The updated 2027 XPeng G6 has arrived in Australia through a factory-backed operation, severing all ties with the previous distributor, TrueEV, after delays and legal action. The new flagship trim, the G6 AWD Performance Black Edition, is now on test, joining a lineup that previously offered only rear-wheel drive variants.
Priced from $66,800 before on-road costs, the flagship competes directly with the BYD Sealion 7 Performance ($63,990), Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range AWD ($68,900), and Zeekr 7X Performance ($72,900).
New battery tech and faster charging
One of the biggest changes is under the surface. Every trim of the vehicle now uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery instead of the previous nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit. These packs offer better thermal safety and can be charged to 100 percent more often without degradation risk.
The slightly smaller 80.8kWh pack means claimed range is down incrementally — up to 510km on the WLTP cycle — but peak DC fast-charging has jumped from 280kW to 451kW.
That matches the Zeekr 7X, which also uses LFP cells. No Australian DC fast-charger can currently deliver that rate, and the short loan period prevented proper testing, but the company claims a 10-to-80 percent charge in 12 minutes.
The shift is notable from the previous model’s chemistry, and it puts the model in line with several newer rivals that have moved to LFP for cost and safety reasons.
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Dual-motor powertrain and driving feel
The new dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain produces a total system output of 358kW — 140kW more than the RWD Long Range and 173kW more than the RWD Standard Range.
Power delivery is immediate but not excessive, with enough punch for highway overtakes. Launch control and Sport mode unlock a 4.1-second 0-100km/h sprint, though the acceleration is progressive rather than neck-snapping.
In the corners, the car favors comfort over sharp handling, which is common among many Chinese EVs.
The suspension is largely compliant around town, but there’s some roll and sway as the car settles, and it gets bouncy over undulations at higher speeds.
ADAS and interior design
The company’s advanced driver assistance system calibrations are a strong point.
The systems only intervene when needed, and drivers can customize the sensitivity of all safety features — a welcome change that reduces false alerts.
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Safety, warranty, and dealer network
The pre-update model earned a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2024 Euro NCAP testing. It’s unclear whether the updated model will be re-tested.
Standard safety equipment includes AEB, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a surround-view camera.
New owners of the vehicle get a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km.
Logbook servicing is due every 12 months or 20,000km, but pricing hasn’t been confirmed.
A critical point: The company’s new factory-backed operation is still scaling, and there is currently no open dealer or service centre. Several locations are planned in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, but it’s unclear whether New South Wales will get a dealer.
