Chinese Tesla rival XPeng just got a $700 million investment from Volkswagen. Take a look at its quick-charging SUV with more range than the Model Y.

Wed, 07/26/2023 - 12:57

Tech Insider

• Chinese electric-car company XPeng unveiled a sleek competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
• It wants the new G6 SUV to be "a dream car for the younger generation." 
• Volkswagen plans to invest $700 million in XPeng in exchange for a nearly 5% stake. 

Chinese auto startup XPeng unveiled its fifth electric model in April at the Shanghai auto show — and it's shaping up to be a pain for Tesla and Elon Musk.

On Wednesday, it got some extra dough to make its Tesla-topping dreams come true as Volkswagen announced plans to invest $700 million into its partnership with Xpeng, eventually holding just under 5% of the company. 

The G6 compact SUV is sleek, stylish, and packs some impressive features.

Its smooth curves and fluid shape help it cut through the air with minimal drag, boosting range.

XPeng says the G6 will be able to drive up to 755 kilometers (469 miles) on a full charge, 71 kilometers (44 miles) farther than its previous models.

Read more: Electric Tesla-rival Polestar revealed a new, $60,000 SUV that has no rear window

Tesla's Chinese-market Model Y SUV claims a range of up to 660 kilometers (410 miles), according to the company's website.

Source: Tesla

Better yet, the G6 claims to charge extremely quickly. It can add 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range in just 10 minutes plugged in, XPeng says.

Read more: A 9-hour drive in Toyota's new electric SUV showed me how brutal EV road trips can be with the wrong car

Last year, XPeng unveiled the G9, which it called "the world's fastest-charging electric SUV."

Read more: Chinese Tesla rival Xpeng launched 'the world's fastest-charging electric SUV.' See the sleek, $43,800 G9.

The G6 is XPeng's first model to use its latest underlying platform, which includes a battery pack that's built into the structure of the vehicle.

The G6's interior looks airy, minimalist, and clutter-free.

Read more: After testing more than 25 electric cars, these 5 were the most fun to drive

Taking center stage is a 15-inch touchscreen that takes the place of most regular buttons.

Read more: From self-driving taxis to supercars, see the 18 coolest cars at the Shanghai auto show

The cabin also offers up an assortment of premium features like seat ventilation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an expansive glass roof.

XPeng says it wants the G6 to be "a dream car for the younger generation."

Read more: Mercedes' first electric Maybach is an utterly excessive SUV with silver champagne flutes, a fridge, and calf massagers

The company hasn't announced pricing yet but has indicated the G6 will be sold in China and abroad.

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Chinese Tesla rival XPeng just got a $700 million investment from Volkswagen. T…