The electric revolution isn’t just changing what powers our vehicles—it’s redefining which nations lead automotive innovation. Sitting behind the wheel of the Xpeng G6 on Singapore’s expressways, I couldn’t escape a striking realization: the balance of automotive power has shifted eastward. While Singapore’s streets haven’t yet undergone the dramatic transformation that Beijing has experienced, my recent Xpeng G6 test drive revealed that our Lion City might not be far behind in this electric evolution. The opportunity to put this innovative Chinese EV through its paces across Singapore’s diverse roadways offered a fascinating glimpse into how the automotive landscape is rapidly changing.
The Xpeng G6 Test Drive: First Impressions
Pulling up to the showroom entrance where the Xpeng G6 awaits, there’s an immediate sense that this isn’t just another EV joining Singapore’s growing electric lineup. The G6 represents something more significant: China’s technological ambition distilled into an ultra-smart coupe SUV that challenges conventional expectations about Chinese automotive exports.
The Xpeng G6 test drive experience begins with a thorough walkthrough of the vehicle’s striking exterior design. Its sleek lines, developed in consultation with Chinese computer engineer and sci-fi author Liu Cixin, immediately command attention. The seamless start-up experience—where the vehicle springs to life the moment you sit down and press the brake—exemplifies the thoughtful design philosophy that permeates every aspect of this EV. Even before setting off, it’s clear this vehicle aims to make a statement in Singapore’s increasingly crowded EV market.
Innovative Architecture That Changes the Game
What truly sets the Xpeng G6 apart from competitors is its foundation on the next-generation SEPA2.0 technology architecture. This isn’t mere marketing jargon—it translates to tangible benefits that become evident throughout the test drive.
The 800V powertrain system represents cutting-edge EV technology that few manufacturers have implemented. Coupled with high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) platform, the G6 delivers performance metrics that would impress even the most skeptical EV observers: 0-100 km/h in as little as 6.2 seconds for the long-range variant, with a top speed of 200 km/h.
But perhaps most impressively, this architecture enables ultra-fast charging capabilities that address one of the primary concerns for potential EV adopters. The ability to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes fundamentally changes the ownership equation. This feature alone makes the Xpeng G6 particularly relevant for Singapore drivers, where efficient use of time is always a priority.
Driving Dynamics: Where Engineering Meets Experience
Taking the wheel of the Xpeng G6 through Singapore’s varied road conditions reveals a vehicle that’s been thoughtfully engineered for driver engagement. The low 540mm center of gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution create a driving experience that feels planted and responsive in a way that defies the vehicle’s SUV classification.
The steering provides surprising feedback for an electric vehicle, while the regenerative braking system offers multiple levels of adjustment—from a traditional driving feel to near one-pedal driving that maximizes efficiency. Along the ECP, the G6 demonstrates impressive stability at higher speeds, while remaining composed through the tighter corners around Mount Faber.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how the CIB battery-body integration technology contributes to the car’s structural rigidity. At 41,600Nm—83% greater than traditional designs—this translates to a solid, premium feel that belies the G6’s relatively competitive pricing in Singapore’s context.
Design: Tech-Fluid Aesthetics Meet Practical Luxury
The collaboration with Liu Cixin—the renowned author of sci-fi novel “Three-Body Problem”—on the G6’s design philosophy is evident in what Xpeng calls “tech-fluid aesthetics.” It’s an approach that balances futuristic elements with practical considerations in a way that feels cohesive rather than gimmicky.
The panoramic moonroof floods the cabin with natural light, while the 2.89-meter wheelbase enables a spacious interior that rivals vehicles in higher price brackets. During the test drive through the CBD, the G6 turned heads with its distinctive profile—neither overtly aggressive nor conventionally bland, but confidently occupying its own design space.
Inside, the ventilated front seats and leatherette upholstery provide comfort during Singapore’s perpetually warm climate, while the 960W audio system with 18 speakers delivered impressive sound quality when testing various music genres along Orchard Road.
Smart Features: The Brain Behind the Beauty
The Xpeng G6 test drive also reveals that this vehicle’s intelligence extends far beyond basic driver assistance. The XPILOT 2.5 system—powered by the NVIDIA Orin-X processor—represents one of the most comprehensive ADAS packages available in Singapore at this price point.
The infotainment experience, running on Xpeng’s Xmart OS with the Snapdragon 8155 processor, feels responsive and intuitive. The 14.96-inch central display provides crisp visuals without overwhelming, while the 10.2-inch driver display keeps essential information directly in the line of sight.
The Singaporean Context: Does It Make Sense Here?
For Singapore drivers considering the Xpeng G6, the value proposition becomes particularly compelling when you consider our unique driving environment. The standard-range variant priced at S$219,999 and long-range variant at S$234,999 position the G6 as a serious contender against both established European manufacturers and other Chinese EV entrants.
The 435km range of the standard variant and 570km of the long-range model are more than sufficient for Singapore’s dimensions, while the comprehensive warranty package (5-year/120,000km vehicle, 8-year/160,000km battery) provides peace of mind for early adopters.
Final Thoughts: A Glimpse of the Electric Future
As the test drive concludes and the G6 is returned to the Xpeng showroom, there’s a lingering impression that this vehicle represents something significant beyond its individual merits. Just as Beijing’s streets have transformed over the years, the arrival of sophisticated EVs like the Xpeng G6 signals a potential shift in Singapore’s automotive landscape.
For those ready to embrace the electric transition, the G6 makes a compelling case as not just another alternative, but potentially a new standard by which competitors—regardless of country of origin—will be measured. The question isn’t whether Chinese EVs like the Xpeng G6 belong on Singapore roads, but whether other manufacturers can keep pace with the rapid innovation they represent.