Mini Cooper vs Xpeng G6
What's the difference?

Mini Cooper

$44,990 - $65,990

2025 price

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Xpeng G6

$51,800 - $63,800

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Mini Cooper

2026 Xpeng G6

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

525 km

Energy consumption

17.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

68.50 kWh

Seating

Likes

Lively powertrains
Brilliant dashboard
Fun to drive

Super fast charging
Undercuts Tesla Model Y on price
Dealer network expanding

Dislikes

Expensive
Petrol-powered Minis aren't a great leap forward
No manual gearbox availability

Glass roof with no fabric screen
No frunk
No spare wheel

2025 Mini Cooper Summary

Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini?

Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.

Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six.

The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.

Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.

Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.

More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out.

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2026 Xpeng G6 Summary

The XPeng G6 is this Chinese brand’s rival to the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X and I am testing the updated version of the model that originally arrived in Australia in 2024.

This new and vastly improved G6 has some important differences compared with the original. But fear not, I’ll take you through all of this.

The grade on test is the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Long Range which I think is the pick of the line-up that also includes an entry grade Rear Wheel Drive Standard Range and the top-spec Performance. There’s also a Performance Black that sits above this too, but it’s more of a cosmetic styling package to add a bit of ‘attitude’ to this SUV.

My family and I lived with the updated XPeng G6 RWD Long Range for a week. I am impressed, but I have a few notes of what I'd change as well.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Cooper 2026 Xpeng G6

Verdict

The new petrol Cooper range very gently evolves the upmarket Cool Britannia cliché BMW invented with the R50 back in 2001 and fostered with every iteration since.

More of the same, only slightly updated and just improved enough to justify trading the old one in. If this appeals to you, then go for it. This is the best petrol version yet. Probably.

But the Cooper’s real spark literally and metaphorically lies within the EV version.

Two very different Minis indeed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

I can’t say this was the verdict I was expecting going into the XPeng G6 with no major expectations, but I really like this car. It's not only a fantastic EV with future-proof tech, but it’s practical, stylish and a great car to drive.

Mainstream carmakers should be worried if we’re seeing cars this good from brands that have only been building vehicles for a few years.

Mini Cooper vs Xpeng G6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Cooper vs Xpeng G6
What's the difference?