The Xpeng G6 580 Pro was the coolest EV of 2024 but it has a major flaw.
In a year filled with new brand and EV launches in Malaysia, the arrival of the Xpeng G6 arguably garnered the most intrigue and interest. This was partly due to the brand itself but equally significant was the distributorship via Bermaz. Xpeng is an interesting choice for the local guardian of the Mazda and Kia brands. As a relatively new company with a tech-forward philosophy, its products are less beholden to traditional ways of designing and selling vehicles. This can be a double-edged sword, as we’ll discuss, but the positives clearly outweigh the negatives for this brand.
The first product launched in Malaysia by Xpeng is the G6, which is fully imported from China in two variants—the 580 Pro and the 755 Premium. These numbers correspond to CLTC range figures, though the more realistic WLTP measurements will be addressed later in this review.
The two models are quite similar in terms of equipment, presenting an intriguing choice for customers, which we’ll also explore below.
Colour Choices
Speaking of interesting choices, the Xpeng G6’s colour options are mostly muted, with a single Fiery Orange standing out as the boldest exterior paint choice. Our test unit came in the dullest combination—a black interior paired with a silver exterior. The grey/white interior is visually more appealing, but we understand that few buyers might opt for this due to its high maintenance requirements.
The Right Size and Equipment
It’s very common for manufacturers to introduce a base model stripped of features, compelling buyers to pay for upgrades. However, this is not the case with the Xpeng G6. Both the “standard range” and “long range” models feature identical equipment, including:
- Nvidia Orin processor
- 12 cameras
- 12 parking sensors
- XPILOT Driving, Parking, and Safety systems
- 10.2-inch driver digital display
- 14.96-inch infotainment system powered by a Snapdragon 8155 processor
- Powered tailgate
- V2L capabilities
- 20-inch rims
- Two 50W wireless charging pads
- In-house XOpera 18-speaker sound system
Additionally, there’s a well-tinted panoramic sunroof with a manual cover. While our test unit didn’t include it, we didn’t mind the unobstructed glass design.
The Xpeng G6 is undoubtedly well-equipped, and the vehicle’s emphasis on tech is clear from the outset. While “tech” is often a buzzword in the EV era, the G6 demonstrates a remarkable understanding of its intended technological vision.
For instance, we downloaded and set up the Xpeng app during the test drive, allowing us to leave both car keys and wallet at home. Using just a smartphone, we went on a grocery run—no NFC card required! I even used the app to smoothly and safely drive itself out of the car park lot. Though initially unsettling, the seamless functionality proved the company’s commitment to its user experience vision for the next 5–10 years.
Unparalleled Technology
One standout feature is the Xpeng G6’s ability to create a simulated 3D rendering of its surroundings.
Using its 12 cameras, 12 sensors, and Nvidia chip, the car maps pedestrians, traffic cones, motorcycles, and other vehicles with stunning accuracy—better than any other car I’ve tested.
While I don’t trust it for self-driving yet, I believe Xpeng is ahead of its competitors in this area, even without LiDAR.
The Price Difference
Both variants offer identical equipment, so what justifies the RM20,000 price difference? It comes down to battery chemistry:
- LFP Battery (580 Pro)
- Safer in crashes (less likely to ignite when punctured)
- Better resistance to degradation when charged to 100%
- NMC Battery (755 Premium)
- Higher energy density for more range (570 km vs. 435 km)
- Faster discharge/charge rates for improved acceleration and DC fast charging.
We tested the LFP-equipped 580 Pro and found it more suitable for those with landed property and a secondary vehicle for long-distance travel. These batteries can be charged to 100% regularly at home while the higher tier model should be kept charged up to 80% for long term battery health, lowering its effective range to about 450km. For most buyers, the LFP model is the practical choice given Malaysia’s limited charging network as well. That being said both models feature incredibly quick DC Fast Charging speeds. Up to 215kW for this LFP model and up to 280kW on the NMC model.
Value Proposition
It’s very apparent that Xpeng has the Tesla Model Y, the BYD Sealion 7 & Atto 3 in its crosshairs with the G6. While Xpeng doesn’t have the international brand clout of BYD or Tesla, they’re making up for it by pricing the vehicle very aggressively. Looking at JPJ’s data, the Sealion 7 and Xpeng G6 were neck and neck for a very short while, but we’re sure this is down to the BYD’s later launch date. Analyzing sales data next year for these two models will be more interesting.
I think the more interesting comparison is between the G6 base model and the Atto 3. Yes, the Xpeng is about 10% more expensive than the BYD Atto 3, but it’s also a larger product with better overall performance and it’s noticably better equipment in some places with larger wheels and more ambitious tech.
We’ve also been hearing that the price gap between the Xpeng G6 in Malaysia and a similarly equipped model in China is amongst the smallest in the EV market today. It falls behind only some of the MG4 variants and Tesla’s pricing. Given that MG4 is represented by SAIC Motor Malaysia and Tesla Malaysia isn’t subject to the same AP structure as the rest of the industry, we’d say Bermaz has done a really earnest job in making the product work in Malaysia. The same cannot be said of many other players, who know that the pool of EV buyers in Malaysia is limited anyway and purposefully jack prices up in order to stave cannibalization of their existing ICE and hybrid models.
An Intentional Aura
I have to say that during my test drive of the G6, I never quite fell in love with the look it was going for. I thought the steering wheel was comically designed and unergonomic. I thought the digitally controlled air cond vents were gimmicky.
I also thought there were some materials in the cabin that didn’t quite feel upmarket. However, I could not deny that the car had an ‘aura’ about it.
It was hard for me to nail down why I felt that way, but only upon further research did I find that the G6 was designed with Liu Cixin’s feedback, a prolific science fiction writer. There’s a lot to unpack behind his work but the prominent theme is of alien civilizations that are far more advanced than ours and let’s just say that they don’t come in peace.
That’s absolutely the aura you get from this vehicle. It is futuristic and a little bit unsettling to behold but it cannot be denied that it has a presence. The C-pillar actually reminds me of another Bermaz product – the Mazda 3 hatchback.
I find myself drawn more to electric vehicles that have interesting design philosophies to them over those that go for a more conservative route. Most EV buyers still want to stand out anyway, so I can get behind Xpeng’s decision to go for an extremely eye-catching look at the risk of not being universally adored. However, there are aspects of the design that I am totally against and here’s where I have to point out some negatives.
Design and Functionality
There are a handful of functional issues behind the sleek and minimalist design aesthetic of the interior. These issues range from annoying to outright dangerous.
On the less problematic side of things, there’s the steering wheel design and the air conditioner vent controls, which have been mentioned before. These are things you could get used to, but I still find that they detract from an otherwise problem-free user experience with the G6.
The other issue is a much more serious one – and that is the hidden door release levers. The Xpeng G6 is one of those electric vehicles that has wholeheartedly embraced the electronic door latch.
They’re not the first to do it, but they’re the first to do it really poorly.
All e-latch designs must come with a mechanical over-ride in case of an electronics failure. You can imagine this happening in a car crash, so it is indeed important for the occupants to have quick and easy access to the physical door latch release. In Lexus models, the e-latch and the mechanical latch are the same lever, one engaged with a push and the other with a pull. It’s a simple and intuitive design. Tesla models go a step too far, placing the e-latch as a button but blending the mechanical latch into the elbow rest design. We’ve already written a post about how this MAY have led to some avoidable safety concerns.
The Xpeng G6 is the biggest offender though. The front door release is hidden away in an area that isn’t visible or easy to access – the storage cubby. This is a pretty terrible design decision as an uninformed driver would not think to look down here in an emergency.
However, that’s not where the story ends. If you’re a rear occupant, the mechanical door override is a pull-tab that is hidden behind a panel that needs to be wedged with a fingernail. This is absolutely unacceptable in my books. I’m fairly certain that my parents in all their decades of car ownership have never even thought to wedge open a panel in their door. It’s an unacceptable risk to me to have any loved ones in the back of this car without a safety briefing.
Conclusion
It’s insane how one of my absolute favourite EVs of the year ends up being pulled down by this one major design flaw. If you’re an owner, I’m sure there’s some simple solution involving brightly coloured stickers and a forced safety briefing before each ride. In the meantime I hope Xpeng takes the feedback seriously and considers a redesign and hopefully one that can be rolled out quickly to existing owners.
2024 Xpeng G6 580 Pro Specifications
Motor: Single rear-mounted electric motor
Range: 435km (WLTP)
Charging Speed: 215kWh DC, 11kW AC
Max power: 255hp
Max torque: 440Nm
0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
Price: RM165,820
