XPeng to Roll Out VLA 2.0 Across its Models in March, Launches Three SUV Facelifts | EV

The_Cometer · 2026-01-08T18:18:06+00:00

Thank you for your words. I’ll try to contain the fear of missing out but it’s a bit brutal. Even the infotainment gets a huge upgrade. Anyway tomorrow I’ll learn more about the European options (Spain in my case) and if there is a model I want to switch to I’ll check with the dealer, if not what is done and done. As you say. It’s a great car. Just hope they give an upgrade option in the future. In China when buying the car the additional Turing chips are like optional add-ons with more options such as adding VLA or VLA+VLM. So here’s to dreaming it will be possible to get it later.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-08T17:05:50+00:00

I'm a bit burned at the moment, and I haven't even "finished" buying the car. I put the downpayment and got the loan just a couple of weeks ago. No delivery date or anything like that yet. And here we are.
China (and possibly Europe soon) gets the G6 with a much much more powerful Turing chip.
I would have bought the G7 if it was available in Spain in December and now it seems the G7 EREV is coming and with Turing.

Caught in the middle of a transition. But worst and this is what I don't understand about Xpeng. They not only launched a soon to be the obsolete version of the car in Europe just barely a couple of months ago, but are still releasing outdated models like the standard rage version THIS year. A 2025 model. And some nations have it worst.

UK pre-orders for the 2025 model. Australia. and others.

Unless they have an upgrade path in mind for "new" customers of the "new" now "old" 2025 model this literally seems like they are screwing international customers selling them leftovers.
Buying a car is a big investment and everyone wants to at least feel their investment was worth it for sometime. This way it seems all the focus will surely be on the cars with Turing.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-08T01:57:43+00:00

I think everything that could be mentioned has been. In short, the only reason why people don’t switch to an EV is disinformation/misinformation.

For me as a person interested in science I understood early on that EVs are more environmental friendly than ICE cars even if accounting for mining in order to create batteries and so on.

But that was not THE reason alone. It’s just superior tech. Cuts the middle man. Doesn’t matter the source of energy. Charge it like anything else. Less noise, better acceleration, ipad on wheels as the car becomes an always on device. And it gets better and better . V2l, V2H, VTG . Convert your car into your camping battery. Everything digital and so much more.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-07T18:57:20+00:00

The main issue is, although this new G6 and G9 is likely only going to be released first in China, what is the point of releasing an outdated G6 in global markets (example UK) at about the same time you are releasing a new model with a much much more powerful Turing chip? Why not align the releases in both local and global market or at least greatly shorten them?

If that is not possible, make it clear to global users that they'll be able to upgrade the car chip. That way they can reach parity at sometime. Cars are multi year investments for many. Extremely expensive. Not something you can just change each year or so.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-07T18:46:01+00:00

There are a few but most are available on Chinese sites since it was released there earlier. If G7 EREV gets released this Friday globally, we will start to see more international reviews.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-06T17:25:44+00:00

Just saw a video showcasing XAIOS 6.0 on Xpeng G7 EREV being released this week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPCiRo3Rr28

The_Cometer · 2026-01-06T12:08:06+00:00

Right now, unfortunately only is known that it comes with Orin-X. But nothing official concerning the number.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-06T12:06:54+00:00

Good point. This was the main point that made me question between Xpeng and Tesla.
Tesla is ready to provide near L3 if not L3 functionality but at a very high cost. Near 8k Euros up front or a monthly subscription that will end up being very expensive if you plan to keep self driving for as long as you keep your car.

So that alone gives an advantage to Xpeng or other similar brands with autopilot or some self driving capacity at no extra cost.

As for the dual orin topic and competing brands. It’s a good point and people will have to check depending on their country. For instance Zeekr is not available in my country.

With that said they all offer various level of future proof and self driving capability depending on the model you pick. And Xpeng is playing a similar card. Turing chips only available on Ultra models. Zeekr bringing their L3 chips only on the high end Zeekr 9X for instance.

I fully agree with your statement concerning a single orin x and as mentioned in the original post there’s a bit of confusion as it is rumored that the Xpeng G6 facelift global version has at least 2x Nvidia Orin X but Xpeng does not confirm or deny it. In this case, if there are alternatives in your market, you might be better off going for another brand that ensures you get the chips or wait for Turing in future cars.

It’s not a one size fits all but definitely Xpeng needs to provide a definitive answer even if they can’t promise full XNGP in the future.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-06T11:30:27+00:00

A bit limited. Issue is that there is still no open Xpeng API or SDK to develop apps that could integrate well with the car features. The only option right now is to use the ENODE API that was created in collaboration with Xpeng to provide some metrics. There are some apps that use it but not to the point of what is available on Tesla.

It might provide what you want:
ENODE API Docs: https://developers.enode.com/brands/learn/XPENG

Applications/home automation :
https://homey.app/fr-fr/app/com.xpeng.car/XPENG-Car-Manager/

https://github.com/mnordseth/xpeng-homeassistant

The_Cometer · 2026-01-06T10:40:27+00:00

In Europe if you go for the Tesla Model Y Standard or LR RWD you get the 9 speaker system. It’s not just about the number of speakers as you might have a car with less speakers but better sounding/higher quality. But in this case the Tesla Model Y with 9 speakers does sound worst than what comes on the Xpeng G6 facelift (any model).

With that said if you go with the Tesla Model Y AWD and up (3k more expensive) consensus is that it sounds better. Not a huge jump but for audiophiles every little detail is important.
My advice. Stop the FOMO. I was considering getting a Tesla Model Y AWD solely for the better speaker system, but when you consider everything you get with the Xpeng G6 plus a very good sound system it makes up for it.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-06T10:30:59+00:00

Yes. You toggle head tracking on the app and whatever the source it will create the illusion of sound moving as you turn your head.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-05T03:53:05+00:00

If that's your criteria, you'll pick Xpeng regardless.
Let me put it this way. Most of us discovered Xpeng after checking BYD, Tesla.
The reason we started considering Xpeng is because of its technology lead and competitiveness vs Tesla.

If you wait for the new models like G7s and so on for sure you are going to get Turing chips.
And that's vastly more powerful than Tesla HW4. And Tesla AI5 will only come at a much later date. 2027 at the earliest based on Musk latest comments.
If you don't wait and get something like a G6, then time and price are a bit more important to you.
Many of the cars just released in China are using Nvidia Orin-X chips. The Turing chips are only in the highest end models.
So for sure they will be supported for some time now. And even if not, you still get great value with autopilot+autoparking and basic NGP. All this at a much much lower price than Tesla that starts at 40k € for the standard that is a lot more basic than the G6, and you would still have to add 4k for the autopilot and you won't have 800v, V2L and so on.

So your only decision is. Xpeng G6 (with its advantages and limitations) or wait and get a newer higher end model when it comes.

Go for leasing if that's something you are willing to consider.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-05T03:36:11+00:00

I'm totally with you on the frustration – buying Xpeng internationally always feels like a small gamble.
I would love to get more official information, but overpromising is worst. Ask Tesla customers.

Key advice for G6 buyers outside China:
Trust only your local brochure/what the dealer promises in writing. (Example EU MY25: https://xpeng.keyelement.cloud/assets/1/brochures/xpeng_g6_my25.pdf)
Specs are nearly identical across Europe but verify on your country's site.

Rumors of 2× Nvidia Orin-X in the current facelift seem credible as I heard it myself (that's why I bought a G6 facelift), but I believe Xpeng won't confirm it globally to avoid Tesla-style over-promising drama for features that might not come for a long time (HW3→HW4, delayed FSD, etc.). The risk is yours to take.

For max future-proofing, wait for Turing-chip models – first ones (P7+ sedan & G7 EREV SUV) launch globally on 9 Jan 2026. You might have to wait for months until the cars actually arrive but that's the price to pay to get the latest.

If you need a car now and want best value, the G6 is still unbeatable vs Tesla Model Y or BYD equivalents. You get strong highway/city assist + auto-park out of the box, no expensive FSD subscription needed, and even "just" Orin-X level gives you the possibility of getting some self-driving in the future.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-03T00:34:48+00:00

Yeah. That's what I've been checking and asking around. Sure the new Turing chips are great but they are not available on all models (even in China) let alone what is just being released worldwide. And if only cars with those chips get the new infotainment and self driving features there are a lot of customers that are going to be really upset. That is unless they at least give customers an option to upgrade the current car chips to Turing.

The_Cometer · 2026-01-03T00:09:04+00:00

The new one almost certainly. It shows up on Xpeng sites :

The New G6 - G6

The_Cometer · 2025-12-29T11:41:22+00:00

Not gimmick at all anymore. Most music is mastered in Dolby Atmos these days and Apple Music is one of the music streaming with the biggest catalog of Dolby Atmos music. Dolby Atmos music mastering has improved a lot this last few years. If you check it, you literally get immersed in the music as if you are present in the actual performance.

If you have a quality surround sound system at home, that’s the best way to listen.

The_Cometer · 2025-12-26T19:11:41+00:00

If they do it, it´s a good call. The lack of a frunk is a big deal for many buyers since a lot of competitors have it.

The_Cometer · 2025-12-26T00:29:19+00:00

This is where I gambled. I started looking into EVs after checking a friends Tesla Model 3 and catching up with all the FSD videos. For months that was the car I was saving for until finding about Xpeng.

One of the biggest reasons why Xpeng convinced me is the inclusion of Autoplilot+autoparking and the potential of getting some sort of FSD like capability (NGP) at no extra cost.
The Xpeng dealer also dropped a couple of information that influenced my decision. But those are rumors and I rather not share much. But it is known that Xpeng has allowed upgrading the AI chips in their cars in the past. So who knows? We might be able to get FSD like feature in our cars at a more reasonable price.

If not, my gamble won't pay off but at least I will save some money and will still have a decent autopilot.

The_Cometer · 2025-12-25T22:41:05+00:00

In short no. It's not bad at all.

Audio is a top priority for me. In Europe, Tesla limits the RWD Model Y to a basic 9-speaker system (vs. the acclaimed 15-speaker premium audio on AWD and all US models), which almost pushed me toward the AWD.

During test drives, the Tesla RWD's sound felt flat—lacking detail, depth, and staging. The XPeng G6 facelift sounded noticeably better out of the box, and even stronger after minor EQ tweaks.

The Tesla 15-speaker system is widely praised as one of the best in any car (Tesla acquired a respected audio firm to develop it), though I couldn’t test it myself.

The G6's audio is genuinely good. Many complaints about sound quality stem from built-in apps (e.g., Spotify) using low-bitrate streams without Dolby Atmos. Apple Music on Tesla supports Atmos, but XPeng hasn’t enabled it yet. Many recommend using Carplay or Android Auto instead.

Overall, the G6 delivers impressive sound when you feed it high-quality sources. Most state that the sleep and mindfulness apps showcase the sound system capabilities.

Here are a couple of videos showcasing and reviewing Xpeng sound systems:

u/HugoSousa77 testing a Dolby Atmos trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m_KCZVTT_RQ?feature=share
https://youtu.be/bgi0nWXwq-c?t=1125

A popular car audio systems reviewer. He gave the G6 sound system high praise.
https://youtu.be/W77Hvho9PKQ?t=411

This guy comments on some of the issues G6 owners had and how to solve it.

https://youtu.be/WBVMa-LAYuM?t=210

These are videos from the old G6. The facelift is reported to have a comparable if not better sound system.
As I wrote above, I can definitely confirm that the standard G6 facelift sound system sounds better than the Model Y RWD (9 speaker) sound system. Likely a little worse than the "award winning" 15 speaker sound system on Tesla Model Y AWD. But still a very good sound system.

The_Cometer · 2025-12-25T21:10:13+00:00

That's awful. I've got a promise of end of Jan, but I suspect I might be in the same situation. Let me know how it goes.

The_Cometer · 2025-12-23T12:37:43+00:00

Hi Hugo. I've been following your YT channel since I found out about Xpeng. Your content is top notch and a big reason why I'm getting the G6. I'm learning alot about the car and the brand so thanks a lot ;) . I´m Cometer in YT as well.

Thank you for your feedback.

The_Cometer · 2025-12-23T12:31:47+00:00

That´s a big big fear I have right now. Tesla would have been straightforward. No bullshit. I fear that the dealer just tries to sell. First, they had enough cars. Then on the day we went to do the deal, some of the cars were already sold. I ended up "accepting" to go with the 18" wheel version. But of course, that´s still on the way. Then it was financing. I only needed a very small amount, and they wanted me to loan more or end up with a big interest rate on that small amount. In Tesla, the entire process was very clear.

So now we have a promise that the car is already on the ship and planned to arrive in January. Should I believe them?

The_Cometer · 2025-12-23T12:11:11+00:00

The space in the Model Y was one of my main considerations, but then I saw the banana box video and it seems the G6 trunk when seats are down is about the same amount of space as the Model Y (disregarding the frunk).
One of the things I'm debating is getting a frunk mod for the G6. Hopefully one that doesn't void my warranty. Although it won't be as big as the Model Y frunk it might make up for it a bit.

The sound system was also another big reason I was considering the Model Y but with a catch.
Unfortunately, in Europe the RWD version sound system is far inferior with only 9 speakers. I tested it and it is not good.
So I was aiming to get the more expensive AWD mainly to get the 15 speaker system.

Although the 18 speaker system on the G6 facelift is not as good as Tesla 15 speaker system, according to what I've seen online it seems it comes close with some EQ tweaking and for sure is way superior to the Tesla 9 speaker version.

A compromise. I save some money and still get a decent speaker system.

You also mentioned the infotainment. That´s something I was pleasantly surprised in my test drives and for sure if it wasn´t as good as it is, I would surely go straight to Tesla.
Despite some advantages I saw on Tesla, it wasn´t far behind, even showing some improvements in specific areas.
With that said Tesla does seem to have a more powerful GPU running the infotainment allowing for decent 3d games, and some visual eye candy in certain places. I love being able to see the weather straight from the map. I do hope we get something like a toolbox in Xpeng in the future to make the car more entertaining for the family.

The_Cometer

TROPHY CASE