The electric vehicle market in Malaysia is moving at a ridiculous pace. Almost every month, a new EV arrives promising more range, more technology, bigger screens, faster charging, or more power. Yet despite the growing number of choices, very few EVs manage to feel genuinely complete.
That’s precisely why the Xpeng G6 RWD Long Range Pro impressed us so much. Priced from around RM178,888, the facelifted G6 finds itself competing against heavy hitters such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr X, and even the Hyundai Ioniq 5. On paper, it’s just another electric SUV fighting for attention in a crowded segment.
Behind the wheel, however, the G6 feels like one of the most polished and thoroughly engineered EVs currently on sale in Malaysia.
Looks better than before
The original G6 was already a handsome SUV, but the facelift has made it even more attractive. The most obvious change is at the rear, where the redesigned ducktail spoiler gives the G6 a sportier and more purposeful appearance. Combined with the sleek fastback silhouette, full-width light bars, and clean surfacing, the G6 now looks more distinctive than before.
Unlike some EVs that try too hard to look futuristic, the Xpeng strikes a nice balance between modern and elegant. It’s sporty without being aggressive and futuristic without looking gimmicky.
In fact, we’d go as far as saying that the updated rear-end makes the G6 one of the best-looking electric SUVs in its price range.
Minimalist, but impressively well executed
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that perfectly reflects what the G6 is all about. The dashboard design is clean and minimalist, dominated by a large central touchscreen and a clutter-free layout. While the design itself isn’t revolutionary, the execution is excellent.
Build quality is where the G6 really stands out. The materials feel solid, panel gaps are tight, and there are very few squeaks or rattles even when driving over rough roads. In an era where some manufacturers are prioritising technology over quality, Xpeng has clearly paid attention to the fundamentals.
The seats are comfortable, visibility is excellent, and storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. Rear passengers are particularly well looked after thanks to the generous wheelbase of 2,890 mm, which translates into excellent legroom and headroom despite the coupe-like roofline. The boot is equally impressive, offering 571 litres of luggage capacity.
The technology package is equally convincing. Depending on variant, occupants get a large central display, a premium 18-speaker audio system, ventilated seats, wireless charging pads, OTA updates, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.
If there is one small nitpick, it is the heavy reliance on the central touchscreen for almost all functions. The lack of physical buttons means more time needs to be spent interacting with the screen while driving, which can take a bit of getting used to—especially for those coming from more traditional cars.
While the system is responsive and well laid out, it does slightly increase distraction until muscle memory kicks in.
This is where the G6 really shines
Specifications only tell part of the story. The Extended Range variant produces 296 PS and 440 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.7 seconds while offering up to 525 km of WLTP-rated range. Power comes from an 80.8-kWh battery pack and is sent exclusively to the rear wheels.
Those figures are impressive, but what truly separates the G6 from many rivals is how well everything has been calibrated. Some EVs are incredibly fast but difficult to drive smoothly. Others prioritise comfort but end up feeling disconnected. The G6 somehow manages to get almost everything right.
The throttle calibration is near perfect. Power delivery is smooth and progressive, making it incredibly easy to drive in traffic without the jerky responses that plague some EVs. The braking system is equally impressive. Transition between regenerative and mechanical braking feels natural and predictable, something that many EV manufacturers still struggle to perfect.
Steering feel is another highlight. It is accurate, appropriately weighted, and inspires confidence without feeling artificially heavy. Visibility is excellent thanks to the relatively upright driving position and large glass areas, while the overall ergonomics are among the best in the segment.
Quite simply, the G6 feels intuitive from the moment you get behind the wheel.
Comfortable without feeling soft
Ride comfort is another area where the G6 excels. Malaysian roads can be unforgiving, especially in urban areas filled with expansion joints, potholes, and poorly maintained surfaces.
The G6 absorbs these imperfections with impressive composure while maintaining good body control through corners. Unlike some rivals that feel overly firm in an attempt to appear sporty, the G6 strikes an excellent balance between comfort and handling.
Highway refinement is equally commendable. Wind noise is well suppressed, road noise is kept under control, and the cabin remains pleasantly quiet even at higher cruising speeds, making long-distance journeys effortless.
Charging and range anxiety? Not here
One of the G6’s biggest advantages is its 800-volt electrical architecture. The facelifted model supports ultra-fast DC charging rates of up to 451 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 12 minutes under ideal conditions. Even by global standards, that is seriously impressive.
Combined with its 525 km WLTP range, the G6 is among the easiest EVs to live with in Malaysia today. Whether you’re commuting daily or travelling between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and beyond, range anxiety is unlikely to be a concern.
How does it compare to rivals?
The Tesla Model Y remains the benchmark for efficiency and software integration, but the G6 feels better built, rides more comfortably, and offers a more premium cabin experience.
Against the BYD Sealion 7, the Xpeng feels more polished from a driving perspective, particularly in steering calibration, brake feel, and overall refinement.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 still has one of the coolest designs in the segment, but the G6 counters with significantly faster charging capability and more modern software.
As an all-round package, the Xpeng arguably delivers the fewest compromises.
Verdict
The Xpeng G6 Extended Range is one of those rare vehicles that leaves very little to criticise. It looks fantastic, especially with the revised rear-end design. The cabin is spacious, well built, and packed with technology. The range is excellent, charging speeds are class-leading, and performance is more than sufficient.
Most importantly, it simply drives beautifully.
Everything from the steering and braking to the throttle response and ergonomics feels thoroughly engineered and carefully calibrated. It is the sort of EV that immediately feels natural and intuitive, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or a first-time buyer.
In a market filled with electric vehicles that excel in one or two areas, the Xpeng G6 stands out because it excels in almost all of them.
And that is precisely why it is one of the most enjoyable EVs we’ve experienced to date — not because it does one thing exceptionally well, but because it does everything exceptionally well.
