The Xpeng G9L sets out to conquer the world. This Chinese SUV will expand from China and Austria to 64 markets.
In short:
The G9L is set to be one of the most important models in Xpeng’s global offensive
The manufacturer promises advanced artificial intelligence and solutions used in humanoid robots
The flagship SUV will be available in an electric version as well as a long-range model
Production will begin in China and the Austrian city of Graz
The Chinese manufacturer aims to enter 64 global markets
The car’s debut is scheduled for October 12 at the Paris auto show
Xpeng G9L: debut in 3 weeks
Xpeng officially unveiled the new G9L in Beijing, its largest and most technologically advanced SUV to date. The model will be available in two powertrain options: a fully electric BEV and a REEV, which is an electric vehicle equipped with a combustion engine to extend range. The global debut of the car is scheduled for October 12 at the Paris Auto Show.
The manufacturer describes the G9L as a “global car.” According to the company, the design was developed from the outset based on the philosophy of “Global Standards, Global Manufacturing,” aiming to meet safety, quality, and usability requirements in various markets around the world — as stated in the manufacturer’s announcement.
Dimensions and Specifications
The new SUV is 5120 mm long with a wheelbase of 3100 mm. According to Xpeng, such proportions are designed to balance interior space with good maneuverability. However, dimensions aren’t the manufacturer’s main selling point, as the heart of the G9L is its VLA 2.0 artificial intelligence system, which enables rapid adaptation of driving assistance systems to conditions in different parts of the world. The vehicle uses the same Turing AI system that was applied in the humanoid robot IRON.
At the launch, the company’s president, He Xiaopeng, discussed the growing ties between automotive and robotics. “We believe in the concept of a car as a robot. Over the past few years, we have built our own foundation in artificial intelligence based on experiences gained from cars and humanoid robots. It is the same technological base that drives both projects,” said Xpeng’s CEO.
Safety and production under control
The manufacturer also places strong emphasis on safety. According to the company, the G9L was designed to meet the requirements of the four most important five-star safety rating systems: Euro NCAP, ANCAP, C-NCAP, and CIASI. During development, the model underwent a total of 192 crash tests covering over 110 different scenarios. Over three years, prototypes also traveled more than 6.74 million kilometers during test drives in 26 countries and regions around the world.
A key element of the strategy is the location of production. The G9L will be manufactured both in Canton and in Graz, Austria. This means it will become the fourth model from the brand produced at Magna Steyr facilities, following the G6, G9, and P7+ models.
It is no secret that partnering with Magna aims to help the Chinese company strengthen its position in the European market and circumvent tariffs. Additionally, by utilizing existing production infrastructure in Austria, the manufacturer can reduce logistics costs associated with importing cars from China and accelerate its presence in the region.
Xpeng plans to bring the G9L to 64 countries and regions. Details regarding the specifications of various versions, prices, and sales timelines for specific markets are set to be unveiled during the global launch in Paris on October 12.
Oskar Włostowski