For the last three years, the mid-size electric SUV segment in Australia has been a monarchy. The Tesla Model Y sat on the throne, unchallenged, setting the rules of engagement. But in 2025, a new challenger has arrived from Guangzhou, not to copy the king, but to rewrite the rulebook entirely.
The 2025 Xpeng G6 is not just another “Tesla killer” hopeful. It is a technological statement. With a starting price of just $54,800 (before on-road costs), it brings supercar-level charging speeds and a ride quality that feels custom-made for Australian bitumen to a price point that was previously reserved for entry-level tech.
At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we believe in looking past the brochure. We’ve taken a deep dive into the engineering, the software, and the driving dynamics of the G6 to see if this high-tech newcomer is the real deal.
⚡ The 800V Revolution: Why It Matters
The single most significant engineering achievement of the Xpeng G6 is hidden under the floor. While almost every competitor in the sub-$70k bracket (including the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3) runs on a 400-volt electrical architecture, the G6 is built on the advanced SEPA 2.0 platform, which features 800-volt architecture as standard.
For the uninitiated, this might sound like electrical jargon, but for the Australian road tripper, it is a revelation.
The “Coffee Stop” Charge:
Standard 400V EVs typically cap out at charging speeds of around 150kW to 170kW. The Xpeng G6 Long Range can swallow electrons at a peak rate of 280kW.
- The Result: A 10% to 80% charge takes just 20 minutes.
- The Reality: By the time you’ve ordered your flat white and visited the bathroom, the car is ready for another 300km+ of highway driving.
This feature alone future-proofs the vehicle. As Australia’s charging network upgrades to 350kW ultra-rapid chargers (like those from Chargefox and Evie), the G6 will be one of the few cars capable of actually using that speed, leaving 400V rivals to languish at half the pace.
🇦🇺 Ride & Handling: The “Anti-Tesla” Tune
If you have driven a Tesla Model Y, you know the sensation: a firm, sporty ride that communicates every cat-eye and pothole directly to your spine. It’s great for a smooth Californian canyon road, but less ideal for the coarse-chip bitumen of regional New South Wales.
The Xpeng G6 takes a radically different approach.
The “Lopey” Australian Comfort:
Australian reviews have consistently praised the G6 for its compliance. The suspension tuning is unapologetically comfort-biased. It has a “lopey,” relaxed gait that soaks up mid-corner bumps and urban speed humps with a plushness usually reserved for luxury German sedans.
While it lacks the razor-sharp turn-in of the Model Y, the trade-off is worth it for the daily commute. The cabin remains serene, isolated from road noise and vibration. For the Australian family driver, who values passenger comfort over Nürburgring lap times, this tuning is a masterstroke.
🖥️ Tech & Interior: Tesla Inspiration, Better Execution?
Stepping inside the G6, the inspiration is obvious. The minimalist dashboard, the massive 15-inch central touchscreen, and the lack of physical buttons scream “Silicon Valley.” However, Xpeng has addressed the specific pain points that annoy Australian buyers about Tesla’s minimalism.
1. The Driver Display:
Unlike the Model Y, the G6 puts a crisp 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster right where it belongs: behind the steering wheel. You don’t have to look left to see your speed or blind-spot warnings. It’s safer, more intuitive, and a huge win for traditional ergonomics.
2. Smartphone Integration:
In a move that will delight iPhone users, the G6 comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tesla stubbornly refuses to offer this, forcing users into their proprietary ecosystem. Xpeng gives you the choice, allowing seamless integration of Waze, Spotify, and your messages.
3. The “Smart” Cabin:
The G6 is packed with clever touches. The “Xopera” 18-speaker sound system (standard on all trims) punches well above its weight class. The front seats are not just heated but ventilated—a non-negotiable feature for the Australian summer that remains an expensive option on many luxury rivals.
⚠️ The “Quirks”: It’s Not Perfect
No car is perfect, and the G6 has its idiosyncrasies.
- No Frunk: Despite being a dedicated EV platform, there is no storage under the bonnet. You get a massive 571L rear boot, but no space for muddy cables up front.
- No Glovebox: In a commitment to minimalism, the passenger glovebox is gone. Storage is moved to a large central bin, but it’s an omission that might irk some.
- Driver Monitoring: Like many modern Chinese EVs, the driver attention system can be overzealous. However, recent Over-The-Air (OTA) updates in Australia have allowed drivers to tone down the sensitivity, making it far less intrusive than at launch.
💰 The Value Equation
The pricing strategy for the G6 is aggressive.
- Standard Range (LFP Battery): ~$54,800 + ORCs
- Long Range (NMC Battery): ~$59,800 + ORCs
The Long Range is the pick of the bunch. For under $60k, you get a 570km WLTP range, 280kW charging, and a sub-6.2 second 0-100km/h sprint. It undercuts the equivalent Tesla Model Y Long Range by over $10,000 while offering faster charging and a more comfortable ride.
🏁 Verdict: The Thinking Person’s EV
The 2025 Xpeng G6 is more than just a well-priced alternative; it is a genuinely excellent electric vehicle. It brings the cutting-edge 800V technology of a Porsche Taycan to the family SUV market.
It may not have the badge prestige of a Tesla or the raw performance of a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but it nails the brief for the average Australian: it’s comfortable, spacious, charges lightning-fast, and is packed with usable tech.
If you can look past the lack of a frunk and the newness of the brand, the Xpeng G6 isn’t just a rival to the Model Y—in many ways, it’s the upgrade we’ve been waiting for.
🤖 Join the Evolution
The mid-size electric SUV market is now a battleground of 800V architectures, LFP vs. NMC batteries, and competing software ecosystems.
Don’t navigate the specs alone.
At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI chatbot. It is trained on the latest real-world range tests, charging curves, and owner reviews for the Xpeng G6 in Australia.
- “How does the real-world highway range of the Xpeng G6 compare to the Model Y?”
- “Where is the nearest 350kW charger to utilize the G6’s 800V speed?”
- “What are the servicing costs for Xpeng in Australia?”
About EV Evolution
EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.
