After spending two years behind the wheel of a Tesla Model Y, I’ve gotten to know its strengths — and a few of its quirks — pretty well. So when I had the chance to test the Xpeng G6, a bold new contender from China that promises to take on Tesla at its own game, I didn’t hesitate. I spent four days living with the G6. Here’s how it stacked up.
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First Impressions: Familiar, but with a twist
Switching from the Model Y to the G6 felt oddly familiar — like switching from an iPhone to a high-end Android phone. Everything looks familiar, but there are little surprises everywhere.
Xpeng clearly took notes from Tesla’s playbook: the gear selector, regenerative braking settings, and even the way you activate cruise control with a double-tap feel like home. That’s not a bad thing — if it’s not broken, why fix it?
Xpeng’s XPilot system also mirrors Tesla’s Autopilot in its basics but adds a few refinements. It’s more forgiving when it comes to disengagements, especially during quick maneuvers. Right from the start, it felt like meeting a distant cousin — one you actually get along with.
Interior Quality: A big step up
Inside, the Xpeng G6 feels more premium than the Model Y. The cabin materials are softer, the stitching finer, and it just feels quieter, especially at highway speeds.
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The ventilated seats are a game-changer, especially during warm afternoons.
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The 15-inch center screen is large and functional, though it’s not quite as smooth as Tesla’s.
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Crucially, the G6 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — a win for those of us tired of Tesla’s closed ecosystem.
Another thoughtful touch: a digital driver’s display behind the wheel. It’s a small thing, but after two years of glancing sideways at the Tesla center screen for basic info, it felt refreshingly normal.
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Infotainment: Smarter, but still maturing
Where Xpeng really differentiates itself is in its infotainment system. The G6 includes an app store that lets you download streaming services like Disney+, YouTube, and even TikTok directly into the car. It feels much freer compared to Tesla’s tightly controlled system.
That said, there’s room for improvement. Some translations still feel clunky, and I ran into the occasional minor glitch. It’s clear Xpeng is working fast with updates, but it’s not quite as polished yet.
Driving Feel: Comfort wins over sportiness
On the road, the G6 matches the Model Y for energy efficiency, but the driving experience itself has a different flavor:
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Acceleration is quick but a little less ferocious, even in Sport mode.
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Suspension tuning favors comfort — bumps and cracks melt away compared to the firmer Model Y ride.
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Steering is lighter and less engaging, which some will appreciate, but driving enthusiasts might miss that extra feedback.
For road trips and daily driving, the G6 is more relaxing. If you crave Tesla’s rocket-launch feel, though, you might still prefer the Model Y.
Charging: An unexpected win for Xpeng
I expected Tesla to dominate in charging — but the G6’s 800V platform delivered a pleasant surprise. Charging from 10% to 80% was noticeably faster than my Model Y at comparable stations.
If you were sticking with Tesla just because of its Supercharger network, it might be time to rethink things.
XPilot: Easier, smoother highway drives
One of my favorite discoveries was how Xpeng’s XPilot driver-assist handles lane changes. Unlike Tesla’s more rigid system, XPilot stays active during turns and smoothly picks up afterward. Highway drives felt much less stressful as a result.
There are some quirks, though: XPilot tends to slow dramatically in tight curves, which can be frustrating when traffic is moving briskly.
Sound System: Absolutely stunning
As a music enthusiast, I was floored by the G6’s Xopera sound system. With 18 speakers (yes, 18!), including subwoofers and overhead units, the experience is immersive. Highs were crisp, bass was deep but never muddy, and mids were crystal clear. Even Tesla’s respectable sound system felt flat in comparison.
Voice Assistant: Still a work in progress
Unfortunately, Xpeng’s voice assistant was a letdown. It’s limited to English commands and struggled to understand simple requests. Given the solid hardware — great microphones and clever headrest speakers — it’s a missed opportunity.
Google Assistant still sets the standard here, leaving both Xpeng and Tesla in the dust.
Practicality: Some odd trade-offs
Despite its larger exterior dimensions, the G6 surprisingly offers less trunk space than the Model Y. It’s a puzzling compromise, though it seems aimed at providing roomier rear seating — a priority in the Chinese market.
Fortunately, parking is a breeze thanks to:
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Ultra-clear 360° cameras.
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A smart zoom function for tight spots.
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A front camera, which Tesla oddly omits.
AutoPark: Surprisingly effective
Tesla’s AutoPark is hit or miss, but Xpeng’s system really impressed me. It confidently identifies parking spaces and executes smooth, precise maneuvers — even in spots where my Model Y struggles.
Final Verdict: Would I make the switch?
After four days, would I trade in my Model Y for the G6? Not just yet.
The G6 scores major points for its more luxurious feel, better sound system, open app ecosystem, and relaxed driving assists. Plus, not having to defend Elon Musk’s latest antics at every dinner conversation? Priceless.
But there are still a few sticking points:
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Xpeng’s service and support network in Europe is still in its infancy.
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The software, while promising, needs polishing.
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The smaller cargo space is a head-scratcher.
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XPilot’s over-cautious cornering needs tuning.
For now, I’m holding onto my Model Y. But if Xpeng continues to refine the G6, Tesla should definitely be paying attention — because Chinese EV makers are closing the gap fast.