China Auto Daily丨Xpeng starts pre-sale of flagship GX SUV from RMB 399,800

XPENG GX: The Full-Size Flagship Bridging AI and Mobility

On April 15, XPENG Motors officially unveiled its first full-size flagship SUV, the XPENG GX, with an official pre-sale price starting at RMB 399,800 (USD 57,900). The XPENG GX is offered in two distinct powertrain configurations to suit various regional needs. The pure electric version features a four-wheel-drive system with a CLTC range of 750km, while the "Super Extended Range" variant provides 430km of pure electric range and a staggering comprehensive range of 1585km.

The core value proposition of the GX lies in its inherited "Robotaxi" capabilities. As China's first full-stack self-developed pre-installed mass-production Robotaxi prototype, the GX brings professional-grade autonomous driving to the consumer market. It features a native wire-controlled chassis integrated with the X-VMC system, encompassing wire-controlled hydraulic braking and both front and rear-wheel steering. Powering this intelligent suite is a massive 3000 TOPS of effective computing power, utilizing XPENG's second-generation VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model. According to XPENG, this architecture enables the vehicle to perform complex "campus roaming" and urban navigation with unprecedented precision and safety.

Tank 500 Black Knight Edition: Rugged Luxury and Limited Exclusivity

GWM's Tank brand expanded its rugged SUV lineup on April 15 with the launch of the Tank 500 "Black Knight" edition. This specialized variant targets enthusiasts seeking a factory-customized, aggressive aesthetic. The lineup consists of two hybrid architectures: the Tank 500 Hi4-T Black Knight, priced at RMB 365,000 (USD 52,900), and the more advanced Hi4-Z Black Knight, priced at RMB 385,000 (USD 55,800). Reflecting its premium status, the first batch is strictly limited to just 500 units. The "Black Knight" identity is defined by an all-black exterior visual package contrasted with a newly added red interior, providing a high-impact, personalized experience directly from the factory. The Black Knight edition is equipped with the Coffee Pilot Ultra system, which represents Great Wall Motor’s third generation of intelligent driving assistance. This system utilizes a fusion of Lidar and high-definition cameras to achieve "parking space to parking space" navigation, effectively covering full-scenario NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) and automated parking.

CATL Q1 2026: Financial Powerhouse Sustains High Growth

Global battery leader CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) released its first-quarter financial report for 2026 on April 15, demonstrating continued dominance in the energy storage and EV sectors. The company reported a total operating revenue of RMB 129.13 billion (USD 18.71 billion), a year-on-year increase of 52.45%. Profitability remained exceptionally strong, with net profit attributable to shareholders reaching RMB 20.74 billion (USD 3.01 billion), representing a growth of 48.52% compared to the same period in 2025. Basic earnings per share were reported at RMB 4.58.

*(Exchange rate: RMB 6.9 = USD 1)*