XPeng G6: Malaysia’s Electric Revelation, or Just Another Pretender?
Ah, electric SUVs. They’re like durians—some people can’t get enough of them, while others would rather eat a brick. But here comes the XPeng G6, and it’s trying to convince Malaysians that it’s not just an EV—it’s the EV. Let’s see if this battery-powered beast can cut it.
The G6 looks sharp, no doubt about it. With its sloping roofline and a face that could probably cut through butter, it’s got presence. But here’s the thing: electric cars all seem to look like they were designed in the same wind tunnel. And the G6? It’s no exception. It’s sleek, it’s aerodynamic, and it’s fine.
But here’s a disadvantage to start with: XPeng is still new in Malaysia. The brand isn’t as well-known as its competitors, and for many buyers, this raises questions about long-term reliability, service availability, and even resale value.
On the plus side, the G6’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with premium materials and a minimalist layout that feels modern and luxurious. It’s perfect for Malaysian families who need ample cabin and cargo space for road trips.
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—sits an electric motor producing 282 horsepower and a hefty 440 Nm of torque. That’s enough grunt to make this SUV feel sprightly without being outright ridiculous. And with 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, it’s no slouch. This makes overtaking lorries on Malaysian highways a confident and quick affair.
The dual-motor setup delivers decent power, but don’t expect it to feel like a performance car. It’s more about smoothness than thrill. And yes, real-world range might differ. XPeng claims 570 km on a single charge, but using the air conditioning on a hot Malaysian afternoon or tackling Genting Highlands could shave some kilometers off.
And don’t forget, electric cars are quiet—almost too quiet. For car enthusiasts who love the growl of an engine, this might feel a bit underwhelming.
XPeng claims the G6 can do 570 km on a single charge. Now, that sounds great until you realize that’s probably achieved by driving at 50 km/h in a lab somewhere in China. But even if you knock a hundred or so kilometers off that figure, it’s still good enough to get you from KL to Penang without having to hunt for a charger.
The good news? The G6 supports ultra-fast charging. It can juice up to 80% in just 20 minutes. That’s barely enough time to finish your teh tarik at the R&R. If you’re worried about time spent at chargers, this could be the feature that seals the deal.
But here’s the thing: Malaysia’s EV infrastructure is still developing. Sure, there are more fast chargers popping up, but if you live outside the Klang Valley, finding one might be as tricky as finding parking in Mid Valley Megamall on a weekend.
Here’s where the XPeng G6 might actually shine. At RM165,000, it’s priced to attract. For comparison, that’s cheaper than some petrol-powered SUVs in the same category, yet it offers all the perks of going electric—zero road tax, cheaper running costs, and the chance to feel smug about saving the planet.
However, EVs still cost more upfront compared to petrol cars. Even with tax breaks and incentives, some buyers might hesitate to spend a premium on a relatively unproven brand.
Still, fast-charging support is a massive plus. The 20-minute, 80% recharge capability makes the G6 one of the more convenient EVs for Malaysians on the go.
Now, here’s where things get juicy for potential buyers. XPeng is offering 3 years of free scheduled maintenance with the G6. That’s a good chunk of time to ensure you don’t get hit with any nasty surprises in the early years of ownership.
Not enough? Well, how about 5 years vehicle warranty? And just when you think it’s all over, the cherry on top: 8 years for the battery and motor warranty. That’s more than you get with most traditional car warranties and should put to rest any concerns about expensive battery replacements or motor issues.
If you’ve ever worried about the reliability of EVs and their complex tech, this is the kind of support that could win you over.
Let’s talk about XPILOT, XPeng’s very own autonomous driving assistance system. Think of it as Malaysia’s answer to Tesla’s Autopilot. XPILOT brings a whole host of features designed to make driving easier, like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automated parking.
But, let’s be honest—autonomous systems are only as good as the environment they operate in. With Malaysian drivers, who treat lanes like mere suggestions, XPILOT will either feel like a hero or just another confused bystander.
Still, XPILOT offers the kind of tech that excites EV enthusiasts and future-thinking Malaysians who dream of one day sitting back and relaxing while their car does all the work. However, be prepared for some interesting moments when it tries to figure out traffic conditions—especially with the odd motorbike weaving through the traffic jam.
The G6 is brimming with gadgets. A massive touchscreen dominates the dashboard, and it’s as responsive as your average Malaysian waiter during peak hours—so, surprisingly good. You’ve also got voice commands, but good luck getting it to understand Manglish.
And while the G6’s advanced driver-assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, sound fantastic, Malaysia’s chaotic roads could test their limits. Can it handle drivers who don’t use indicators or sudden motorbike appearances? That’s a question XPeng has yet to answer.
The XPeng G6 is undeniably good. It’s comfortable, clever, and easy on the eyes. It’s got enough range to make it practical for most Malaysians, and it won’t cost a fortune—at least, not compared to other electric SUVs.
But there’s a catch: repairs and maintenance for EVs can be complex. Specialized parts and technicians might not be as accessible as your neighborhood mechanic, which could mean longer wait times and higher costs if something goes wrong.
Still, for environmentally conscious buyers, the G6 is a step in the right direction. It’s zero-emissions, sleek, and modern, aligning perfectly with Malaysia’s goals for a greener future.
So, should you buy it? At RM165,000, if you’re ready to embrace the EV lifestyle and can tolerate a few teething pains with the infrastructure, the XPeng G6 is a worthy contender. If not, you might be better off sticking with a petrol SUV for now—at least until EVs become as common as nasi lemak stalls.
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