As the first model of the new car-making force XPeng Motors, the XPeng G3 carries the heavy responsibility of establishing the brand image. Founder He XPeng has high hopes for the G3 and expects it to lead XPeng Motors to a smash hit. However, as the first model, although the overall product strength of XPeng G3 is good, it does not give people the same stunning feeling as P7 in terms of styling and design.
This can also be reflected in the monthly sales data. According to data released by the China Passenger Car Association, in the January-May period of 2021, G3 sold 9,407 units, while the higher positioned and more expensive P7 reached 14,766 units. XPeng knows and understands that it is time for a facelift.
On July 9th, the mid-term facelift model XPeng G3i was officially launched, with a total of four models, priced from 149,800 to 185,800 yuan, and delivery is expected to begin in September. The new car not only has significant improvements in intelligence, but also has undergone a major facelift, and the price remains at a similar level to the old model.
Get to know the XPeng G3i quickly
- The front face adopts the same X Robot Face design language as P7, with intelligent lighting language added;
- Hidden door handles are used;
- The 460N/520N models are equipped with the XPILOT 2.5 driving assist system, further improving the driving assist capability;
- The Xmart OS 2.0 vehicle intelligence system is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820A chip, and the intelligent voice has been upgraded to full-scenario availability, with continuous conversation added;
- Cancel the AI panorama roof camera;
- The size, interior, and power remain basically the same as the current model.
Completely new styling with a higher beauty score
The entire front face of XPeng G3i has been redesigned, directly using the same X Robot Face family design language as P7, and significantly reducing the corners and lines of the front face. The logo has also been moved up accordingly, making the overall appearance more concise and rounded, creating a “sci-fi sense”.The LED light strip that runs throughout the front face is identical to P7 and P5, supporting the smart light language function. Different effects are displayed when locking and unlocking the car, and it can also follow the rhythm of music. In the future, it will support custom functions that can be realized through programming to give the XPeng G3i more playability.
The new car has a size of 4495/1820/1610 mm (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 2625 mm, which is basically the same as the current model. Five colors are available and black/white two-color roof is optional (+3000 yuan). The original quiet black has been canceled, and the advertisement color “sky blue” with a white roof highlights the youth and vitality. Moreover, the official can also provide color-changing film stickers, with a total of more than 50 colors to choose from.
The panoramic windshield with an area of 1.889 square meters is still in use, and the top is coated with a dark film to provide good sunshade and heat insulation effects. And the little-used roof camera with a small number of optional installations has been completely canceled.
The white roof extends from the bottom of the A-pillar to the entire tail wing, and with the C-pillar fixed with a black coating, it creates a floating roof effect.
Using a brand new hidden door handle, it can automatically pop out when the key is near, which also helps to reduce the wind resistance of the entire vehicle. The drag coefficient is 0.295 (in conjunction with low drag wheels).
The entire lineup comes with 17-inch low aerodynamic resistance wheels as standard. If you want a more dynamic appearance while improving overall noise reduction, you can opt for the 18-inch dual-tone wheels for an additional 3000 yuan and pair them with Michelin Primacy 3 ST noise-reducing tires.
There are no major changes to the rear, retaining the integrated diamond matrix LED taillights with a flowing turn signal effect. The lower bumper and the positions of the reflector panels on both sides have been redesigned to make the rear of the car more simple and full, echoing the front.
Upgrades in intelligence
The overall design and hardware of the interior remain consistent with the current model, and although this interior may no longer be novel, the 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and the vertically arranged 15.6-inch floating full-touch screen are still at the forefront of technology.
The entire lineup comes with a NAPPA leather multifunction steering wheel as standard. The light-colored interior has been eliminated, and the 460N/520N models have added a blue/white contrast-themed interior. The top-of-the-line 520N model also supports the “+ 10,000 yuan Superior Comfort Package” option.
The “Superior Comfort Package” includes ventilated front seats, Nappa leather seats with high-quality materials, memory function for the external rearview mirrors, suede headliner, driver’s seat 4-way lumbar support, and heated rear seats.
The standard version of Xmart OS 2.0, the latest version of the car intelligence system, is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820A chip. Through the “Hello, XPeng” AI voice assistant, it can achieve continuous dialogue, visible speech recognition, dual tone zone recognition, and other functions that are well received on the XPeng P7. When you want to open a deep page to access a certain function, you can directly use voice control, which truly cancels the physical button while enhancing convenience.
XPILOT 2.5 Advanced Driving Assist System
The 460N/520N models are equipped with XPILOT 2.5 Advanced Driving Assist System, which has 20 hardware modules to provide stronger driving perception. This includes 5 HD cameras, 3 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars. The system can achieve:
- Full-speed range Adaptive Cruise Control (with automatic follow-up start);
- Automatic Lane Changing Assistance (with turn-signal activated lane changing);
- Lane Centering Assistance;
- Curve Adaptive Cruise Control;
- Automatic Speed Limit Adjustment.
The system also supports automatic parking functions for different parking styles, including perpendicular, parallel, diagonal, and curved parking. It can also be controlled from outside the car using a mobile phone or remote control key.
Unchanged Power and Endurance
As a mid-term facelift model, the power system of XPeng G3i is not significantly changed. It still uses the same power system as the current model, which is a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor with maximum power of 145 kW (197 horsepower) and peak torque of 300 N·m.
Although the data is not particularly powerful, according to the performance of the current model, the new car should have a good push-back feeling during acceleration. The throttle response is also very sensitive, giving the car a very nimble feeling. The regenerative braking intensity can also be adjusted manually with very little driving difficulty.
The NEDC range of the new car remains at 460 km and 520 km, except for the 460G model, which is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery, while the rest of the models use ternary lithium batteries. In addition, XPeng G3i can also be equipped with the much-anticipated V2L external discharge interface, which can power some small household appliances outdoors.
Enhanced Competitiveness
In terms of space, XPeng G3i may not be comparable to the Guangqi Aion V with a longer wheelbase. Whether it can achieve the same high level of accuracy in range as the Geometry C remains to be seen. However, with the support of Xmart OS 2.0 in-car intelligent system and XPILOT 2.5 system, the smart equipment of XPeng G3i is undoubtedly a well-deserved leader among models of the same level.
As a mid-cycle facelift model, the upgrade of XPeng G3i this time is not very large, but both the appearance, configuration, and details have been upgraded. Coupled with a more affordable overall price (the entry-level price is the same as the current model, and the top-end price is reduced by 14,000 yuan), it is still very sincere overall. If you want to experience the industry-leading intelligent technology and show your own trend-setting attitude, XPeng G3i is a pretty good choice.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.