NBA’s Paul George On XPENG G9L: “I Need One”

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Boston Celtics forward Paul George recently appeared on video exploring the upcoming XPENG G9L. The global 5-seat electric SUV was revealed last week, although we will have to wait for its official launch to know details. The premium vehicle is also anticipated to launch in Europe at the Paris Motor Show in October.

The video was posted on XPENG’s Xiaohongshu (RedNote) page. While we cannot be sure what kind of relationship George has with XPENG, he certainly seemed to be impressed after seeing the vehicle for the first time. And he provides a good illustration of the kind of customer who might choose this type of large, premium vehicle.

“It’s just next level. I think it’s very innovative.”

The G9L is 5120 mm long, which is not a small vehicle. When I saw a prototype testing in Munich, I assumed it would have three rows, like the larger GX. However, XPENG is offering the SUV with two rows and claims it sets the benchmark for 5 seat vehicles. Both front and rear seats can recline to zero gravity positions simultaneously. Meanwhile the front seats can fold completely flat and join the rear seats without needing to remove the headrests.

The overall design has a fairly traditional SUV shape, which George compared to the Range Rover he drives in the US. However, with a drag coefficient of 0.238, it is more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius or Ferrari Luce. George also likes the paint color and, as a fan of blue and green cars, I tend to agree. Beyond the exterior appearance, electric sunshades for the roof and side windows block light and people trying to look inside.

At 6’8” tall, Paul George will not fit in every car. Some might not have much sympathy for tall people, but a small interior can be very uncomfortable for people of larger stature. However, the G9L is designed to accommodate the tallest people globally. Many families will also appreciate the room within the passenger compartment. Meanwhile, 1,152l of rear cargo space claims to be class leading and should be more than enough for most people, with room for two carryon suitcases below the rear floor. That is more than many 3-row SUVs with the third row folded down. There are also numerous storage spaces throughout the vehicle.

Entering his 16^th year in the NBA as a nine-time NBA All-Star and six-time member of the All-NBA Team. George undoubtedly has some wear and tear on his body. Adaptive seats contain 91 pressure sensors to adjust to each passenger. All seats also include heating, ventilation and multiple points of massage. Meanwhile the dual zone refrigerator could store cold packs and keep hydration ready.

That brings up another potential market for vehicles like this. Many people do not need wheelchairs or minivans with ramps, but they may be facing physical challenges. Many people could use a vehicle with plenty of room and adjustable seating positions. Something with wide opening doors that does not force you to step up, squat down or contort yourself to get in and out. Frequent commenter and former CleanTechnica writer Kurt Lowder previously asked me in the comments on an article about Auto Beijing if there were any vehicles I would recommend for a tall person with back injuries… the G9L could be the perfect fit. XPENG is also expanding into the Philippines, which could make it more accessible.

“10 out of 10”

Although we do not know acceleration numbers yet, 430kW (577hp) should be more than sufficient for most people. An 800V platform can add 450 km of range in nine minutes. Based on preliminary data, total range is up to 805 km CLTC. Meanwhile, an EREV version can provide up to 350 km of WLTC battery range.

The G9L comes with 2,250 TOPS of effective computing power, enabling the latest version of their VLA 2.0 intelligent driving system. XPENG has developed their intelligent driving system for global markets, and it is poised to be the first to comply with new, harmonized UN DCAS regulations.

There are also multiple entertainment screens, including a 21.4” 3k screen that folds down from the ceiling for rear seat passengers. When the middle seat isn’t needed, those passengers have access to a motorized, adjustable tray table that folds out from the center armrest.

NBA stars do not face the same affordability challenges as typical Americans. However, the G9L is poised to offer impressive value. While the official price has yet to be announced, it will likely be below the XPENG GX, which currently starts at 269,800 RMB. My best guess is 250,000 RMB or roughly $37,000 USD. That is below the average new car price in the US, while being far better than the average American car. That would price the G9L below the Model Y in China, which starts at 263,500 RMB or 327,500 RMB when including Tesla Driver Assist. It would also put the G9L at a fraction of the price of the Range Rover that the NBA player currently drives. The fact that someone who can afford almost any car would prefer a vehicle that costs less than the average American car says something about the quality and capability.

“I wish I had one of these. It does everything.”

Of course, as a New Yorker, this would be even better if they had a Knicks player demonstrating the car. However, Paul George does provide an interesting perspective.

This car may not be for everyone. Some people need a third row. Some people are of smaller stature and do not need or want more space. However, for someone who is tall and frequently needs to transport adult passengers, the space is attractive. It would also give parents room to maneuver around car seats and to easily store the amazing amount of gear that some tiny infants seem to require. And it would be great for people who have mobility challenges. Of course, some may also choose the EV for the comfort and technology benefits.

However, the greatest benefit is the freedom to choose what best fits your needs, and this is one option. Just because it is not for you doesn’t mean that it doesn’t fit the needs of other people. From the video, the NBA player would clearly like an EV that fits his needs. Offering an EV choice that fits the customer, rather than trying to make the customer fit the car, will help more people convert to electric vehicles.

An NBA player can afford multiple houses around the world, and there is a good chance Paul George will be able to buy the G9L that he wishes he had. For people within the US who can only afford one home, many also likely wish they could have an advanced EV that fits their needs. Especially if that EV is a fundamentally better vehicle at a more affordable price than a comparable ICE vehicle. I am sure many Americans would like to have the freedom to choose a superior, affordable EV, if given the chance.

The G9L could be a great fit for many customers. While premium 3-row SUVs proliferated at Auto Beijing in April, the G9L could lead the large, 5-seat premium SUV competition globally. Many may not need or want a vehicle like this, but having a superior choice available as an EV will ensure that more miles are travelled on electricity.