XPeng Motors showcases its third electric model, the P5
China-based manufacturer XPeng Motors has started accepting pre-orders on its third production model, the XPeng P5.
Showcased at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, the P5 is described as a “family-friendly sedan” and will join XPeng’s existing line-up of electric vehicles, which consists of the P7 sports sedan and the G3 compact SUV.
Announcing the new model, XPeng said the P5 will be the first electric vehicle to be equipped with automotive-grade LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology. This features 32 perception sensors which it says will help handle challenging and complex road conditions.
Chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, commented: “We persist in exploring because we are convinced that technology will enrich our lifestyles and bring about a great mobility transformation.
“We believe in the future of autonomous driving, and remain committed to it. Transportation has immense influence on our daily lives and technology is empowering our life choices and propelling a fundamental revolution in mobility.”
First look
The release of the P5 was largely focused on the technology of the car, with the manufacturer keen to promote its LiDAR technology and its “best-in-class autonomous driving functionality.”
While details such as price, battery and range have not yet been revealed, XPeng said the P5 will be powered by a “full-stack in-house developed autonomous driving system XPILOT 3.5 – the strongest autonomous driving architecture in its class.”
With its double-prism LiDAR units, the P5 can supposedly distinguish pedestrians, cyclists and scooters, static obstacles, and road works.
The P5 will also include Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) capabilities to city roads for the first time in a production vehicle, powered by XPILOT 3.5.
“The P5 realizes our vision of navigation-assisted autonomous driving, aiming to liberate the driver’s concentration and effort from the drudgery of manual driving,” Xiaopeng added. “We seek to enable autonomous driving in all weathers and in the most challenging driving conditions.”
The XPeng P5 is expected to start delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021 and ‘early bird’ customers will be entitled for lifetime free charging and supercharging services.
