As a proud owner of a Tesla Model Y since 2022, I’ve grown accustomed to its electric precision and cutting-edge features. But recently, I got the chance to take a closer look at its direct competitor from China—the Xpeng G6. After spending four days behind the wheel, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on how this newcomer stacks up against my trusted Tesla.
The Tesla Influence: Familiar but Different
Stepping into the Xpeng G6 for the first time felt like switching from an iPhone to a well-designed Android phone. The interface is surprisingly familiar, especially if you’re used to Tesla. Xpeng clearly had Tesla in its sights when designing this SUV, and it shows—right down to the placement of the gear shift lever on the right stalk and the intuitive controls for things like turn signals and regenerative braking.
In fact, Xpeng’s XPilot, which mirrors Tesla’s Autopilot, works in a very similar way. The activation process, the visual interface, and even the overall feel are all reminiscent of Tesla’s system, but with a few notable improvements. For example, it handles temporary deactivations more smoothly. In short, if you’re a Tesla owner, you’ll feel at home behind the wheel of the G6 from the moment you start driving.
However, the exterior design of the G6 didn’t impress me as much. It’s not ugly, but it lacks the clean lines and modernity of the Tesla. The G6’s design feels more conventional, and I wasn’t completely sold on its looks—though I’ll admit that some of that might have been due to the test car’s wrap.
A Premium Interior that Surprises
Once I got inside, the G6 truly set itself apart. The interior quality is where Xpeng really shines. The materials feel luxurious, far surpassing the finish of my Model Y in terms of tactile quality and assembly. The seats—ventilated at the front—are incredibly comfortable, offering support and comfort that rivals any premium European car. What really caught my attention was the soundproofing. It’s noticeably quieter than my Model Y, especially on the highway, making longer trips much more pleasant.
The central touchscreen, while slightly less fluid than Tesla’s, still offers a very solid user experience. However, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a welcome feature—something I sorely miss in my Tesla. The driver display behind the wheel is functional, though it could be sharper. I also found myself wishing for a head-up display, which is becoming more common in many vehicles today, including from Chinese brands like Nio and BYD.
But perhaps the most impressive feature is the app ecosystem. In addition to the native system, Xpeng has integrated an app store with a variety of apps including Apple TV, YouTube, TikTok, and even Instagram. While some of these are essentially optimized web apps, their seamless integration offers a level of openness that Tesla hasn’t embraced yet.
Smooth Driving Experience with a Family-Oriented Feel
When it comes to driving, the G6 really holds its own. On city streets, highways, or winding roads, the range and consumption are remarkably similar to the Model Y. What sets the G6 apart, though, is its driving comfort. The ride is smoother, with better suspension that handles road imperfections better than the Tesla. The steering is lighter, and while the acceleration isn’t as brutal (even in Sport mode), the overall experience is more relaxed and family-friendly.
Charging is another area where the G6 impresses. Thanks to its 800V platform, the G6 charges more efficiently and quickly than my Model Y in some cases. The charging curve is well-managed, with a long plateau at high power, offering a performance that’s expected from top-tier electric vehicles.
Autopilot and Driving Assistance: A Close Call
The XPilot, Xpeng’s version of Autopilot, was another standout feature. It managed lane changes better than Tesla’s system. In my Model Y, Autopilot deactivates when I signal for a lane change, but in the G6, the system stays active throughout the maneuver and reactivates seamlessly afterward. The steering wheel sensitivity is another plus, with the G6 requiring only a light touch from your hand, unlike Tesla’s slightly firmer wheel.
However, there is room for improvement. The G6’s XPilot tends to slow down too much for sharp corners, reducing speed by as much as 20-30 km/h below the limit, which could be a bit annoying on twisty roads.
A Sound System That’s Hard to Beat
As an audiophile, the Xopera audio system in the G6 left a lasting impression. This 960-watt system with 18 speakers—including ones in the headrests—is exceptional. The bass is deep, the midrange is clear, and the treble is sharp without being harsh. Even at high volumes, there’s no distortion. Plus, the car’s active noise cancellation helps create a perfect sound bubble. It’s the kind of system you’d expect from a high-end home theater setup, not a car.
One of my favorite features is how the audio system channels calls and voice commands directly through the headrest speakers, ensuring clear sound for the driver without disturbing passengers. This small detail made a big difference in the daily driving experience.
The Disappointing Voice Assistant
While the G6 excels in many areas, its voice assistant is one of its weakest points. Right now, it’s only available in English and has trouble understanding even simple commands. This is frustrating, especially given that the car features excellent microphones in the headrests. For now, the voice assistant is more of a novelty than a reliable feature. This is in stark contrast to Tesla’s voice recognition, which, while not perfect, is at least functional in multiple languages, including French.
It’s a shame because Xpeng’s voice assistant is highly regarded in China, and it’s surprising that it’s not yet up to par in Europe. For now, I found myself relying more on the touchscreen and physical controls.
Size and Parking: A Bit of a Challenge
The G6’s dimensions are something to consider. At 4.75 meters long and 1.92 meters wide, it’s larger than the Model Y, and that extra size is noticeable, particularly in tight parking garages or narrow city streets. Interestingly, despite its larger exterior, the G6 offers less cargo space than my Model Y, which might be a drawback for those who need a lot of trunk room.
However, the parking assistance is fantastic. The G6’s 360-degree camera system offers a clear, high-definition view of the surroundings, and the AutoPark system handles parking spaces with impressive precision. It can even manage tight spots where my Model Y might struggle. The overall parking experience is smoother in the G6, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Would I Swap My Tesla for the Xpeng G6?
So, would I trade in my Model Y for the G6? It’s a tough call. The comfort of the G6 is exceptional, and features like ventilated seats, a superior sound system, and the overall build quality make it an attractive option. The price is also competitive, even without an eco-bonus.
But there are a few things that hold me back. Xpeng is still a newcomer to the European market, and I’m unsure about long-term service and resale value. The voice assistant is a frustrating limitation, and the G6’s autopilot could use some fine-tuning in terms of cornering. And then there’s the smaller trunk space, which is puzzling given the car’s size.
For now, I’m sticking with my Model Y, but I’ll be keeping an eye on Xpeng. If they can address these few issues and establish a reliable network in Europe, the G6 could become a real contender. Tesla might want to start taking the competition seriously—because the Chinese are catching up fast.
