XPeng G6 upgrade in the UK undercuts Tesla Model Y with 12-minute fast charge

A refreshed XPeng G6 is making its UK return with a comprehensive upgrade that XPeng says boosts performance, design, technology and efficiency, while keeping price steady. The company has announced that the updated G6—its all-electric coupe/SUV—will go on sale to customers in Britain in February 2026, with orders opening at £39,990. The headline change is a dramatic improvement in charging speed: XPeng says the G6 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 12 minutes, using an 800V high‑voltage platform and a new Next-Gen 5C 80.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The claim positions the G6 as a cheaper, faster-charging alternative to the current entry‑level Tesla Model Y in the UK market.

The updated model retains its price point, which XPeng notes remains unchanged despite the myriad upgrades. The RWD Standard Range version now makes 292 horsepower, a 22‑hp bump, and delivers a range of 292 miles, up from 270 miles due to a larger battery. In contrast, the Long Range configuration has a smaller 80.8kWh battery, down from 87.5kWh, with its range dropping to 326 miles from 354 miles. Manufacturers sometimes recalibrate packaging and software when introducing an overhaul, and XPeng says the trade‑offs reflect battery architecture choices rather than a simplification of the vehicle.

Externally, the G6 retains its familiar silhouette but gains distinctive styling updates. Exterior tweaks include a full-width Starlight front lightbar, body‑colored wheel arches, a repositioned XPeng logo, and a revised rear spoiler and diffuser. A new Stellar Purple color option provides another visual option for buyers who want something slightly away from the mainstream. Interior revisions emphasize refinement and comfort: a wood‑grain dash paired with suede‑effect headliner, redesigned speaker covers and ambient lighting that adds atmosphere in both the RWD Long Range and AWD Performance variants. The updated cockpit also brings two 50W wireless charging pads and a fresh Dark Grey interior theme, denoting a more premium feel inside the cabin.

One of the most noticeable technology upgrades is the return of the digital rear‑view mirror to the Long Range and AWD Performance trim levels. The G6 now adopts an upgraded 9‑inch camera‑mirror that mirrors the Polestar 4’s approach to visibility, offering an electronic alternative to the traditional mirror. In line with its tech‑forward positioning, XPeng’s XOS cockpit software promises faster response times, improved voice recognition, and an expanded Hey XPeng voice assistant that can make intelligent recommendations across four cabin zones.

Inside the cabin, comfort and convenience receive a boost as well. Front seats are heated and ventilated and include a massage function, while rear seats offer up to 12 levels of reclining comfort. The interior color palette expands with a new Dark Grey option, and the space is designed to feel more premium with the materials and subtle lighting enhancements that accompany the updated electronics. XPeng notes that the interior upgrades are particularly aimed at elevating the user experience in daily driving and longer trips alike.

The G6’s safety and driver assistance suite remains a cornerstone of XPeng’s appeal, with the company emphasizing “bulletproof‑level” battery protection and a robust structural safety framework. XPeng describes the battery as featuring a 4-3-4 architecture intended to enhance durability under extreme conditions, and it claims a 30% improvement in overall durability compared with prior configurations. The 4‑wheel approaches to vehicle safety are complemented by XPilot Assist, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Enhanced Auto Parking Assist, and Remote Parking Assist with smartphone and key integrations. The system also includes a Surrounding Video System and seven airbags across forward, side, and rear injury scenarios, aligning with current safety expectations for family‑oriented EVs in this segment.

Charging capabilities are a centerpiece of the G6 refresh. XPeng says the G6 can sustain a peak charging power of 451 kW, a level that exceeds the conventional targets for many mainstream EVs and surpasses the charging performance of rivals like the Tesla Model Y, which historically peaks closer to 250 kW. XPeng attributes this capability to the Next-Gen 5C 80.8kWh LFP battery and the 800V high‑voltage platform, which together enable rapid top‑ups on compatible chargers. The battery chemistry eliminates cobalt, nickel and manganese, replacing them with iron phosphate chemistry believed to offer greater sustainability and resilience. XPeng also says the battery’s lifecycle is extended by about 30%, and the system is designed to withstand extreme heat, including up to 1,000°C and significant side‑crush pressures, which the company frames as part of its emphasis on reliability under demanding conditions.

In terms of energy management, XPeng emphasizes that the 10–80% charging window is one of the fastest in its segment, enabling drivers to top up quickly during daily use or longer journeys. The company calls the G6 a “technology company at heart,” underscoring its ambition to blend software, sensor fusion, and AI-driven features with practical electric mobility. XPeng’s approach to UK expansion has included onboarding customers with the G6 all‑electric coupe/SUV that costs from £39,990, positioning the car as a priced alternative to European rivals while highlighting XPeng’s aggressive pacing in product cadence and software updates.

XPeng was founded in 2014 with a focus on smart driving technology and AI‑driven mobility. Its early UK entry, the G6, was launched for Britain earlier in the year at a price point that aligned with its overall strategy of delivering connected, tech‑forward EVs at accessible prices. The company’s growth in the UK comes amid a broader trend of Chinese automakers accelerating entry into Europe with rapid refresh cycles, new models and substantial investment in charging infrastructure partnerships and aftersales support. XPeng’s leadership has repeatedly cited aims to transform mobility through AI and software enhancements, extending beyond traditional automotive boundaries toward a broader ecosystem of smart transportation.

The updated G6 is slated to be available to order from February 2026 in the UK, with prices starting from £39,990. The unchanged price point, in the face of extensive upgrades, keeps XPeng’s offering competitive against the Tesla Model Y, whose entry‑level variant sits at a higher price point—with the latest G6 update making the argument for value more compelling for buyers who prioritize charging speed and in‑cab tech. The company’s UK rollout with the G6 illustrates how Chinese automakers are pairing rapid product iteration with aggressive pricing to gain traction in European markets as consumers increasingly demand fast charging, AI‑driven features, and a connected ownership experience.

XPeng says its G6 is part of a broader strategy to expand beyond conventional automotive design into a mobility platform built on software, data and AI. Its 2014 founding story traces back to He Xiaopeng and a vision to redefine the driving experience through smart technologies, with early models including the G3 and later the P7 signaling the company’s emphasis on AI‑driven driving modes. As the UK market awaits the February 2026 launch, industry observers will watch whether XPeng’s blend of price, speed of charging, and tech will solidify its position as a credible alternative to established EV offerings in the region, particularly among buyers who value efficiency, connectivity, and rapid top‑ups on long trips. The G6 update underscores a broader industry pattern: Chinese brands are moving quickly to refresh products, upgrade software, and expand in markets like the UK with a combination of aggressive pricing and high‑tech features that emphasize efficiency and convenience in everyday electric mobility.