Following the current trend, Bermaz Malaysia has decided to introduce a new Chinese brand to the local market. After extensive discussions, Bermaz has officially become the distributor of the Xpeng brand in Malaysia. With this latest venture, the first model to be launched locally is the G6 MPV. According to Xpeng, the G6 is aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y, given its size. So, with this new model, can Bermaz compete in this highly competitive market? Let’s find out.

For its exterior, the G6 is a decent-looking vehicle. It’s not a conventional design, and personally, it doesn’t tickle my fancy. The overall shape is quite rounded, and although the designers tried to make it look menacing, it ends up looking a bit too cutesy for my taste. However, I know many Malaysians don’t mind the design, so it clearly appeals to some buyers. In terms of size, the G6 fits the lifestyle needs of many Malaysians.

At the front, the G6 features distinctive daytime running lights that define the vehicle’s appearance more than the headlights. The full LED headlights are mounted lower in the bumper, reminiscent of the Hyundai Santa Fe. I suspect this positioning is to prevent glare for other road users.

At the rear, the design mirrors the front, with long strip-style taillights that echo the daytime running lights. The brake lights are integrated into the rear bumper for a cleaner, more seamless look. Overall, the rear is distinctive enough in the dark to be recognisable from a distance. Completing the exterior are 20-inch rims wrapped in 255/45 R20 tyres, which complement the G6’s overall aesthetic.

Inside, the G6’s cabin looks more refined than many other Chinese vehicles on the market. You still get the typical dual-display setup that many Chinese brands favour, but the premium choice of colours and materials elevates the interior. Personally, I prefer the cabin over the exterior—it’s more conventional and visually pleasing. The dual screens consist of a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and a 14.96-inch infotainment screen. While most buyers will find this setup acceptable, I do wish manufacturers would innovate rather than follow the same formula.

The instrument cluster sits directly in front of the driver and is integrated into the dashboard in a way that reminds me of the Smart #1. It’s visually clean and easy to read even under bright sunlight, though it does have a lot of unused space. Navigating through its menus, however, can be cumbersome, requiring several steps to adjust basic settings. It will take some time for new users to get used to.

The infotainment screen is centrally mounted on the dashboard and houses virtually all vehicle controls—including AC vent direction—similar to the BYD Seal. Personally, I’m not a fan of putting every function into the screen, and integrating AC vent controls there is especially distracting. On the plus side, it comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you can even install YouTube for entertainment while parked.

The G6 also features a 360-degree camera system, as well as a phone-to-car connection that lets you park the vehicle remotely. While I couldn’t get it to work during my test, I have seen it in action. It’s more of a gimmick to me, but I can see some buyers enjoying it. What impressed me far more was the 18-speaker premium sound system—it sounds excellent despite not being branded by a high-end audio company.

From the driver’s seat, you’re greeted by a tall seating position. While I’d prefer the seat to go a little lower, it’s still comfortable. The front seats prioritise comfort over sportiness, so they’re not as body-hugging, but they still keep you stable during spirited driving.

Surprisingly, the rear seats are even more comfortable. The G6 offers a full-size bench, providing proper thigh support, generous legroom, and headroom. The seatbacks recline to suit different passenger preferences, and two rear AC vents keep things cool. The 571-litre boot is spacious, and folding rear seats allow for carrying longer items.

In Malaysia, the G6 comes with a single powertrain option—a rear-mounted electric motor making it rear-wheel drive. The main difference between variants lies in battery size. The 580 Pro gets a 66 kWh battery with a WLTP-rated range of 435 km. Output stands at 255 hp and 440 Nm of torque, enabling 0–100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

On the road, the G6 accelerates smoothly and effortlessly, making it pleasant to drive at low speeds. Energy consumption averaged around 14 kWh/100 km in the city, but spirited driving pushed that figure to about 24 kWh/100 km. The 430 km range from the smaller battery isn’t huge, but it’s usable, and the range estimate on the instrument cluster is impressively accurate—easily hitting 400 km on a full charge.

I expected a comfort-biased suspension typical of Chinese cars, but the G6’s setup leans slightly stiffer, giving it a more continental feel. You can feel minor road imperfections, but the car remains planted. Steering is fairly direct, which inspires confidence, though the wheel itself feels a bit “rubber band” and sits higher than I like—minor preferences rather than deal breakers.

Braking is smooth, with minimal regenerative braking unless you want it. The system allows the car to coast naturally, and when you brake, the regen engages first before the physical brakes. This makes braking predictable and smooth, though the physical brakes are slightly sensitive.

As expected from a modern EV, the G6 is packed with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Active Lane Change, and many more. Once you get used to them, they’re straightforward to operate.

For an entry-level model priced at RM 168,820, the G6 is a compelling EV. With more Chinese EVs entering Malaysia, the G6 has what it takes to compete. Given Bermaz’s sales figures so far, the market seems receptive. To stay competitive, Bermaz will need to expand Xpeng’s lineup locally, but the G6 is a strong start.

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