- Updated Xpeng G6 will arrive 2026
- New AWD Performance model
- Gets 487 PS and 660 Nm torque
- Acceleration from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds
- Rival to Tesla Model Y Performance
- Priced from £49,990
Chinese manufacturer Xpeng is preparing to launch a hot Performance version of its electric G6 - and it’s sure to have the Tesla Model Y worried.
The Xpeng G6 EV hit the leasing market earlier this year and impressed our reviewers with its comfort, massive 15-inch screen, and airy cabin.
Up until now the G6 has only been available with a rear-wheel drive set up (that unlocks power of 286 PS and a 354-mile range.
All that, however, is due to change in the new year when Xpeng throws the shackles off a new Performance AWD G6.
If the standard G6 was favourably compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Performance AWD G6 will accelerate alongside the Tesla Model Y Performance.
What is the Xpeng G6 AWD Performance Black Edition?
The incoming Xpeng G6 AWD Performance will come in sultry ‘Black Edition’ form.
It’s underpinned by a 80.8 kWh lithium ion battery and 800V architecture that results in rapid charging.
But the headline figure is the power - which is up around 100 PS compared with the rear-wheel drive G6, to 487 PS.
That oomph, along with 660 Nm of torque, enables the AWD model to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds.
It’s not quite as rapid as the Tesla Model Y Performance (which sprints from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds) or the Ford Mustang Mach E GT (0-62mph in 3.6 seconds) but it’s plenty quick enough for most folks and outstrips the Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS, Kia EV6 and BYD Sealion 7.
The Black Edition also features 20-inch black sport alloy wheels, ‘smoked black’ exterior trim (mirrors, window surrounds, black brake callipers) and grey-toned upholstery with a suede texture.
There’s no word just yet on how far the Xpeng G6 Performance AWD will be able to travel between charges.
What other updates have been made to the Xpeng G6 for 2026?
Besides the AWD Performance model, the Xpeng G6 enjoys many other enhancements for 2026.
The G6 makes use of a 80.8 kWh battery that’s slightly smaller than fitted to the Long Range models previously but is quicker to charge.
Xpeng quotes a speed of 451 kW DC (good luck finding a charger that rapid in the UK…) which can result in a 10-80% charge in 12 minutes. That, says Xpeng, makes the G6 the ‘fastest-charging EV in its segment’.
When we tested the G6, our reviewer enjoyed the overall experience but had some reservations about the ride quality and handling.
Xpeng has clearly listed to feedback and says the new G6 features key enhancements to the chassis, suspension tuning, steering dynamics, electric powertrain behaviour, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels.
A spokesperson tells us: “The result is a more refined ride with exceptional stability, comfort, and vibration isolation, ideal for the challenging British roads.”
‘Challenging’ is putting it mildly with an exceptionally soggy few weeks creating pothole carnage.
A heat pump is now standard across the G6 range, which helps you preserve range in the depths of winter.
How does the new Xpeng G6 look compared with the old one?
There are style tweaks inside and out, too.
There’s a cleaner new full-width 1942mm ‘Starlight’ LED light bar with integrated turn signals, body-coloured wheel arches, and a larger rear spoiler.
(Exterior of the outgoing G6, above, for comparison purposes. Note the continuous lightbar of the newer model and the repositioning of the 'X' logo)
The G6’s cabin now comes complete with a new wood-grain dash trim, suede-effect ceiling material, softer wireless charging pads, and a more ‘luxurious atmosphere’ all round, says Xpeng.
As you get with the Tesla Model Y (above the entry-level Standard trim), the G6 features heated and ventilated front seats with massage function. The rear seats recline for extra comfort.
The XOS (Xpeng Operating System) cockpit is faster and more responsive than before.
Meanwhile the ‘XPILOT ASSIST’ safety system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Control, Enhanced AutoParking Assist, Remote Parking Assist with phone and key, and a surround-view video system.
(cabin of the outgoing Xpeng G6, above)
How much does the Xpeng G6 cost in the UK?
Prices for the latest model begin at £39,990 for the RWD Standard Range model.
The Long Range variant costs from £44,990. And the new Performance AWD G6 begins at £49,990 - a good £12k cheaper than the £61,990 Tesla Model Y Performance.
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