Xpeng has completed local testing of its second-generation Vision-Language-Action (VLA) smart driving system in Germany, marking a significant step toward bringing its advanced driver assistance technology to Europe. The company is also preparing for the global launch of its Mona L03 SUV, which will debut simultaneously in China and Europe.
Xpeng Completes European Testing of VLA 2.0
Xpeng has finalized European localization testing for its VLA 2.0 system in Germany. On July 14, Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng completed the local acceptance test for the second-generation VLA model, which is part of the company’s Turing AI smart driving system, also known as NGP.
According to Xpeng vice president Yu Tao, the system, which has been live in China for nearly half a year, demonstrated strong adaptability and stability on European roads. Yu stated that the VLA 2.0 can handle a range of complex urban driving scenarios, including arterial roads, narrow alleys, and high-curvature turns, while autonomously navigating obstacles and yielding to pedestrians.
Preparing for the Mona L03 Global Launch
The acceptance test in Germany sets the stage for Xpeng’s upcoming global launch event for the Mona L03, scheduled for July 16 in Munich. The Mona L03 will be Xpeng’s first global model to launch simultaneously in China and Europe, and is planned for markets in 64 countries and regions.
Pre-sales for the Mona L03 began in China on July 2, with a price range of $21,184 (~AUD 30,583) to $24,424 (~AUD 35,262). Xpeng positions the SUV as ‘the first smart and stylish SUV for young people,’ targeting both young consumers and families. The Mona L03 will be available with both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains, continuing Xpeng’s dual-powertrain strategy.
Smart Driving Technology and Model Variants
All Mona L03 variants are equipped with Xpeng’s in-house developed Turing AI chip, offering computing power of up to 1500 TOPS and supporting the second-generation VLA system. The Max variant uses a single chip with 750 TOPS and features a distilled version of the VLA, while the Ultra SE variant uses dual chips and supports the full version of the system.
Xpeng’s Liu Xianming, head of smart driving business, reported that VLA 2.0 has achieved an assisted-driving mileage share of 50.44 percent in China. He described this as the first time Xpeng has seen smart driving surpass human driving at scale. Liu also noted that while the same model does not yet handle every scenario in Europe, it can already manage most urban situations with notable stability.
A Unified Model for Global Markets
Xpeng emphasizes the message: “The same model, from China to Europe.” The company aims to commercialize its smart driving technology in Europe, leveraging its experience in China to create a differentiated offering overseas.
The VLA 2.0 system is not only used in passenger vehicles but has also been deployed to Xpeng’s L4 robotaxi fleet in China, with internal testing underway. Morgan Stanley previously described the system as “a bold leap forward,” highlighting its potential to reshape perceptions of Xpeng as more than just a car manufacturer.
Why this matters
Xpeng’s progress in adapting and testing its advanced driver assistance system for European conditions signals a major step in the globalization of Chinese smart driving technology. The ability to deploy the same AI-driven system across continents could accelerate the adoption of intelligent vehicles in new markets.
If Xpeng succeeds in commercializing VLA 2.0 in Europe, it could set a new benchmark for smart driving capabilities and increase competition among global automakers.
What this means for buyers
Buyers in Europe and other global markets can expect access to Xpeng’s latest smart driving features as early as 2027, with the Mona L03 offering advanced driver assistance and AI-powered technology at launch. Those interested in cutting-edge autonomous features should watch for the Mona L03’s rollout and monitor how Xpeng’s system performs in real-world European conditions.
Key Specs
- Pre-sales Price Range: $21,184 (~AUD 30,583) to $24,424 (~AUD 35,262)
- Powertrain Options: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
- Turing AI Chip Computing Power: Up to 1500 TOPS
- VLA 2.0 Assisted-Driving Mileage Share (China): 50.44%
- Planned Markets: 64 countries and regions
- Global Launch Date: July 16, 2026
Source
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com, whichcar.com.au, businessinsider.com
