XPENG Compact SUV Prototype Spotted Outside of Facilities in Guangzhou – CleanTechnica

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While at a media event, I saw a camouflaged prototype of a SUV/CUV testing outside of XPENG’s new headquarters in Guangzhou. The next day, the same vehicle appeared outside of XPENG’s factory, where media had assembled for the production of their millionth vehicle, an X9 EREV.

This fastback crossover has sometimes been referred to as a Mona SUV. While similar styling cues could be seen through the camouflage, the vehicle appeared to have a more compact footprint than the Mona sedan, with shorter overhangs. We will have to wait for the official specifications to come out to be sure. Rumor has it that this vehicle will be priced around $20,000 and will launch by the middle of 2026.

Based on discussions in workshops, XPENG mentioned an increased use of LFP batteries in their lineup. The advantages in cost and safety make them well-suited for mainstream applications. Due to the safety on the cell level, the battery can be more structurally integrated, and weight can come out of the pack structure to offset the lower energy density on the cell level. Given the expected price point and positioning of this vehicle, an LFP battery would be a safe bet. I also anticipate other technologies, like XPENG’s Hybrid SiC power electronics and advanced XNGP ADAS, to make it into this vehicle.

Considering the audience of mostly European and APAC media at the events, you get the feeling that the repeated appearances were intentional to spark interest in foreign markets. While XPENG offers a range of vehicles loaded with tech, they tend to be on the larger side, with several models exceeding 5 m in length. This would make them a bit large for European roads and parking spaces, particularly in the southern part of the continent. The crossover form factor has also taken over the automobile market in many countries, making this potentially a top seller for the brand in Europe.

As a fan of small cars, I also think this vehicle is an appealing addition to their lineup. While I tend to insist on driving, the raised roofline will make the back seat more livable for taller people. It would be a welcome change after repeatedly hitting my head on the glass roofs in the back of many low-slung sedans over the past week.

I was brought to Guangzhou by XPENG and appreciate the opportunity. As such, I checked with my host if I should post about this vehicle. They said it was OK to share what I saw outside.

There were also some things that I am not at liberty to share now. But I can say that looking at their prototypes, I was impressed by how developed they were. I expected the kind of fiberglass mockups that you often see for concept cars. However, when you could sneak a peek, their prototypes seemed to have well-designed interiors behind blacked-out windows and what looked like functional mechanical systems. Not only did their cars seem to be in advanced stages of development, but their robots and aircraft also seemed to be close to production.

While we have often become accustomed to delays in the EV space, XPENG’s new technologies seem to be further along than many people might anticipate. I look forward to seeing more of XPENG’s compact SUV in the months leading up to its launch next year.