Xpeng X9 showcases autonomous driving capabilities in China [Video]
Xpeng X9 electric MPV demonstrated its autonomous driving capabilities. The unnamed EV drove into a multi-floor underground parking, found a free spot, and self-parked (valet parking). Later, the X9 was remotely summoned back through the app, left the garage, and found its owner.
The Director of Xpeng’s Autonomous Driving Unit, Liu Yilin, uploaded the X9 self-driving video on his Weibo channel. In the video, Xpeng says that this function is currently only for internal testing purposes and is not yet available to the public. The valet parking function was first announced on October 24 at Xpeng’s Tech Day.
Xpeng’s FSD-like XNGP advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) relies on HD maps and is rolled out in five major Chinese cities. However, during 1024 Tech Day in October, Xpeng announced that they would roll out map-free City NGP in 20 cities by the end of November, and it will be available in 50 cities by the year’s end. It means XNGP would work without HD maps, so theoretically, anywhere. Xpeng also announced that NGP is coming to Europe in 2024.
XNGP is a package of autonomous driving functions: Highway NGP, City NGP, and Parking NGP. Until October, it relied only on HD maps.
X9 is Xpeng’s latest car and their first MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). It was officially unveiled on October 24 at the Guangzhou Auto Show, where it started presale for 388,000 yuan (54,800 USD). It packs 496 horsepower, 800V high voltage charging, and rear-wheel steering, and it is underpinned by the SEPA 2.0 platform.
X9 is an enormous MPV with a length of almost 5.3 meters. The dimensions are 5293/1988/1785 mm, respectively, and the wheelbase is 3160mm. It will have three rows and 6-7 seats. The deliveries will start in January.
