XPENG G3

Model Overview

The XPENG G3 is the maiden mass-production model from XPENG Motors, positioned as a tech-focused all-electric compact SUV. The model officially debuted and commenced customer deliveries on 12 December 2018, offered in three key variants: Yuexiang, Zhixiang, and Zunxiang. At launch, the pre-subsidy price tag ranged from RM227,800 to RM257,800, which dropped to RM135,800 to RM165,800 nationwide post-subsidy. On 10 July 2019, XPENG Motors rolled out the 2020 XPENG G3, bumping the pure electric driving range up to 520 km, with prices revised to between RM143,800 and RM196,800.

On 9 July 2021, the XPENG G3 received a mid-life facelift and was rebranded as the XPENG G3i, taking on the brand's signature design language shared with the XPENG P7, with prices ranging from RM149,800 to RM185,800. In November 2022, the XPENG G3 line-up was streamlined from seven variants down to four, retailing between RM168,900 and RM201,900. On 21 December 2023, XPENG Motors officially announced the end of production for the G3/G3i series, whilst pledging 10 years of continued aftersales support and OTA software updates for existing owners. Key rivals in the segment include fellow electric C-SUVs like the WM Motor EX5 and BYD Song Pro EV.

Design Language

The XPENG G3 embodies the brand's X Robot Face design language. The front end sports a closed-off fascia with an active shutter lower grille. Flanking the front are sleek, elongated headlamps housing triple LED projector units. Range-topping variants feature a roof-mounted panoramic camera capable of recording on the move. Down the sides, the G3 features a sloped bonnet profile and a floating roof effect complemented by blacked-out C-pillars. Around the back, it gets a full-width diamond-matrix LED taillight bar that provides a striking light signature when illuminated. Dimensionally, the 2019 model measures 4,495 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,610 mm tall (with a 4,450 mm length variant also available), riding on a 2,625 mm wheelbase; the 2020 model and G3i largely retain these proportions. The SUV boasts commendable aerodynamics, coming standard with flush pop-out electric door handles and a powered tailgate.

Inside, the XPENG G3 embraces a minimalist cabin architecture. Its most defining highlight is the Italian-imported panoramic front windscreen that sweeps seamlessly overhead past the front occupants, delivering an expansive forward view. The dashboard does away with most physical switchgear, consolidating vehicle controls into a portrait-oriented 15.6-inch central touchscreen. Selected variants are appointed with Nappa leather upholstery featuring seat heating and ventilation functions, along with a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. While the cabin delivers a strong high-tech ambience, automotive reviews noted that the execution of overall luxury and material plushness leaves some room for improvement.

Powertrain and Performance

Across the range, the XPENG G3 is powered by a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor driving the front wheels (FWD). The motor outputs 145 kW (approx. 197 PS / 194 hp) and 300 Nm of peak torque, paired with a single-speed reduction gearbox. The official century sprint (0-100 km/h) is clocked at 8.6 seconds; independent real-world tests recorded around 7.71 seconds, while 0-50 km/h takes just 3.7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 170 km/h.

In terms of driving range, the XPENG G3 was offered with multiple battery configurations. The 2019 model delivers an NEDC-rated range of 351 km to 365 km; the updated 2020 model introduced 401 km and 520 km options, followed later by a 460 km version. Under the floorpan, the 460 km variant packs a 57.5 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, while the 520 km variant gets a larger 66.2 kWh ternary lithium pack, with cells supplied by tier-one manufacturers including CATL, CALB, and EVE Energy. On DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% top-up takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, while AC charging takes between 4.3 and 5.5 hours depending on battery capacity. Energy consumption is rated at around 13.6 kWh/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the XPENG G3 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension setup. This layout is standard fare for compact SUVs in this segment, striking a pragmatic balance between cost efficiency and day-to-day ride comfort. Motive power goes strictly to the front wheels (FWD). Stopping power is handled by ventilated disc brakes up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 215/55 R17 tyres. Fully laden, ground clearance stands at 130 mm, with a tight turning radius of 5.35 metres. Kerb weight comes in at 1,630 kg for the 460 km variant and 1,655 kg for the 520 km model. Overall chassis tuning leans distinctly towards comfort, making it well-suited for urban commutes.

Cabin and Features

On the smart cockpit front, the XPENG G3 runs on the proprietary Xmart OS in-car operating system. The main user interface centres around a 15.6-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen alongside a full digital instrument cluster. The infotainment unit supports an onboard app store, continuous natural voice commands, and other functions, along with full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) remote software upgrade capability.

Standard kit across the range includes practical amenities such as reverse sensors, a reverse camera, cruise control, and keyless entry with push-start ignition. Higher-spec trims add a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and electrically adjustable front seats. Gear selection is operated via a column-mounted electronic stalk shifter. Practicality-wise, boot capacity starts at 380 litres, expandable up to 760 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety-wise, the XPENG G3 is engineered around a high-strength body shell. Passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags as standard, with side curtain airbags fitted on higher grades. Standard active safety kit across the board comprises a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control/Brake Assist (BA).

Semi-autonomous driver assistance is one of the XPENG G3's headline selling points. The vehicle comes equipped with the XPILOT 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). On the hardware front, it boasts three millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic parking sensors, and five high-definition cameras. The ADAS suite encompasses Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and turn-indicator-activated lane change assist. Rated for Level 2.5 semi-autonomous capability, the G3 is capable of fully automated parking across diverse scenarios. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with active safety functions such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

Market Performance and Reviews

As the breakthrough model for XPENG Motors, the G3 made a notable historical mark in the EV landscape. In 2019, total sales of the XPENG G3 reached 16,608 units, with private retail buyers making up 83% of total volume—ranking it first in private retail deliveries among EV start-ups. Combined sales of the G3/G3i touched 10,744 units in 2020 and surged to 29,721 units in 2021. However, momentum subsequently tapered off, recording 17,336 units in 2022. Between January and October 2023, sales dropped to 4,878 units, averaging fewer than 500 units a month, before tapering to just 360 units for the entirety of 2024.

In December 2023, XPENG Motors officially announced the discontinuation of the G3/G3i lineup. By the end of its production lifecycle, the XPENG G3/G3i family had amassed total cumulative sales of approximately 57,801 units.

In terms of owner feedback, drivers have widely lauded the XPENG G3 for its robust software tech stack, reliable XPILOT ADAS capabilities, and the zippy urban drivability afforded by its instantaneous electric torque and agile handling. Ultra-low running costs also scored high marks among owners. On the flip side, some owners pointed out a disparity between real-world range and claimed NEDC figures, noting that the 460 km variant yields closer to 340 km in everyday driving conditions. Additionally, firmer seat padding and a mediocre suspension setup over rougher roads were commonly cited grouses. All in all, as XPENG's inaugural production vehicle, the G3 carved out a unique niche in the RM130,000 to RM200,000 electric C-SUV segment by leveraging advanced connectivity, XPILOT driver assistance, and full-vehicle OTA upgrades as core USPs, cementing a vital stepping stone for the brand's future growth.