Xpeng is set to launch its G9 SUV in Europe. However, the version of the G9 that will be sold in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway will have two fewer sensors than the Chinese version, one of which is the vehicle’s 3D lidar. According to Xpeng’s head of product planning for Europe, Martin Stegelmeier, this is due to the cost of the technology.
While Xpeng aims to be at the forefront of ADAS for European carmakers, the company is also mindful of offering a competitive price. As a newcomer to the automotive industry, Xpeng is focused on making its vehicles as attractive to consumers as possible. In Europe, this means using cost as a key selling point. The G9’s starting price of 57,990 euros undercuts rivals like the BMW iX3 by over 20%.
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However, the G9 is not the most affordable all-electric SUV on the market. It is more expensive than rivals like the Tesla Model Y, though it is larger, measuring 4891 mm in length compared to the Model Y’s 4750 mm. The G9 is available with either a 78 kWh or a 98 kWh battery pack, and charging speeds range from 270 kW to 300 kW when charged optimally.
Despite the removal of lidar from the European version of the G9, the vehicle still has 29 sensors that enable it to perform assisted driving functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and active lane changes.
See also: XPeng officially launches G9 electric SUV with range of up to 436 miles
Overall, Xpeng’s decision to drop lidar from the G9 for Europe reflects the company’s focus on offering a competitive price point while still delivering advanced driver assistance features. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Xpeng and other newcomers are able to carve out a space for themselves among more established brands.
