Refreshed Model Y vs. Chinese Competition
Tesla has given the Model Y a major update, hoping to keep the competition at bay for a while. But newcomers like Xpeng, with its G6, are learning quickly and rapidly closing in. We investigate whether the Model Y, after its makeover, remains the benchmark for the rest.
The Model Y in this test is a Long Range AWD Launch Series with 514 hp, listed at €61,990. Indeed: listed. This version was only briefly available but technically almost identical to the Model Y Long Range AWD, which costs €53,990. Xpeng counters with the G6 Performance. This electric crossover delivers 476 hp and costs €51,990.
Tesla has given the Model Y an above-average major update. Everything has been scrutinized and adjusted where necessary; even the exterior has received a significant makeover for Tesla’s standards. But is that enough to keep the competition at bay? We’re finding out with the XPeng G6, a fine representative of that competition.
The first available variant of the updated Model Y is the all-wheel-drive Long Range AWD Launch Series. This is an introductory version that was temporarily available and based on the regular Long Range AWD with extras like 20-inch wheels, special Launch Series logos, and a software adjustment (Acceleration Boost) that makes it sprint faster from 0 to 100 km/h (4.3 seconds instead of the standard 4.8 seconds, according to specifications). The maximum power (514 hp) and torque (493 Nm) remain unchanged, but the WLTP range decreases from 586 to 568 km. The XPeng that most closely matches this is the G6 Performance with 476 hp and 660 Nm. According to specifications, this sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and should be able to travel 550 km on a full battery. And in terms of price, the XPeng is not much different from the Tesla. The G6 Performance is listed at €51,990, while the Model Y Long Range AWD costs two grand more. The Launch Series, with its richer equipment, had to yield €61,990, a significant price difference.
Pay close attention to power consumers
Although Tesla indicates that the powertrain remained virtually untouched during the facelift, the updated Model Y Long Range AWD does get off its mark more quickly. And that is also evident in practice, although the XPeng manages to keep up well. In daily use, there is little difference between them. However, the XPeng needs more energy than the more economical Tesla. During our test, the Tesla consumes an average of 18.6 kWh/100 km at the charging station, while the XPeng needs 20.8 kWh/100 km. It should be noted that the temperature during our test period fluctuates around 13 °C during the day, but in the morning (when we start our rides), it is just above freezing, and considerable energy is lost to heating the interior. Because the XPeng has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Tesla, we can travel further on a full battery with the G6 Performance than with the Tesla, despite its slightly higher consumption. If you are concerned about consumption and range, it is wise to switch off Sentry Mode (the sentry function where the car continuously monitors everything and everyone) on the Model Y. According to the onboard computer, we lose 11 percentage points of battery charge and 51 km of range after a day and a half in a parking garage with the system switched on. We naturally performed our consumption measurement with the system switched off.
More comfort-oriented
The chassis of the Model Y has been further refined, especially made more comfortable. Without it immediately becoming too soft, the springs feel smoother, and the car is less bumpy on short bumps. At the same time, the steering feels slightly more communicative, allowing the car to be controlled better than before and also cornering slightly tighter than the XPeng. Although the G6 carries the addition Performance behind its model name, evoking a sporty association, the G6 steering is clearly the more detached of the two. This fits neatly with the chassis tuning, which is firm but seems even more focused on comfort than the Tesla. For daily use, the XPeng is, in any case, a pleasantly predictable travel companion. Tesla has successfully done its best to further reduce driving noises, and not only in the chassis. In the Model Y, you also hear less of the passing air and the rolling of the tires on the asphalt than in the XPeng. It provides extra peace.
Tesla Model Y: strict assistance system
Tesla is at the absolute forefront on the road to the self-driving car. Yet, when it comes to assistance systems, we prefer the ADAS helpers of XPeng. They are a bit more forgiving, as if they understand that you as a driver are only human and therefore not entirely flawless in your reactions and interventions. The Tesla is a bit stricter in this area.
Fine five-seaters
In both cars, you as a driver and passenger have more than enough space on well-seated seats. There is a difference in the back: you certainly don’t feel cramped in the back seat of the Tesla, but in the back of the XPeng, you have even more legroom and, thanks to a slightly higher roofline that extends further to the rear, also more headroom. The differences in luggage volume are greater. In addition to a trunk of 705 liters, the Tesla also has a 117-liter frunk at the front. In the XPeng, you can only store luggage at the rear, a maximum of 571 liters. The charging cable fits under the floor of the trunk in the XPeng. In the Model Y, you can store more under the floor of the trunk, if desired, also the luggage cover roller blind.
Tesla has raised the finishing of the Model Y interior to a higher level, which reflects on the overall experience in the car. However, nothing has changed in the setup of the dashboard: minimalism in the superlative. For almost everything, you are dependent on the large multimedia screen. The sheer infinite amount of settings and adjustment options make it impossible to regulate everything with buttons and switches. For a moment, we were afraid that, like other recently renewed Teslas, you would now have to operate the indicators with the buttons on the steering wheel. Fortunately, the indicator lever has remained on the left side of the steering column. However, the lever for gear selection on the right has disappeared. Unfortunately. From now on, you have to swipe D or R on the touchscreen to set the Model Y in motion. Of course, you can get used to anything, but not every change is automatically an improvement.
What can rear passengers control?
We do find the touchscreen for the rear passengers to be of added value, with which they not only control the air conditioning and the audio system, they can also use the screen as a game console. The rear passengers in the XPeng can only regulate the outflow direction of the ventilation grilles, by hand and not, as in the front, via the multimedia screen.
On your phone
We have little to complain about the finishing of the G6 interior; it all looks fine and feels pleasant. In the Model Y, it is even slightly better. For the design of the dashboard, XPeng follows the minimalist trend that was started by Tesla at the time, yet there are some differences. Fortunately, we still have a compact instrument panel with the most essential information right in front of us. And on the right of the steering column, there is simply the driving direction selection lever with which the cruise control can also be switched on. That is so practical. Furthermore, the buttons on the XPeng steering wheel are just a little easier to operate intuitively.
Better well stolen
For its multimedia system, XPeng has clearly been inspired by Tesla; the structure shows very great similarities. And why not, better well stolen than poorly conceived. You may want to go for the originality prize, but if that doesn’t work well, it’s a waste of effort. And they have saved themselves that effort at XPeng.
Your phone is an integral part of the operation in both cars. The mobile phone not only works as a key. With these cars, the associated apps go further than just preconditioning and controlling on all fronts. But there are definitely differences. The Tesla clearly communicates better with your phone; there is always a direct connection without any hiccups. With the XPeng, it sometimes takes some time (just a little too much for the impatient) before the phone is connected. To unlock the car, we quickly fall back on the key/remote control. Once connected, the XPeng app works fine, but we are more impressed with that of Tesla; it is definitely the better of its kind. With the app, you can – provided you are close enough to the car – let the Tesla drive to you independently. That goes further than just driving in or out of a parking space. The car searches for where you are and then steers itself in your direction. Nice if you don’t feel like having to walk too far through the rain to your car. These are the kind of details with which Tesla shows that it is also participating in the forefront digitally with the renewed Model Y.