Paris Motor Show features autonomous driving trials

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Tesla and XPeng are offering public trials of advanced driver assistance systems. Both systems are classified at the same level on the autonomous driving scale, described as "L2++."

XPeng debuts its NGP system

On Sunday, October 11, just before the opening of the Paris exhibition, XPeng invited Numerama to test its Next Generation Pilot or NGP software. For this test, XPeng chose the new L03, its entry-level model.

XPeng's hardware specifications

The SUV is equipped with two in-house calculation chips, called Turing, each with 750 TOPS, for a total of 1,500 TOPS. However, this applies only to the Ultra versions of the L03, priced at 42,990 € and 46,990 €.

NGP system's sensor technology

XPeng relies on cameras and radars for its autonomous driving approach, using 12 "Hawk Eye Vision" cameras and 12 radars. The data is processed by a new artificial intelligence model (VLA 2.0), which draws its power from the two chips mentioned above.

Public tests require supervision

These public tests remain experiments, requiring the presence of a supervisor behind the wheel, ready to take control in case of problems. During the test, the supervisor did not touch the pedals, but the test version requires the supervisor to regularly touch the steering wheel to indicate attentiveness.

NGP system's cautious behavior

XPeng NGP demonstrated cautious driving during the test. The system handled complex situations, such as navigating through stopped buses and avoiding potential collisions with pedestrians and cyclists.

Regulatory hurdles ahead

XPeng NGP is expected to be available after certification, which the brand hopes will occur at the beginning of 2027, pending regulatory progress. XPeng has also been part of the ten actors gathered by Emmanuel Macron during a round table devoted to autonomous vehicles at the Motor Show.

Subscription model for NGP

Like Tesla, NGP will be available via a subscription once authorized, and not as a single option. XPeng has not yet revealed its price.