The Chinese brand XPENG has decided to update its midsize G6 electric coupe/SUV – even though the maker and model have only been on the Irish market a short while.
Why so soon? Normally updated, or facelifted, cars come at two-three-years after launch from new.
XPENG, as noted, is still a fledging marque in Ireland but it is killing two birds with the one stone with this early first facelift.
There are myriad minor changes. They range from the miniature impact of re-positioning a logo (from the front light to the bonnet) – to introducing an important new battery type.
They wanted, in particular, to get a new battery on board and used the occasion to tweak the avalanche of little changes at the same time.
The end result is that the G6 looks better, sharper. The cabin is brighter and uses better quality fitments.
Its rivals include the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4/5, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Particular attention was paid to firming up the suspension and steering. It could still do with more resistance/feel on the steering. Same goes with the dampers. A little would do a lot.
It felt it hinted at, but didn’t attain, the sort of dynamics sufficient to set it apart more. It was perfectly alright without reaching memorable heights.
As far as the battery changes go, there is big change afoot.
They have switched from using NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) and replaced it with a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery that doesn’t use cobalt, nickel or manganese.Furthermore, the LFP battery can handle more cycles over the its lifetime compared with other lithium-ion batteries, Xpeng claim.
You can charge to 100 per cent much more frequently than an NMC, which really should be charged only to 80per cent for daily driving to preserve battery health. And Xpeng claim the LFP battery will last up to 30per cent longer.
As part of the brand’s full-domain 800v high-voltage SiC platform (that includes motors and wiring as well as the battery) the old system could take 215kW on the Standard Range version, and 280kW on Long Range and Performance models.
But with the new battery Standard Range models can now take 382 kW, while Long Range and Performance can take a whopping 451kW.
Those are massive peak charging speeds – as much as the battery and software can handle at devilish quick – and scarce – DC public chargers. It claims to have the fastest charging EV in its segment: from 10 per cent to 80per cent in just 12 minutes.
I perused the new performance-related figures to find some new-breed models are slightly lower in some areas of performance and a marginal decrease in the 0-100kmh dash for a couple. That is due to technical arrangements and, really, there isn’t much difference in output.
I had the Long Range model (80.8kWh, with rear-wheel drive). A wheelbase of 2,890mm gave room for space within (good back-seat space, and its relatively moderate height helped dynamics with the lower centre of gravity).
They claim a range of up to 525kms is possible. Only the Hyundai Ionic 5 tops that on official claimed figures. The G6 delivers 296PS, does 100kmh in 6.7 secs, has 20ins wheels, charging power of AC11 3-phase, rear wheel drive and single motor.
The cabin looks better with streamlined dash, new ‘wood’ trim – it’s all about making it more ‘premium’. But it is minimalist – like the Tesla.
There is a larger infotainment screen (15.6ins v 14.96) but sadly some of the more irksome elements of getting something simple done remain. It badly needs a few buttons on the dash because you are utterly reliant on what can still be a clunky system sometimes. It’s silly to have wiper settings, climate vents, mirror adjustments etc hiding in there . . . somewhere.
Anyway, there are heating, cooling and massage functions available for front seat travellers now. And there is a more powerful wireless phone charger.
The most striking feature outside is the new light bar at the front while body-coloured wheel arch cladding and a rear spoiler virtually complete the look.
Luggage capacity remains the same (571 litres); that expands to 1,374 litres when you fold the rear seats.
As mentioned, there are three variants: Standard Range (66 kWh), Long Range and Performance (both 80.5 kWh useable, but Performance gets a motor in the back and front).
Prices start at €42,000 for the Standard Range, which has a rear-mounted electric motor. And my Long-Range, also rear-axle driven, costs €49,440 while the AWD Performance costs from €54,500.
With so much done I don’t think they will be facelifting this for a while.
But you never know. Maybe a new system with a few buttons?
My 10-word summary
+ New battery + quick charge + higher spec + good range – clunky infotainment.
