Thoughts on Xpeng

saw a Xpeng the today day going to say it is 'quite' a nice looking car i think it was their G6

i asked Co-pilot about reviews it came up with
Xpeng has been making waves in the EV market, and recent reviews highlight both its strengths and areas for improvement.

Xpeng G6 Standard Range (2025)**: Positioned as an affordable alternative to Tesla’s Model Y, the G6 offers strong technology features and a competitive price point. It starts at $54,800 AUD, undercutting Tesla while still providing a long range.

Xpeng G6 Long Range (2025): This variant costs $59,800 AUD and is praised for its quality interior, practical cabin design, and improved safety tech. However, some reviewers note that the ride may be too firm for certain drivers.

  • Xpeng X9: A large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with an aerodynamic design, standing out for its sheer size and unconventional styling.
  • Software & Safety Updates: Xpeng recently rolled out an over-the-air (OTA) update to improve its adaptive cruise control system, reducing instances of phantom braking. The update also enhances lane-keeping accuracy and infotainment features.

Overall, Xpeng is gaining traction as a serious competitor in the EV space, particularly with its focus on affordability and technology.

Has anyone drove one, i got a feeling a few decent deals will hit our market on them in the next 24 months

ill add a madatory poll [as per almost all my posts]

would you consider Xpeng im coming towards the maybe in the next few years it might be to update my car and ill most likely either end up with an EV or a Plug in Hybrid

note im also considering a 2nd hand Tesla because the seem to of lost loads of value from all the recent 'events' anyone know how the Xpen compares

https://xpeng.com.au/

Poll Options

  • 129
    I would consider a Xpeng
  • 10
    I wouldnt consider Xpeng but i would consider other Chinese EVs
  • 40
    I wouldnt consider any Chinese EVs
  • 32
    I wouldnt buy an EV

Comments

  • +12

    I used to buy Xpeng comics as a child. My favourite was Wolverine.

    • +8

      JV is that you…

    • Just looked up how to pronounce it…

      The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer "XPeng" is pronounced "Shao-pung" or "Xiao-pung"

      • -1

        i its a better name then Chery or Builld you Dream [although i dont mind BYD as a logo] the full Build your dream on the back of some of their cars is just a 'bit' too much

        • +4

          The BYD name was a dealbreaker for me, not because of the stupid "Build Your Dreams" thing, that their software looks like a bad Android skin (because it IS a bad Android skin), or even because of the plethora of "BYD" branding on every surface - but because even in Chinese the BYD name is stupid. The "B" in "BYD" is there for the same reason that plumbers used to call themselves "AAAAAAAAA Plumbing" - Yadi Electronics wanted to be at the beginning of trade show publication listings, so they added the "B" to become Biyadi.

      • Nah pretty sure it’s pronounced “X-men”

  • With those prices they'd have really good margins and scope for discounts.

  • +9

    It's like a G6
    G6

  • +7

    New brands to the market are always a bit of a risk. But if the product is good and the orice is right its worth considering. Chinese constructors have really upped their game.

    My concern with all these new players in is that the wont last in our small market. Theyll try to buy their way in and then decide its too hard, so shut up shop and go home. They wont last if they dont build cars to our tastes.

    I dont think BYD is going anywhere, and theyre building a stake against the other mobs. Other brands, time will tell.

    At this point though. Im fairly sure id buy chinese over american cars - not that id buy american anyway.

    • agree, gwm will probably stick around. their ute products are competitive as are the SUVs. mg were making kmart/anko tier products in the space the korean manufacturers left, but now they've gone up market too
      none of the xpeng/leapmotor/zeekr models are too expensive for unknown brands and aren't really compelling. The Geely ex5 might hold on by virtue of being a complete NPC car, seriously don't know how they managed to make such a generic 2020s suv design

      • Agree GWM and MG have developed enough market to stick around. LDV (who are they in bed with?) are also fairly strong in the commercial space.

        Some legacy makers might fold or partner with these new chinese brands sonwe dpnt end up with to many brands for our small market.

        Theres already talk of nissan and honda shutting up shop. Also rumours of nissan partnering with a chinese brand.

        • Oh no do u mean nissan and honda shutting completely or just in aus.

          They do make nice cars esp the earlier ones

        • LDV and MG are both SAIC. Or do you mean who their importer is?

          Next time you go out in the city, count how many Hondas you see built within the last decade. They sold 15,000 units across their entire range last year. It's only a matter of time before Honda pull out of the country.

    • BYD and Geely are very safe - there's almost zero chance chance of them going bankrupt, they are the Toyota and Fords of Chinese cars. There's a question mark on the other EVs. Leapmotor, Xpeng are established but certainly not sure things

    • +13

      'm a Trump-loving conservative so supporting Musk and pissing off lefties would have been a PLUS for me

      How does it go when you rock up to those Drill Baby Drill parties in your Chinese EV?

    • +2

      Chinese vehicles are better designed and better built than anything coming out of Europe, the US, or even the rest of Asia right now.

      • +2

        National security concerns means Chinese telcos are banned from supplying their hardware to build our communications infrastructure but we’re totally fine with Chinese computers on wheels permanently connected to the internet.

        What could go wrong?

        • +2

          Nothing. They want our money more than anything. Xi Jinping said it a few years back. Global superpowers be like that.

        • +6

          the USA has more form in aggressive behaviour around the world than China ever has

          so why so much China hate and not more USA hate?

          • @MrThing: I agree with your comment, but it's beside the point of the comment you were telling to.

            We're allied with the US, rightly or wrongly. This could turn China into an enemy. Therefore, it's an entirely warranted to be concerned about your Chinese vehicle violating your privacy, being impossible to get parts for, or even being hurt by an OTA update.

            Think about it: if China is going to launch an attack on Taiwan and is confident Australia will defend Taiwan, why wouldn't the CCP order an OTA firmware update that will brick Chinese cars, causing havoc across the country right as we scramble to respond to WW3?

            It's no more far fetched than German soldiers dressing up in Polish uniforms and committing a false flag attack on a German radio tower.

      • i got a few chinese cars at home but no one really know if these cars will last 10 years from now.

      • This only applies to their EVs. China have not invested as heavily in refining ICEs as half their new cars are already EVs and that will only increase.

        If you buy an EV, I'd buy Chinese, HMG, or VAG. If you buy an ICE, I wouldn't touch anything Chinese.

    • +13

      I recall the EXACT same sentiment about Jap cars many years ago.

      Re security concerns: I currently drive a car that a bat crazy MAGA nazi can use to observe me and control , depending on today's ketamine dose. And that's apparently quite OK.

      I'm happy to take my chances with a Chinese vehicle.

      • -4

        There is a difference between the CCP moniforing your usage for 'control' and the richest man in the world selling your data to anyone with coins so they can exploit you via advertising.

        I dont know what the chinese goverment wants with our data or how they use it. I do know that shady corporations want pur data to extract more coins from us in increasingly nefarious ways

        • Did you know there are European car makers that have been pulled up by regulators for selling/making available your tracked GPS data from your car?

          • @serpserpserp: and japanese makers too.

            Somwhats the difference. Is it OK for toyota, mercedes and elon to collecf your data but its bad if china does? Or is it the other way around?

            I dont like that there is any tracking done, but its the new way of life. You are tracked and your data is collected and sold.

            • @Euphemistic: My point is all the companies do it. So getting up in arms about one or two companies doing something is a moot point. Until there is a manufacturer that promises to never track you, no point making out the one brand is worse than the other, all in the same boat.

      • +3

        and people used to say that of Korean cars too, myself included.

        That said, I wouldn't be keen to drive an American made car even though the Aussie Tesla's are built in China.

        I wouldn't say anyone that uses "Lets Go Brandon" is a critical thinker though.

      • +1

        USA built cars dont have to worry about being taken over or monitored by the government as they use such old ancient tech they probably still use cassette tapes for audio

    • +2

      username checks out. i'm sure you are dumbfounded by a lot of things

    • they have already been on the road for more than 10 years so you're too late

  • +4

    Go test drive it.

    You have nothing to lose.

    Currently driving an diesel SUV and a petrol sports car, but I'd buy an Chinese EV over an inflated RAV4 (very underwhelming for the price).

  • -5

    Where is the, I would buy a non Chinese EV option? Only fair….

    • 'I wouldnt consider any Chinese EVs'

      this assumes you would consider other brands

      • -3

        this assumes you would consider other brands

        It doesn't. Just means you wouldn't buy a Chinese EV, doesn't mean you'll buy another branded EV.

        • It doesn't. Just means you wouldn't buy a Chinese EV, doesn't mean you'll buy another branded EV

          doesnt mean you wouldnt buy another branded EV either….it implys it esp when the 'next' reponse is i wouldnt buy an EV…..honestly its 'pretty' clear when you read the reponses….

  • +1

    Man this is one ugly arse car. At least get the Geely EX5 or wait for the Leapmotor C10.

    Imagine having to see this everyday, knowing you paid that price tag.

    • Geely is such a bad name

    • +2

      Geely EX5 and Leapmotor C10 don't even support Android Auto / Apple CarPlay. Geely said that it will be available over the OTA later this year — but who knows? Some Chinese car brands have more active software feature updates, but I heard Geely is not one of them.

      Both are quite a bit cheaper than Xpeng G6 though.

    • So true, it's one of the worse looking cars out there at the moment. Geely is nice

    • +1

      Yup, i think they must have hired some of Teslas designers.

    • +1

      The Leapmotor C10 is plastic like a barbie… not worth the money. The EX5 though is a nice car but Geely is going to have a problem with their multi brand strategy. Zeekr is already suffering because the Volvo dealerships are doing a horrible job at selling while trying to protect Volvo sales. Geely might have to decide how much sales cannibalization they are willing to accept across their brands

      • Its interesting how the market works. Having multiple 'brands' across vehicles from a single company seems counter intuitive. How do you build brand loyalty when there are so many to choose from. I get why havaal is kinda separate from GWM. They want to differentiate between passenger and commercial vehicles. I dont think we need a different brand for every niche pf vehicle in Aussie. Its a bit different in a bigger market where its worth building separte supply infrastructure but we already have dealerships that deal in multiple brands here, why add even more brands to that model when they all come from the same parent company.

  • +1

    I guess looks are a subjective thing but it's a hideous looking blob of a thing. In orange it's almost putrid.

    There are better options from more legit car makers. Look at the new Geely EX5, it looks a but boring in photos but its quite lovely in real life.

  • +1

    Dad wants a 7 seater EV for the grandkids so we are waiting for the x9. At their age they couldn't GAF what the car looks like but how it feels like instead.

    • G9 you mean? it looks nicer than G6

      • +1

        https://xpeng.com.au/x9

        I didn't even know there was a G haha but it does look better than the x9

        • X9 is the MPV, G9 is likely to be a bigger more luxury trim SUV compared to G6

  • -1

    Xi Jinping is the best!

    • +11

      +100 social credit points

      Good citizen #6942069.

      • damn I want that number

    • +1

      You and the OP would get on like a house on fire.

    • +1

      Taiwan is a !

  • +1

    it's a good package with the best ADAS and software experience of the chinese EVs. I test drove one, very polished. it's very Teslaesque - take that as a good/bad as you will, albeit more features and arguably feels more premium.

    my problem is
    1. styling - I think G6 looks terrible, YMMV. the coming G9 looks much better imo.
    2. question mark on support, aftersales and long term viability of Xpeng. it's probably one of the more resilient EV makers in China, but there's still no guarantee that makes its 10yr wty a bit questionable

    if you are thinking of one, wait for the new G6

  • +1

    I've driven both the tesla and g6 fairly extensively. You pay more for the Tesla and in return you get better software but no android auto or carplay. The Tesla driver assist is significantly better. The battery in the xpeng is better value at all price points.

    • You pay more for the Tesla and in return you get better software but no android auto or carplay.

      Are you sure the software is better? I mean the UI is nicer, but is it all really a better package.

      The Tesla driver assist is significantly better

      Can the Tesla park your car for you? The adaptive cruise control for the G6 is fixed now, same with lane centering (if you need that) Has the phantom braking been fixed by Tesla yet?

  • +1

    Xpeng is a boutique brand in China and they are actually known for their autonomous driving software in their local market (as opposed to BYD who are known for their battery tech). Their OS have a reputation for being best in class in a country where all the EV manufacturers have in house software that is tailored to their own architectures. How much of that is useable in Aus is questionable (our standards are rigid and we basically nanny the roads when it comes to safety standards). The Xpeng folks have said that they are working on adapting the OS to Australia roads and standards which will take time to optimize. However with that said, some of their models are really well designed. Im only in the market for a 7 seater so didnt look much into the G6 but the X9 is head and shoulders above its competitors. Two things are really well thought out - fully electrified 3rd row that folds to a flat surface trunk thats over 2000 litres in space and a 5 degree rear turning axle that gives it a 10.8m turning circle. The later means that a 5.3m long car can maneuver better than a hatchback.

    I spoke to Jason Clarke at the Melb Car show and he confirmed that the X9 will be below FBT exemption and that they are moving to a fully integrated dealership model (away from Ultra Tune for servicing) over 2025-26. I'll be buying the X9 when they launch for orders in Q3 for sure.

    • would be fantastic to see X9 under 90k - it looked the goods at Everything Electric, especially considering the Zeekr and LDV MPV are both 120k+

      • +1

        The numbers based on the Malaysian launch prices is a good guide. Standard Range pro is 97K and Long Range pro is 103K while the Long Range pro plus is 108K (based on the dropping AUD FX). These reflect the usual 25% premium that the Chinese EV companies put on the Aus market. They should be able to get the standard range under FBT exemption. The key to them selling well will be to get the Long Range pro under. Lets see!

  • It either the Xepng x9 , zeekr 7x or Zeekr mix as my next bev to greatness.

    • Mix was quite funky in a good way.. doubt we'll see it any time soon though if ever

  • +1

    I quite like them, I'd hold off however on getting a G6 or G9 as they have already been updated in China. Better off waiting for the updated models to arrive here.

    https://youtu.be/10zjf-cA8sg?si=poB_Hqwsztwl329D

    https://youtu.be/pVjbNmZUYf0?si=cxiPGHoQFCLZ95iQ

    • I did read about the latest 2025 refreshed versions which seem quite compelling.

      Wonder how long it might take for them to appear here, weighing it up against the extended warranty offer for the current model.

  • +1

    Is this going to be like trying to buy a phone or computer these days,
    Just wait for the next model where all these problems are fixed.
    Ahh Yes ‘ you have the infinite roundabout glitch’
    don’t worry we have an update for that if you buy the new one.
    No trade in sorry the old one is outdated tech.
    If only you had bought xxxxx model with the Uber/Lyft feature ,
    you could have farmed the old one out to work as a self driving taxi.
    Next year everything will be better, we promise.
    Believe…

  • Personally waiting on the Zeekr Mix or the Kia PV5

  • I wouldnt buy an EV -> no money money! I always buy used cars

    • +1

      lots of bargains for second hand EVs because people have misplaced concerns about battery longevity

      • how much ?

        • how long is a piece of string? you can get >50% off on a 3-5yo car depending on the model. ioniqs and MG4s can be had for 20k odd. if you can novated lease that's where most of the saving will occur

          • @May4th: Please direct me to a >50% off MG4 please. At 20k as you state would be preferable.

            • @serpserpserp: just search on carsales, a MY2023 sticker price is 28k so 25 is achievable. MG4 only came out recently so a 3-5yo car for less than half RRP of 40k is easily achievable like i said

              • @May4th: I'll wait for your links to 3 yo EVs at over 50% off and MG4 for 20k.

                • +1

                  @serpserpserp: I like how you just picked the lower range of everything I quoted. I said '20s odd' not 20k, MG4 was released 2023 you obviously won't see a 3yo model. go and search yourself for other older models like ioniq or ZS EV, I literally did that in 20sec. there's 2021 models of ZS EV for 18k sticker price, MY23 model for 24k. easily <50%

                  • @May4th: You said Ioniqs and MG4s.

                    So I'm only going off of what you are saying?

                    • @serpserpserp: yes. and they are 20k odd. any other questions or help needed with basic activities of daily living?

                      • @May4th:

                        MG4 only came out recently so a 3-5yo car for less than half RRP of 40k is easily achievable like i said

                        So then find it. If it is so easy, provide a link.

                        You just make up stuff then change your story to suit your narrative. Provide zero evidence on what you say.

                        • @serpserpserp: give me one example where I changed my story? it's on you if you can't read.

                          I've already given you numerous examples as per above posts. it's literally a 10sec search on carsales, all the 'evidence' is there for you to find. if you are too lazy to do that why do you feel everyone owes it to you to do all the work for you? I can't care less whether you believe me or not. you're the one looking for a cheap EV, if you want to be obstinate it's your loss

                          • +1

                            @May4th: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Condition.Used..FuelType.Electric..Year.range(2022..2025).)

                            Zero results.

                            I don't care about the cheap EVs, what I care about is just the misinformation going around about EVs. Just this rubbery garbage people say and then start walking it back/changing the narrative. Don't put up rubbery figures. Is it 3 or is it 5 years? Is it 20k or 29.9k? Is it Ioniq/MG4 or is it another random make you didn't mention?

                            • @serpserpserp: god i guess you aren't obstinate you are just incompetent and don't understand the concept of a price range or what examples are. do you want me to give you a full list of all EVs that depreciated more than 50% within 3-5yrs? since you can't seem to figure out how to search on carsales, here is ONE OF MANY 3yo EVs at less than 50% of new price. you're welcome.

                              MG ZS EV Essence was 49k at launch, 2022 model 24.9k now sticker price so likely cheaper

                              https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2022-mg-zs-ev-essen…

                              • @May4th: You didn't even talk about ZS EV model in your original post, now this is what your strawman is built on? Geez, you are struggling.

                                Is this the >50% depreciation you mentioned?

                                • @serpserpserp: I'm not sure if you are being obnoxious and obtuse on purpose or just born this way, in which case I have sympathies. I clearly referenced cheap second hand EVs and threw out some examples and given ranges for obvious reasons because there are so many. if you haven't gotten it by now you never will.

                                  Is this the >50% depreciation you mentioned?

                                  I see you struggle with maths as well as reading/comprehension

                                  • @May4th: I'm reading your comment verbatim:

                                    ioniqs and MG4s can be had for 20k odd.

                                    No they can't. "20k odd" isn't c. 29k.

                                    There is no comprehension problem. Maybe you just don't like being called out on your incorrect and rubbery statements. You can say you got it wrong, it's ok.

                                    Good on you for the constant personal attacks though.

  • +1

    My 2 cents as a current Tesla owner.
    Xpeng and competition in general is great and drives pricing for the masses down.
    I was considering the change to another brand but i'm content with the Tesla setup. Think of it like iPhone vs Android.
    Android gets all the features and functions and settings and flexability you could want. iPhone however has that step back mentality and refinement etc. but minimalist and simplistic design etc.
    BYD/Xpeng have so much more which is great if you want that, the Tesla minimalistness works for me however and the fact my current car dropped big time value is a bummer but it's same with tech in general, no ones' going to pay top dollar for older phone etc. so my concern would be the value drop on the "other" EV's might get hit harder than Tesla in a few years time.
    I am upgrading from a Model3 to ModelY and novated leasing which is lessening the burn of the drop in value on the Model3 and helps digest the cost for the ModelY but having saved legit thousands from fuel and maintenance is big reason as well.
    Not sure on the Maintenace with the "other EV's" but the Tesla zero maintenence element is a big plus too.

    • so my concern would be the value drop on the "other" EV's might get hit harder than Tesla in a few years time.

      If you don't charge a ridiculous premium over cost than then I can't see them getting hit harder. Even getting hit "the same" would be less of a depreciation than someone that bought a Tesla model 3 in 2021.

  • I'd wait until the facelift version arrives in Australia is big upgrade over a already solid car

    • Will also cost more.

      If the old model gets discounted I'll jump on it. A long range G6 at sub 50k would be very hard to resist.

    • Is there any word on timing though? Given that it was just launched in China a month ago it could take a while for it to show up here.

  • +1

    Apart from Tesla, the Chinese EVs are way ahead of the Western competition. I would not even consider any EVs from your traditional manufacturers over Chinese as they are behind in tech and present terrible value.

    • The Chinese EVs shit all over tesla

      tesla is tired, stale and boring. they over promise and under deliver.. always

  • Just wish they would bring the M03 here. Checked it out at the motor show and it is an excellent design for a small sedan with heaps of boot space as it's a lift back… Sadly the rep said they were not bringing it here.

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