China’s Tesla Challenger Set to Enter European Market

Tesla Model Y’s Rival
Xpeng G6’s European Debut
Can It Survive?

Xpeng, China’s Tesla, has the full support of Alibaba and is trying to surpass Tesla’s stronghold in the global market through its electric SUV, G6. This model is the brand’s fifth EV and third SUV, and the third to be launched in the European market.

Pre-orders for the G6 SUV, which embodies the ambition to take on the Tesla Model Y, have begun in the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Let’s find out whether Xpeng’s mid-size SUV, which has already lost its place to Tesla in the Chinese market, can show a different appearance in Europe.

The Bold Challenge of China’s Tesla: A Turnaround After Domestic Failure?

Xpeng, a famous Chinese startup founded in 2014, quickly gained popularity with the nickname China’s Tesla. However, its position in China has faltered in recent years due to fierce competition and price wars. Meanwhile, Xpeng challenged the Tesla Model Y by launching the G6 to turn around the market.

In mid-to-late 2023, it grew, recording sales of more than 7,000 monthly units. However, in 2024, the G6 lost the competition with the Tesla Model Y, and sales decreased to around 2,000 units. For this reason, Xpeng has turned its attention to the European market and is attempting to rechallenge Tesla.

Model Y competes once again
Features of Xpeng G6

Xpeng G6 is a coupe-type SUV model based on SEPA 2.0 architecture. As for the exterior, it follows the brand’s latest design language. In terms of body, it is a mid-size crossover with a length of 4,753 mm (187. 13 inches), a width of 1,920 mm (75.59 inches), a total height of 1,650 mm (64.96 inches), and a wheelbase of 2,890 mm (113.78 inches), and is almost identical to the Tesla Model Y in terms of size.

The G6 is sold in Europe in three powertrain versions. The entry model is powered by a single 254-horsepower electric motor on the rear axle and a 66 kWh LFP battery, providing a range of 435 km (270 miles). The second model has a 282-horsepower electric motor and an 87.5 kWh ternary NMC battery on the rear axle and has a driving range of 570 km (354 miles). The top model has two electric motors with a maximum output of 469 horsepower and an 87.5 kWh battery and has a driving range of 550 km (342 miles).

G6 is Already on Order
Virtually No Price Competitiveness

Orders for the Xpeng G6 have begun in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, and last year, it was announced that it plans to enter the UK, Germany, and France. In terms of price, it is the cheapest in Norway at $37,500, but its rival, the Tesla Model Y, is also in a similar price range.

In other countries, the situation is slightly different. In Sweden, the entry model costs about $49,000, which is about $396 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y, and in the Netherlands, it costs about $46,000, about $308 more affordable than the competing model. Although there is a difference, it is so tiny that it is expected to have no absolute competitiveness.