Chinese language electrical automobile maker XPeng debuted its G6 coupe SUV, the fifth automobile in its lineup, at Auto Shanghai Tuesday.

The corporate is advertising and marketing the G6 automobile as a premium EV however with out the premium price ticket. It’s received a futuristic, smooth physique, a sensible infotainment system and it may be outfitted with XNGP, XPeng’s advanced driver assistance system that may automate driving duties on highways and in cities.

Whereas XPeng hasn’t but shared pricing for the G6, the corporate has beforehand mentioned will probably be someplace within the vary of RMB 200,000 to 300,000 (USD ~$30,000 to $44,000). That’s not precisely a discount, nevertheless it does put the G6 into reasonably priced EV territory.

(It additionally actually brings an entire new that means to the tune “Like a G6” by Far East Motion, which noticed its lyrical debut 13 years in the past, give or take a number of days. Coincidence? Nearly definitely. XPeng didn’t reply to TechCrunch’s request for extra info.)

The G6 is XPeng’s first automobile to be constructed on its new EV architecture platform, SEPA 2.0, which the automaker says permits it to carry down analysis, improvement and manufacturing prices considerably. Even traders are satisfied by the potential financial savings — XPeng’s inventory value jumped 13% Monday after the corporate unveiled SEPA.

XPeng isn’t the one automaker prioritizing affordability. In China particularly, automakers have been decreasing EV costs in response to a war triggered by Tesla’s reductions in October. Since then, Tesla has additional discounted its Shanghai-made EVs to the purpose of them being round 14% cheaper immediately than this time final yr.

Globally, automakers like General Motors and Hyundai introduced plans earlier this month at New York’s auto present to provide reasonably priced EVs, as effectively.

The debut of the G6 comes seven months after XPeng launched its G9 SUV, which prices between RMB 309,900 to 469,900 (~$44,000 to $66,660), relying on the mannequin.

Mid to higher tier variations of the G9 might be constructed with lidar and different mandatory sensors for XNGP. Nevertheless, XPeng mentioned Tuesday in Shanghai that the corporate is trying to “rely much less on costlier sensors” like lidar, and as a substitute focus extra on cameras. In different phrases, XPeng is trying to play by Tesla’s rules.

It’s not clear if the G6 might be constructed with lidar, and XPeng wouldn’t affirm.

Tremendous quick charging, prolonged vary

The G6’s official launch in China is scheduled for the center of 2023.

Not all of the specs have been launched but, however XPeng says the G6 may have a spread of 470 miles, which is 44 miles greater than earlier fashions have been able to, attributable to its 800V battery. In 10 minutes, the G6 can cost as much as 186 miles of vary, based on the corporate.

The SEPA structure implies that the physique is constructed with entrance and rear built-in aluminum die-casting and that the battery is absolutely built-in into that physique. XPeng says this gives a greater middle of gravity and enhanced driving management.

The physique design, which features a extra expressive robotic face, is “impressed by science fiction” and was developed in session with science fiction author Cixin Liu. The smooth strains give it an ultra-low drag coefficient that helps give it such an extended vary, based on XPeng.

The inside is roomy and comfy, with a panoramic sunroof over 2 sq. meters. One neat new inside characteristic is the electronically managed air vents, which drivers and passengers can entry from a 15 inch IPS display.