THERE has been a lot of interest with Bermaz Xpeng's first electric vehicle (EV) model when word got out it was heading to Malaysia.

Globally the model got mostly favourable reviews when it first came out and it helps that it looked really good.

Granted, that was 2023. By the time the model debuted locally in 2024, and now that we're at the start of 2025, it found itself in the middle of an EV hotpot war.

The market is now packed with EVs and in particular mostly EVs within the RM100,000-RM200,000 price range. Standing out will be key but is also the single most challenging aspect for any model.

This is fortunate for Xpeng’s G6 where the good word does hold its weight, and then some more.

Optimal Offering

Available in two variants, the import (CBU) G6 Ultra Smart Coupe sports utility vehicle (SUV) is the first model to be built on XPeng's Smart Electric Platform Architecture 2.0 (SEPA 2.0) platform.

The G6 580 Pro variant is powered by a high-voltage Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) of 66 kWh battery pack that delivers 255Hp and maximum of 440Nm torque.

It has a range of 435 km, a 6.6 seconds 0–100 km/h acceleration and a top speed of 200 km/h.

With a greater range at 570km, the Long Range variant 755 Pro's 87.5 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) that produces a maximum of 440 Nm torque and 282Hp to deliver a slightly quicker century sprint at 6.2 seconds and a similar top speed of 200 km/h.

Both variants with their 800-volt high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) platform have a maximum DC charging capacity of 215 kW and 280 kW, respectively.

They can charge up from 10-80% within 20 minutes via DC charging. 

Inside the G6's cabin are seats that feature eco-friendly materials with ventilation and heating (cushion and headrest) features for front passengers, 6-way power adjustments, and 4-way lumbar support with position memory and Welcome Mode. 

Rear passenger seats are equipped with seat heating. The interior leatherette seat material comes in either Black and Grey options.

There's dual wireless charging of 50W for each charging pad, dual temperature zone automatic air conditioning vent, and an XFreeBreath interior air purification system.

Its' Smart Cockpit, which pairs a 14.96-inch high-resolution central control system and a 10.2-inch digital dashboard, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P chipset and Xmart OS 5.0 in-car operating system.

There's an Intelligent Voice Assistant feature while the XPeng mobile application enables drivers to control the vehicle remotely through Smart Vehicle Control.

The infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and will be updated Over-the-Air (OTA) periodically.

On board entertainment is further emphasized by the model's 18-speaker XOpera surround audio system with a total power of 960W that features panoramic sound effect technology.

Additionally, the XPeng mobile application allows owners to check on the vehicle's status, locking and unlocking its door, determining tire pressure status, controlling air conditioning, and performing numerous other functions.

Safety for the G6 begins right from its shell with the mid-size crossover's body structure comprising of steel and lightweight aluminium composite for enhanced weight reduction. 

Standard safety features of the vehicle include 7 airbags and electronic child lock. As for its advanced safety features, the XPilot 2.5 driver assistance system is equipped with high-definition millimetre-wave radar, ultrasonic radar and a 360˚ HD Camera powered by Nvidia Orin-X chipset.

The G6’s XPilot driving advanced safety features comes equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Lane Centering Control (LCC), Active Lane Change (ALC), Enhanced Auto Parking Assist (EAP 2.0), Auto Exit Parking Assist (AEP) via XPeng mobile application, Straight Summon via XPeng mobile app, Driver State Monitoring (DSM), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent High Beam (IHB), Blind-spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Collision Warning (RCW).

Advanced function consists of Enhanced Auto Parking Assist (EAP 2.0) and Auto Exit Parking Assist (AEP).

Available in Midnight Black, Silver Frost, Artic White, Graphite Gray or Fiery Orange, the G6 is priced from RM 165,000 for the 580 Pro variant while the 755 Pro variant starts from RM 185,000. 

Prices include a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty (or 120,000km), whichever comes first. It also comes with an 8-Years High Voltage Battery Pack warranty and a mileage limit of 160,000km, whichever comes first.

Solid and smooth

When it comes to the good word, most agree that the G6 has a more solid build quality when compared to a number of electric vehicles (EVs) we see in today's market.

That goes even up against more popular models that we'll leave up to your personal opinion.

Balance is a huge part of the model and Xpeng didn't skim on the features with the model. Just about everything you expect from a modern day EV is right in the G6.

The only way you're going to extract these qualities from the model is to adhere to the adage that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

What matters on the inside heavily applies to the G6 more than what you're getting at first glance.

That's not to downplay its external physical attributes. The model adopts all the hallmarks that make the modern electric sports utility vehicle (e-SUV) a looker - that includes the slim front lights and coupe silhouette. 

But the G6's true strength comes from what is inside. And that can only truly be appreciated via drive experience.

What will greet you when you first enter the G6 is the minimalistic styling that is supported by a solid build quality - no cheap plastic feel and the materials feel weighty.

This clean minimalism is possible in part of the trend to centre almost every control to the centre touchscreen console. The balance part here is that there are still physical touch points (stalks and steering buttons) that you can rely on instead of wholly relying on screen access.

Past the straight forward design and built quality is a comfort-centric cabin with ample room for all passengers. It just feels right with little compromise there with no fuss about them. 

This is to also set expectations that if you weren’t sure if the G6 was going for a an all-around sporty theme or something more executive-like - it is the latter here which also makes it more family-friendly.

Back to the touchscreen, the G6 has your usual array of modern day smart interactive functions as mentioned. One impressive stand out was the remote app use alongside the model.

Granted app-link isn't an exclusive feature we did however find that the connectivity is really good compared to those available to certain brands and their make. At least during my experience there was little connectivity issues that I would normally face with these remote access functions.

Drive feel of the G6 also pivots onto the comfort end. There’s no fuss and it’s no party machine that tries to do too much.

Instead it glides through the roads and bumps. Drive handling was mostly smooth and stable with minimal force feedback during acceleration and braking. Call it clean and crisp. 

Verdict

Expectations for the G6 in large part meet what it was praised for – quality, comfort and a balanced drive experience.

It has the sporty e-SUV look on the outside but the real draw of the model is based on the immersion and passenger security.

There’s a sense of reliability when it comes to the model that can only be felt when you’re at the helm.

And perhaps that’s the more challenging aspect when it comes to seeing the G6 for what it is. Experiencing the model is important because it is what gives the G6 its greatest edge amidst the heat of the price war. 

It already comes with a very attractive price for the deal you’re getting. But so are the options available in said territory which includes some big EV brand names. 

You’ll truly appreciate it more than simply what the visuals is showing you once you get a proper feel of it. Granted the G6 already looks really good design-wise and there's really nothing negative to say about the model since you'll find little to fault over. 

If anything it is more about reaffirming why the G6 makes an excellent pick when it comes to choosing a the e-SUV that you can rely on.

The best part of the vehicle is how everything, features and all, come together to deliver one very smooth affair. 

Plucking an excerpt from Sade's 'Smooth Operator' song as a metaphor, the G6 moves in space with minimal waste and maximum joy.