The updated 2026 Xpeng G6 arrives in the UK with over 20,000 engineering refinements, a new AWD Performance model and claims of improved real-world range and usability
This is the ‘second generation’ XPENG G6. So why does it feel like the G6 has only just arrived in the UK? Well… because it has. The brand officially launched here in early 2025. The G6 was its spearhead product. And just as we were getting used to seeing them on British roads, XPENG turns around and says, “Here’s the new one.” Hey?
Now before you roll your eyes and accuse them of pulling a smartphone-style annual refresh, this isn’t just a quick nip-and-tuck with a fresh alloy design and a few extra horses… well, actually, it is all of those things too. But XPENG insists there are over 20,000 incremental changes and updates to this 2026 G6, and most of those are under the skin.
The original G6 was engineered primarily for its home market and the wider global rollout, and it had already been on sale elsewhere for a few years before we got it. This updated version has been recalibrated and refined specifically for European roads, including ours, with tweaks to chassis, suspension, steering and NVH.
And then there’s the headline act. The new AWD Performance Black Edition. Dual motors. 480bhp. 660Nm. 0-62mph in just 4.13 seconds. That alone feels like more than enough justification for a second go behind the wheel of a G6.
What’s Actually New for 2026?
The 20,000 figure might sound like marketing hyperbole until you’re told that it includes changes to the chassis and suspension, retuned for European and specifically British roads. Steering dynamics have been recalibrated. NVH performance has been enhanced.
Interior materials have been upgraded too, with suede-like finishes now lining the A-pillars, improved door panels, revised dash trim and a redesigned steering wheel.
Ambient lighting is more sophisticated. Manual toggles have been added to the air vents. There is additional lumbar support and even a massage function for the front seats, which works rather well. The rear-view mirror is now digital. The battery chemistry has been updated for improved longevity, with XPENG claiming a 30% increase in lifespan.
Dimensions remain unchanged at 4,758mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,650mm tall, with a 2,890mm wheelbase. Boot space remains a very usable 571 litres, expanding to 1,374 litres with the rear seats folded.
Starship Styling and a Sharper Presence
Visually, the 2026 G6 subtly evolves rather than reinvents. The “starship-inspired” design language remains intact – though more Picard’s Enterprise-D than Kirk’s original NCC-1701, I would suggest.
A full-width LED light bar now dominates the nose, with the XPENG badge relocated to the bonnet. New alloy wheel designs freshen the stance. The Performance model arrives exclusively in black with 20-inch alloys, At the rear, a revised ducktail spoiler and updated diffuser add drama without unnecessary aggression. Colour-coded trim elements tidy up the detailing.
Battery, Range and Charging: Real-World Matters
The Long Range rear-wheel-drive model now uses an 80.8kWh battery, delivering over 380 miles WLTP range. The AWD Performance sacrifices some range, offering 316 miles WLTP, still entirely usable in the real world.
Charging speeds are where XPENG makes a statement. The G6 supports up to 451kW DC charging. XPENG claims 10-80% in as little as 12 minutes. The caveat? You will need access to a 450kW charger, and those remain rare across the UK. In practice, on more common high-power chargers, the G6 still replenishes impressively quickly.
On the Road: Composed, Quick and Surprisingly Mature
The biggest surprise is not the outright performance. Electric cars have been quick for years. The surprise is how mature this car feels. The retuned chassis and suspension improve composure on brittle British roads. Over broken tarmac there is movement, particularly on the 20-inch wheels, but it is well-damped rather than crashy. A definite step forward.
Steering weight in Sport mode tightens convincingly without becoming artificial. The AWD Performance is brisk but not wildly unhinged. There is traction, composure and a sense of control.
This is not a tail-happy, rear-biased hooligan. It feels secure, neutral and confidence-inspiring. It may not deliver the playful sharpness of something like an MG4 EV Power, but that is not its mission. Its mission is accessible performance with everyday usability. And it delivers that.
Interior and Technology: Screen-Centric but Clever
The 15.6-inch central infotainment screen dominates the cabin, floating neatly on the dashboard. The system is responsive, feature-rich and supported by over-the-air updates. XPENG’s voice assistant is particularly advanced, recognising which seat the command originates from. That party trick never gets old.
Wireless charging pads, deep storage compartments and a clean minimalist layout keep things practical. The absence of physical buttons may divide opinion, and the infotainment system takes some exporing and getting used to.
Driver monitoring systems, 360-degree cameras, intelligent parking assistance and adaptive cruise control are all present. The digital rear-view mirror compensates for the relatively shallow rear window, though I struggle with it due to my varifocals. You can switch it off though.
Verdict
With prices starting at £39,990 and rising to £49,990 for the AWD Performance, the G6 is not bargain basement, but it now falls under the revised £50,000 luxury car threshold. Equipment levels are generous. XPENG currently operates 17 UK retailers with 24 aftercare points, and the network is expanding into key cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. The forthcoming seven-seat XPENG X9 will broaden the brand’s appeal further.
The 2026 Xpeng G6 AWD Performance is not perfect. Ultra-rapid 450kW chargers remain scarce. Screen-based controls will not suit everyone. Engagement could be sharper. Ride comfort could improve further. But step back and consider the bigger picture. For under £50,000 you get 480bhp, sub-4.2-second acceleration, a 316-mile WLTP range, cutting-edge charging capability, high levels of equipment and a cabin that feels genuinely premium.
Chinese brands are no longer simply catching up. They are setting benchmarks in areas that matter to modern drivers: charging speed, technology integration and value. Which makes them definitely worth a dekho.
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