XPeng launches a new variant of its X9 MPV complete with two LiDARs and XNGP capabilities

XPeng Motors has just launched a new advanced version of its X9 MPV, featuring LiDAR, XNGP ADAS, and 610km of all-electric range. This long-range variant is now on sale in China, and XPeng is offering a limited-time discount for customers who buy early.

The X9 Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is the sixth all-electric model from Chinese automaker XPeng ($XPEV), which made its public debut in September 2023 with several camouflaged images. The MPV officially hit the market on January 1, 2024, with four variants, including two “Pro” versions and two “Max” options offering CLTC ranges between 610 and 702 km (379-436 miles).

In addition to being XPeng’s flagship MPV, the X9 was also the first model to debut on the automaker’s Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0 and its most expensive to date. When it launched, the four X9 variants cost RMB 359,800 ($51,213), RMB 379,800 ($54,060), RMB 399,800 ($56,906), and RMB 419,800 ($59,750) respectively.

Today, however, XPeng Motors has launched a new variant of the X9 MPV called the 610 Max, which offers the same range as its base-level counterpart but with advanced driving features and LiDAR, thus pushing the price tag even higher.

According to a recent Weibo post, the new X9 610 Max has officially launched in China and is available now. Unlike the previous base-level models, the 610 Max features not one but two LiDAR sensors that enable XPeng’s Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP)—some of the most advanced self-driving technology on the market today.

The decision to add LiDAR is an interesting one, as XPeng recently opted for pure-vision cameras on its new P7+ BEV, following its global competitor, Tesla.

In addition to LiDAR, the XPeng X9 610 Max MPV has been equipped with more powerful intelligent driving hardware, including two NVIDIA Drive Orin chips that deliver 508 TOPS of computing power, compared to one Orin chip with 254 TOPS in the 610 Pro version.

The new X9 610 Max starts at RMB 379,800. That’s RMB 20,000 more than the 610 Pro and evenly priced with the X9 702 Max. XPeng shared that customers who purchase the new X9 MPV variant before October 4 will receive a RMB 20,000 ($2,850) discount.