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As London’s key decision-makers handle the transition to net-zero, the capital’s fleet managers and executive drivers are navigating the journey to zero-emissions motoring, writes Tim Barnes-Clay.
Even though electric vehicles (EVs) haven’t been around for long, the market already feels overwhelmingly crowded.
That’s especially true after the recent avalanche of Chinese brands entering the UK, with some debuting vehicles that successfully rival decades-long established marques.
XPeng is one of them.
Named after founder He Xiaopeng, the manufacturer arrives with one clear directive: offer a high-tech, premium-focused EV as desirable as German cars at a more competitive price point.
XPeng must also outmanoeuvre Tesla, with its G6 model challenging the Model Y – and the Chinese coupe-style SUV brings much to the table.
Here are five key areas that make the G6 stand out from the crowd for London professionals:
1) Class-Leading DC Charging Speeds
No truer is the adage ‘time is money’ than in London – time is, arguably, the capital’s most valuable commodity.
For business drivers needing to get between client meetings or preparing for long-distance travel, downtime must be minimised.
With its 800V architecture and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, standard models charge at up to 382kW, with Long Range and Performance models boasting an industry-leading 451kW.
In real-world terms, a 10-80% top-up takes as little as 12 minutes, adding over 200 miles of range by the time you’ve ordered and drunk an espresso at the motorway services.
2) Outstanding Value & Corporate Tax Benefits
Fleet managers are often watching their bottom lines.
As an EV, the XPeng G6 attracts the lowest rates of Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax, making it a great choice for salary sacrifice schemes and corporate fleets.
Granted, all EVs claim the same.
But few EVs with such high-tech luxury avoid the Expensive Car Supplement – in that regard, the G6 has been priced astutely.
The supplement applies to all EVs with a list price of £50,000 (it’s £40,000 for non-EVs) – and this would add £440 a year (increasing annually with inflation) to your car’s road tax bill from years two to six inclusive.
Yet even the range-topping dual-motor all-wheel drive Performance ‘Black Edition’ comes in at £49,990 – £10 beneath the threshold.
By avoiding the supplement, buyers can enjoy a high-performance EV without incurring thousands of pounds in additional tax payments over this five-year period.
Combined with the low initial road tax (£10 for year one), the BiK savings I mentioned, and a five-year, 75,000-mile warranty, it offers peace of mind when it comes to running costs.
3) Generous Standard Equipment
Most premium European marques tempt potential buyers with an attractive base price, then dangle the carrot of impressive technology to persuade you to pay more for a higher-spec version.
XPeng, though, takes an ‘everything included’ approach.
The G6 offers only one trim level, with everything standard, leaving the options list remarkably bare.
Standard features include:
- Interior Comfort: Heated and ventilated electric front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and heated steering wheel.
- Technology & Audio: A 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 10.25-inch driver instrument display, and 18-speaker XOPERA sound system.
- Convenience: A full-length panoramic glass sunroof, double-glazed, sound-isolating front windows, power-folding door mirrors, dual wireless phone chargers, and an electric tailgate.
4) Exceptional Interior Space & Executive Practicality
Despite its sporty, sweeping roofline, the G6 is very well proportioned and offers an impressive amount of cabin space.
Up front, the wide centre console complements the wide cabin, helping to separate driver and passenger so both can relax comfortably.
Rear legroom is a notable highlight, letting clients stretch out on longer journeys – and the rear seatbacks also recline.
A boot capacity of 571 litres (rising to 1,374 litres with the rear seats folded flat) provides ample luggage space for executive airport runs, golf bags, exhibition equipment and weekend retreats.
6) Rapid Performance
London’s streets are notorious for congestion, but if you’re navigating slip roads, the North Circular, or one of the motorways in or near the Greater London area, effortless power delivery is vital for an easier commute.
Even the entry-level Standard Range model delivers 258PS and 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, which is perfectly acceptable.
The dual-motor Performance model, however, unleashes a massive 487PS, cutting the time to just 4.1 seconds, delivering sports-car acceleration with all-wheel-drive traction.
And, thanks to the double-glazing and lightly hummed motors, it does so in a whisper-quiet, satisfyingly spacious cabin environment.
XPeng G6 Verdict:
The XPeng G6 hits the spot where London professionals need it most.
Industry-leading charging speeds, extensive standard equipment, relaxation and comfort, practicality and competitive tax positioning.
For the modern Londoner, the G6 represents one of the most technologically advanced EV packages available in the UK.