive. However, the voice assistant issues, the slightly awkward size, and the occasional glitches in the system leave me hesitant.
For now, I’m sticking with my Model Y, but I’m keeping an eye on Xpeng. If they can build a solid service network in France and iron out some of the minor flaws, this car could become a real competitor in the European market. Tesla might want to start taking the competition seriously—Chinese automakers are learning fast and getting better.
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Felix Marlowe manages Belles and Gals’ vibrant social media platforms. With expertise in social engagement and viral marketing, Felix creates content that sparks conversation and keeps followers coming back for more. From celebrity news to trending challenges, Felix makes sure our social media stays at the forefront of pop culture.
