XPeng's Gen 2 VLA Rollout Imminent; He Xiaopeng Predicts L4 Autonomy Within 1–3 Years

XPeng Motors announced that its second-generation VLA (Vehicle Large AI) will be fully rolled out in late March, initially covering multiple new models including the P7 Ultra, G7 Ultra, and X9 Ultra, and expanding in April to 2026 model-year vehicles such as the G6 and G9. Positioned as “the first version designed for full self-driving,” the system directly targets Level 4 autonomy, bypassing the traditional L2+ incremental approach and redefining the technological paradigm. He Xiaopeng stated that full self-driving will become a daily commuting habit within the next one to three years, describing it as “an intelligent driving system so safe and intuitive that even moms can drive with peace of mind.” The new system delivers comprehensive upgrades in safety, smoothness, all-scenario navigation, and efficiency, improving overall driving efficiency by 23%. Concurrently launched, the 2026 XPeng X9 all-electric variant starts at RMB 309,800 and comes standard with an 800V ultra-fast charging architecture, Turing AI chips, and the AI-powered Tianji 6.0 cockpit. Additionally, XPeng’s Robotaxi service will begin trial operations this year, with Volkswagen set to become the global launch customer for VLA, and global deliveries scheduled to commence in 2027.