The 19th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, widely known as Auto China 2026, opened its doors to the world with a powerful display of innovation, and one of the standout participants was XPENG. The company used the global stage not only to present a range of new vehicles, but to articulate a broader vision—one that extends beyond electric mobility into what it calls a full-stack “Physical AI” ecosystem. Through a combination of intelligent vehicles, robotics, flying mobility solutions, and advanced computing platforms, XPENG demonstrated how it intends to shape the next phase of transportation and human-machine interaction.
A Comprehensive Showcase of Next-Generation Products
At its expansive exhibition booth, XPENG presented a diverse lineup of vehicles that reflect both its current strengths and future ambitions. Among the highlights were the GX, the MONA M03, the next-generation P7, and the X9. Each of these models represents a different facet of XPENG’s evolving portfolio, from premium intelligent sedans to family-oriented multi-purpose vehicles and autonomous-ready platforms.
However, what truly distinguished XPENG’s presence at the show was its willingness to go beyond conventional automotive boundaries. Alongside its vehicles, the company unveiled its latest humanoid robot, IRON, and a futuristic flying car concept referred to as the “Land Aircraft Carrier.” These innovations signal XPENG’s intent to expand into adjacent domains where artificial intelligence, robotics, and mobility intersect.
Rather than presenting these technologies as isolated experiments, XPENG framed them as interconnected components of a unified ecosystem. This approach underscores the company’s belief that the future of mobility will not be defined solely by vehicles, but by a seamless integration of intelligent systems that operate across land and air, as well as within human environments.
Global Engagement Through the Physical AI Immersive Tour
During the exhibition, XPENG hosted its “Physical AI Immersive” China Tour, attracting approximately 200 media representatives from across Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. This initiative was designed to provide a deeper, hands-on understanding of the company’s technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
Participants were given exclusive access to XPENG’s intelligent manufacturing facilities, where advanced automation and digital processes play a central role in production. The tour also included visits to ARIDGE’s production base, offering insight into the company’s supply chain and component development strategies.
In addition to facility tours, attendees experienced XPENG’s VLA 2.0 intelligent driving system through real-world test drives. These sessions allowed participants to evaluate the system’s performance in dynamic environments, reinforcing XPENG’s emphasis on practical usability rather than theoretical capability.
Complementing these experiences were a series of technical seminars covering a wide range of topics, including intelligent driving, industrial design, flying vehicle development, robotics, powertrain innovation, and ultra-fast charging technologies. Together, these sessions provided a comprehensive overview of XPENG’s technological roadmap and its integrated approach to innovation.
VLA 2.0: Redefining Intelligent Driving
One of the most significant announcements at Auto China 2026 was the release of XPENG’s first VLA 2.0 Intelligent Driving Report. Introduced earlier in March 2026, the VLA 2.0 system represents the company’s latest advancement in autonomous driving technology, focusing on improved usability, reliability, and real-world performance.
The report offers detailed insights into how the system is being adopted and utilized by consumers. According to the data, VLA 2.0 is rapidly becoming a key factor in purchasing decisions. Orders for XPENG’s Ultra series vehicles increased by 118% month-over-month, with intelligent driving capabilities emerging as a primary driver of customer conversions.
Consumer engagement with the system has also been notably high. Since XPENG began offering in-store demonstrations of VLA 2.0, nearly 100,000 individuals have participated, with satisfaction rates reaching an impressive 98%. This level of positive feedback suggests that the system is resonating with users not only as a technological innovation but as a practical enhancement to everyday driving.
Another notable trend highlighted in the report is the reduction in the time between test drives and purchase decisions. On average, this interval has decreased by 44.7%, indicating that firsthand experience with VLA 2.0 is accelerating customer confidence and commitment.
Usage data further reinforces the system’s impact. During the first week of ownership, 98.52% of users activated intelligent driving features on a daily basis. This level of consistent engagement suggests that VLA 2.0 has successfully addressed long-standing challenges in the industry, particularly those related to user trust and ease of use.
Expanding Capabilities for Real-World Scenarios
Looking ahead, XPENG announced plans to expand the capabilities of VLA 2.0 through the introduction of new features designed to handle complex and often unpredictable driving scenarios. Among these upcoming additions are the Campus Safari and Underground Parking Safari functions.
These features aim to enhance the system’s ability to operate in environments that are traditionally challenging for autonomous systems. This includes low-light conditions, adverse weather, areas without reliable navigation data, and unmarked or poorly structured roads.
By addressing these edge cases, XPENG is working to move closer to a truly end-to-end intelligent driving experience—one that can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of real-world conditions without requiring constant human intervention.
Leadership Vision: From Smart EVs to Physical AI
At the core of XPENG’s strategy is a long-term vision articulated by its Chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng. Reflecting on the company’s 12-year journey, he emphasized that XPENG is entering a new phase of development—one defined by the convergence of multiple advanced technologies.
According to He, XPENG’s evolution from a smart electric vehicle manufacturer to a broader Physical AI company is driven by its investments in areas such as Turing AI chips, large-scale AI models, humanoid robotics, flying vehicles, and Robotaxi platforms. These technologies form the foundation of an integrated ecosystem that extends far beyond traditional automotive applications.
He also highlighted the importance of delivering tangible value to users. While technological capability is essential, he noted that the true measure of intelligent driving lies in its ability to improve efficiency and provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for users.
The GX Robotaxi: A Glimpse into the Autonomous Future
One of the most forward-looking concepts introduced at the exhibition was the GX, a vehicle specifically designed for the L4 autonomous driving era. Positioned as China’s first fully in-house developed, factory-integrated Robotaxi prototype intended for mass production, the GX represents a significant step toward commercial autonomous mobility.
The vehicle is equipped with up to four Turing AI chips, delivering an extraordinary 3,000 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of computing power. This level of performance enables the GX to process vast amounts of data in real time, supporting complex decision-making in dynamic driving environments.
Built on an architecture specifically designed for L4 autonomy, the GX integrates seamlessly with the VLA 2.0 system, setting a new benchmark for intelligent driving capabilities. Its development reflects XPENG’s commitment to not only advancing technology but also preparing it for large-scale deployment.
Global Expansion and Market Momentum
XPENG’s ambitions are not limited to the domestic Chinese market. In 2025, the company achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 45,000 overseas deliveries, representing a 96% year-on-year increase. This performance positioned XPENG as the leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) startup in terms of international pure-electric vehicle sales.
This rapid growth highlights the increasing global demand for intelligent electric vehicles and underscores XPENG’s ability to compete on an international stage. By continuing to expand its presence in key markets, the company aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in smart mobility.
The Road Ahead: Commercializing Physical AI
Looking forward, XPENG plans to deepen its investment in Physical AI technologies while accelerating the commercialization of its most advanced innovations. This includes not only next-generation vehicles but also emerging products such as flying cars and humanoid robots.
The company’s strategy is rooted in the belief that technology should serve practical purposes, enhancing both mobility and daily life. By focusing on real-world applications and user-centric design, XPENG aims to create solutions that are not only innovative but also accessible and impactful.
In a rapidly evolving industry, XPENG’s integrated approach sets it apart. By combining advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and mobility into a cohesive ecosystem, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era—one where Physical AI plays a central role in shaping how people move, interact, and live.
As Auto China 2026 continues to showcase the latest developments in the automotive world, XPENG’s presence serves as a clear indication that the future of mobility is no longer confined to the road. Instead, it is expanding into a multidimensional landscape powered by intelligence, connectivity, and innovation..
Source Link:https://www.xpeng.com/
