Xpeng to debut its updated G9 at Milan Design Week

Chinese carmaker Xpeng has started rolling out its highly anticipated 2025 model lineup, and the latest addition is a refreshed version of its flagship SUV, the G9.

This SUV, also available in Europe, is exciting as stakeholder Volkswagen intends to build derivatives of the model. The new G9’s LiDAR-based driving assistance aid swap is among the noticeable changes.  

Xpeng shared the first images of the updated model on Weibo, noting that it positions the upgraded model as an AI-driven premium electric SUV designed to challenge market leaders. The European reveal follows in April at the Milan Design Week.

Camera-based vision

For the 2025 refresh, Xpeng introduces 66 feature upgrades, including its next-generation Turing AI intelligent driving system. Unlike its predecessors, the new model drops lidar in favor of a pure vision-based system powered by 26 sensors, including 11 cameras, three millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars. 

The carmaker claims the new system improves visual perception distance by 125% and recognition speed by 40%, allowing for better identification of dynamic and static obstacles than the previous lidar-based system. With this tech shift, Xpeng joins Tesla’s take, claiming cameras are better suited for automated driving than lidar.

Under the hood, the 2025 G9 offers enhanced performance in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants. The RWD model’s power output increases from 312 to 350 hp, with a peak torque of 465 Nm. 

The AWD version adds a 225 hp front motor, bringing total output to 567 hp with 695 Nm of torque. Battery capacity options range from 79 kWh to 93.1 kWh, supporting ranges of up to 725 km, a noticeable improvement over the previous generation. However, as these homologations are Chinese standards (CLTC), the autonomy for European models will be significantly lower.

Status quo

On the outside, the G9 largely retains a status quo, adopting the X Robot Face 3.0 design from the predecessor and equal measurements (4,891 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, with a 2,998 mm wheelbase). Still, some new design elements are introduced, including electric suction doors, an automatic tailgate, and 20-inch five-spoke rims.

The interior setup includes a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel and dual 14.96-inch screens, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset, the tech company’s fourth-generation automotive cockpit platform.

This should enhance voice recognition and driver monitoring, among other things. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were already introduced in the 2024 model year update.

The 2025 G9 is Xpeng’s third major product update this year, following the preview of the new G7 earlier this year and the unveiling of the updated G6 last month.

Initially launched in 2022, the car started slowly, but Volkswagen convinced it to use it as a platform for its Chinese models. The German car builder invested $700 million in Xpeng.

First with an 800 volt

Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng acknowledged past missteps with the G9n. Still, they emphasized pioneering features on social media channel Weibo: “The setbacks I’ve faced in a decade of building cars have passed, but I regret that the G9 was a great car that we held back.”

When first introduced, the G9 was China’s first EV to offer full-scenario intelligent assisted driving and 800V ultra-fast charging. The car represents over 14% of Xpeng’s total sales.

As Xpeng continues to refine its product lineup, the G9 is expected to remain a key player in its portfolio. In 2024 alone, Xpeng delivered 190,068 vehicles, with the G9 contributing 26,954 units or 14.18% of total sales.

While pricing for the 2025 model has yet to be announced, it is expected to be competitive, even as European market adjustments and tariffs push prices higher than in China.