It’s not every day a new brand arrives in New Zealand with the kind of confidence Xpeng is currently radiating. While the name might still draw a few blank stares at the local Z station, the 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range is a clear signal that the Chinese “tech-first” movement has officially landed on our shores.
Based in Guangzhou, Xpeng (pronounced ’sh-ow-pung’) hasn’t taken the traditional slow-burn route to automotive manufacturing. Founded just over a decade ago in 2014, they’ve bypassed the “budget” phase that many of their compatriots endured. Instead, they built their reputation on the G3 (their “Geek” SUV) and the sleek P7 sedan, models that carved out a niche in China and Europe by focusing on “Smart Mobility”—think less about the nuts and bolts and more about the lines of code.
For the New Zealand launch, Xpeng isn’t just bringing over a leftover model; they’re leading with their most refined effort yet. The G6 is the first vehicle built on their SEPA 2.0 platform, and it represents a shift in brand direction. While earlier models like the G3 were experiments in what an EV could be, the G6 is a mature, targeted strike at the heart of the mid-size SUV market, specifically the Tesla Model Y.
Xpeng is no longer just a car company; they’re positioning themselves as an AI powerhouse. With recent ventures into humanoid robotics (the “Iron” robot) and flying cars, the G6 acts as the terrestrial gateway to that ecosystem.
This isn’t just a carry-over from the initial 2023 global reveal. The 2025 Long Range model arriving in New Zealand features several significant hardware and software updates tailored for the “global” (and notoriously demanding) driver.
The question is: can a brand built on Silicon Valley ideals handle the rugged reality of a drive over the Remutakas? Let’s find out.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| 800V architecture Generous interior space Value for money Xopera sound system Refined ride | Screen-heavy interface Numb steering Rear visibility Hypersensitive safety aids No “frunk” or spare |
What’s In The 2025 Xpeng G6 Range?
In the New Zealand market, the 2025 Xpeng G6 lineup is structured into two distinct variants, each offering a specific balance of range, performance, and price. While all models share the same “coupe-SUV” body and high-tech interior, the differences lie beneath the skin in the battery chemistry and motor configurations.
Our range starts with the RWD Long Range for $63,990. This variant swaps the LFP (Lithium iron phosphate) for a denser 80.8 kWh battery pack. The power output from the rear motor increases to 218 kW, while torque remains at 440 Nm, dropping the 0-100 km/h time slightly to 6.7 seconds. The real draw here is the distance; with a WLTP range of 525 km (which can reach 535 km if you stick with the 18-inch wheels), this is the variant of choice for those frequently tackling the Desert Road or long hauls between cities.
At the top of the tree sits the AWD Performance, priced at $72,990. As the name suggests, this is the enthusiast’s choice, adding a second motor to the front axle for a combined output of 358 kW and a massive 660 Nm of torque. This setup allows the G6 to rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. It uses the same 80.8 kWh battery as the Long Range, but because of the extra weight and power draw of the dual-motor system, the WLTP range is slightly reduced to 510 km.
2025 Xpeng G6 Colour Range
Choosing the right “suit” for the G6 is a pretty straightforward affair in New Zealand. For the 2025 model year, Xpeng has leaned into a palette that reflects its “Starship” design inspiration—think sleek, metallic, and modern.
Unfortunately, for the latest update, the loud Fiery Orange (previously a hero colour) has been retired from the local lineup in favour of more sophisticated, “subdued” tones that apparently better suit the Wellington CBD aesthetic.
As of early 2026, there are five primary exterior colours available for the New Zealand market. In a refreshing move for a new brand, all paint options are currently treated as no-cost options.
- Arctic White
- Silver Frost
- Midnight Black
- Stellar Purple
- Graphite Grey (Our Review Vehicle)
Interior Trim Options
Inside, Xpeng keeps it simple with two high-quality Nappa leather options. Again, these are generally no-cost choices:
- Dark Grey: A safe, practical choice that complements the minimalist dashboard and hides the daily wear and tear well.
- Light Grey: Gives the cabin a much airier, “lounge-like” feel, particularly when combined with the massive panoramic glass roof.
There are no additional options available. Retail price for the 2026 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range is $63,900.
For a full list of specs and options available for the BRAND MODEL VARIANT, head on over to XPENG New Zealand’s website.
How Does The 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range Compare To Its Competition?
The 2026 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range enters the New Zealand market not just as a participant, but as a deliberate disruptor aimed squarely at the segment-leading Tesla Model Y. With a competitive starting price of $63,990, it manages to undercut the Model Y Long Range significantly while offering a superior 800V charging architecture—a tech feature typically reserved for high-end European EVs like the Porsche Taycan or the mid-range Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
While the Ioniq 5 and EV6 focus on avant-garde design and “traditional” premium driving dynamics, the G6 positions itself as the more rational, tech-heavy alternative. It bridges the gap between the budget-friendly BYD Sealion 7 and the more established Korean and German rivals by offering class-leading interior space and a “smartphone-on-wheels” user experience that includes a dedicated driver’s instrument cluster—a notable win over the minimalist Tesla. In the current 2026 landscape, the G6’s position is clear: it is the “value-premium” choice for the tech-literate Kiwi who prioritises charging speed and cabin space over badge heritage or razor-sharp handling.
| Make/ Model | Battery Capacity kW-hr | Power/ Torque kW/Nm | 0-100km/h seconds | Range (WLTP), km | Boot Space, litres | Price |
| 2026 Kia EV6 Light | 84 | 168 / 350 | 7.7 | 582 | 520 | $83,070 |
| 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | 83 | 378 / 493 | 4.8 | 600 | 854 | $83,050 |
| 2026 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor | 82 | 350 / 740 | 4.2 | 568 | 407 | $79,900 |
| 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 GTX | 77 | 250 / 545 | 5.4 | 400 | 543 | $76,990 |
| 2025 XPENG G6 2WD LONG RANGE | 80.8 | 218 / 440 | 6.7 | 525 | 571 | $63,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 7 Premium | 82.5 | 230 / 380 | 6.7 | 482 | 500 | $67,990 |
| 2026 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor | 70 | 200 / 490 | 6.4 | 554 | 407 | $62,400 |
| 2026 Toyota bZ4X Pure FWD | 71.4 | 150 / 266 | 7.5 | 436 | 452 | $55,990 |
| 2026 BYD Atto 3 Extended | 60.5 | 150 / 310 | 7.3 | 420 | 440 | $51,990 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range
It’s been a fascinating week on the hilly, wind-swept roads of the Capital. While the “new brand” label often comes with a side of scepticism, the 2026 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range has quickly proven it isn’t here to just make up the numbers. In fact, if you’re currently eyeing up a Tesla Model Y, this might be the most important $63,990 you’ll ever spend.
Walking up to the G6, there’s no denying the silhouette feels familiar—it’s almost Model Y to the millimetre. However, Xpeng has softened those edges and added a futuristic “Robot Face” with a full-width Starlight LED light bar that gives it real road presence. In the new Stellar Purple (a fantastic matte-shift hero colour), it looks significantly more premium than its American rival.
Inside, the cabin is a breath of fresh air. It avoids the “clinical” feel of a Tesla by incorporating high-quality textures and, crucially, a 10.2-inch digital driver’s display. No more glancing at the central screen just to check your speed while navigating city streets.
What’s The Interior Like In The 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range?
The 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range has arrived in New Zealand with a clear mission: out-spec the segment leader. After a week of living with it in Wellington, it’s clear that while the exterior might be a “love-it-or-hate-it” affair, the interior is where Xpeng has truly invested its energy. It feels less like a car and more like a high-end mobile lounge.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, the first thing you notice is the generous scale of the furniture. These aren’t slim, weight-saving buckets; they are large, plush chairs upholstered in high-quality Nappa leather. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver gets four-way lumbar support. The seating position is classically SUV—elevated enough to give you a clear view over the traffic, but adjustable enough to feel “tucked in.” However, taller drivers might find the seat base a touch short, as there is no manual or electric thigh-extension available.
The back seat is, quite frankly, a revelation. Thanks to the nearly 2.9-metre wheelbase and a completely flat floor, legroom is “limousine-lite.” You can fit three adults across the back without a struggle for shoulder room. Despite that sloping “coupe” roofline, headroom remains excellent because Xpeng has carved out the interior lining specifically to accommodate taller passengers. To top it off, the rear seatbacks offer a 12-level recline function, allowing passengers to kick back almost like they’re in business class.
The cabin is dominated by a massive 14.96-inch landscape touchscreen. It’s positioned high enough to be in your peripheral vision but low enough not to block the windscreen.
Below the screen, you’ll find dual 50W wireless Qi charging pads. Unlike the slippery plastic pads found in some EVs, these are finished in a grippy, Alcantara-like material and are angled perfectly so your phone doesn’t slide about, even when you’re tackling the winding ascent of the Remutaka Hill. Plus, they are actively cooled to prevent your device from overheating during fast charging.
If there is a chink in the G6’s armour, it’s the rear visibility. That stylish, tapering rear glass is essentially a “letterbox” view. To compensate, Xpeng has fitted a digital rearview mirror that uses a camera to show what’s behind you. It’s a necessary tech-fix for a design-led problem. Without it, the chunky C-pillars and bulky rear headrests would make merging on the motorway a bit of a guessing game.
The G6 feels incredibly airy, thanks largely to the standard panoramic glass roof that stretches over both rows. There is zero sense of claustrophobia here. Storage is a bit of a mixed bag, though. In a bold (and slightly annoying) move, Xpeng has deleted the traditional glovebox to save knee room.
Instead, you get a “floating bridge” centre console with a massive open bin underneath for handbags or snacks, plus a deep cubby under the central armrest. The door pockets are generous and lined, and there are additional small slots for keys and cards.
The boot is a single-height floor setup (no adjustable false-floor here), offering a healthy 571 litres with the seats up. The loading lip is relatively low and flat, making it easy to slide in heavy groceries.
- Configuration: The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, expanding the space to 1,374 litres. While they don’t fold perfectly flat, the transition is smooth enough for larger items.
- Underfloor Storage: Lift the boot carpet, and you’ll find a shallow underfloor compartment—ideal for storing your Type 2 charging cable so it doesn’t rattle around the main boot.
- Extras: You get a 12-volt socket in the side wall for camping gear or a portable fridge, but surprisingly, there are no dedicated tie-down hooks or “carry hooks” to stop bags from sliding.
- No Spare: There is no spare wheel (space-saver or otherwise). Instead, you get a standard tyre repair kit (sealant and a 12V pump) tucked away in the side cubby.
The quality of materials is a step up from the “minimalist-plastic” feel of some competitors. The dash is layered with soft-touch vinyl, faux-suede accents, and “starlight” textured panels. Panel gaps across the interior were impressively consistent on our test vehicle, with no obvious squeaks or rattles. It feels like a vehicle built by a company that understands “premium” isn’t just about a big screen, but about how the armrest feels when you lean on it.
What’s The 2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range Like To Drive?
Spending a week behind the wheel of the 2026 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range on New Zealand’s uniquely challenging roads has been an eye-opener. While many EVs focus on being “just like a petrol car,” the G6 leans into its tech-first identity. Here’s how it actually stacks up when you’re navigating everything from the urban crawl of Lambton Quay to the sweeping curves of State Highway 2.
The G6 Long Range isn’t the neck-snapping AWD monster of the lineup, but it’s arguably the “sweet spot” for most Kiwis. The 218 kW / 440 Nm rear-motor setup provides beautifully smooth, linear acceleration. In stop-start traffic, it’s effortless; out on the open road, it dispatches overtakes with a confidence-inspiring 6.7-second 0–100 km/h sprint. There’s no sudden “jolt” when you step on it; instead, it offers a refined surge that makes it feel much more mature than some of its twitchier rivals.
Braking feel is often where new EVs trip up, and the G6 is a bit of a mixed bag. The pedal itself is notably soft, it lacks that initial mechanical “bite” you might find in a European SUV. However, the braking power itself is substantial once you push through that initial travel. Under hard braking, the G6 remains impressively stable, resisting the urge to dive too heavily on its nose, which is a testament to its balanced chassis and low centre of gravity.
From the driver’s seat, the feeling is one of “commanding minimalism.” You sit high, with a great view over the short, sloping bonnet—excellent for tight parking. However, rearward visibility is the G6’s Achilles’ heel.
The steering wheel is an unusual “squircle” shape. While it looks futuristic, it can feel a bit awkward during hand-over-hand manoeuvres. The steering wheel features two “scroll and click” rollers. By default, they handle volume and track skipping, but when you engage the cruise control, the right roller smartly switches to adjusting your set speed. It’s clever, though I did find myself accidentally changing the temperature when I meant to adjust the cruise—a small learning curve is required.
You get four primary drive modes: Eco, Standard, Sport, and Launch. Eco is perfect for maximising your range in the city, introducing a gentle accelerator response. Standard is where I spent 90% of my time; it’s perfectly balanced for New Zealand conditions. Sport sharpens the throttle and adds “faux weight” to the steering, though it doesn’t actually improve the road feel—it just makes it harder to turn.
On the motorway, the G6 is a dream; hushed, composed, and steady. On our more “characterful” backroads, the ride is on the firmer side. It uses double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear, which keeps body roll in check remarkably well for a 2-tonne SUV. It’s not a car that goads you into attacking corners, but it handles them with a safe, predictable competence.
Road noise is where the G6 punches above its weight. Engine noise is, obviously, non-existent, but wind and road noise are also impressively well-suppressed thanks to the double-layer acoustic glass. Even on the coarse-chip seal common in rural New Zealand, the cabin remains a quiet sanctuary, allowing that 18-speaker Xopera system to shine.
During my testing, I saw an average energy consumption of 17.5 kWh/100km. For an SUV of this size, that’s quite efficient. With its 80.8 kWh battery, you can realistically expect 500km–530km of range in typical NZ conditions. Plus, with that 800V architecture, a 15-minute hyper-charge stop is all you need to get back to the 80% mark.
2025 Xpeng G6 2WD Long Range – Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Electric SUV |
| Starting Price | $63,990 |
| Price as Tested | $63,990 |
| Engine | Single Rear-Mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Power, Torque kW/Nm | 218 / 440 |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Spare Wheel | Tyre Repair Kit (No Spare Wheel) |
| Kerb Weight, Kg | 2,120 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4,753 x 1,920 x 1,650 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity, Litres (seats up/seats down) | 571 (Seats Up) / 1,374 (Seats Down) |
| Battery capacity | 87.5 (80.8 kWh usable) |
| Energy Economy, kWh/100km | Advertised Spec – Combined – 17.5 Real-World Test – Combined – 19.5 Low Usage: 6-10 / Medium Usage 11-19 / High Usage 19+ |
| Towing Capacity Kg, unbraked/braked | 750 / 1,500 |
| Turning circle metres | 11.6 Small: 6-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+ |
| Warranty | 7 Years / 160,000 km (Vehicle) 8 Years / 160,000 km (Battery & Motor) |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 stars – Link Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – RNG336 |
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