Augmented reality has long been a sci-fi dream, but Xpeng and Huawei are turning it into a reality you can drive. Their new “Zhuiguang Panoramic” AR-HUD system, debuting on the upcoming Xpeng G7 electric SUV, transforms the entire windshield into a vibrant, interactive heads-up display.
Xpeng, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, teamed up with tech giant Huawei to create an AR-HUD that’s as ambitious as it is practical. Unlike traditional heads-up displays that project basic info like speed or navigation prompts onto a small patch of glass, this system spans nearly the entire windshield, delivering what Xpeng claims is the equivalent of an 87-inch ultra-large screen with a crisp 1,800:1 contrast ratio. “The collaboration takes the form of Huawei supplying the hardware while Xpeng defines the software—a partnership model that remains uncommon in the industry,” notes a post from CNEVhome. The result? A display that overlays real-time data directly onto the road ahead, blending digital and physical worlds in a way that feels intuitive and immersive.
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So, what’s popping up on this giant windshield display? Navigation arrows that seem to hover right over the road itself, pointing you to your next turn like a sci-fi GPS. You’ll also get live traffic updates, plus driving assists that outline lanes or ping nearby cars, all seamlessly blended into your line of sight. Xpeng’s system uses augmented reality to layer this information in a way that doesn’t distract but enhances your focus. “The AR-HUD system can display information including smart driving, speed, and road conditions,” says CnEVPost.
Huawei’s hardware brings the muscle, with high-resolution optics and AI-driven processing to ensure the display is sharp and responsive, even in bright sunlight or at night. Xpeng’s software, meanwhile, is the brains, tailoring the experience to prioritize what you need when you need it. “If it were just an ordinary HUD, XPeng wouldn’t have held a dedicated launch event,” CNEVhome shared on social media, hinting at the system’s standout feature: a “follow-light carpet” that adds a playful, immersive visual effect to the driving experience. This could mean dynamic lighting that syncs with road conditions or navigation cues, making every drive feel a bit like a video game—without the extra lives.
The G7 itself is no slouch, either. Priced around $34,800 in China, it’s a sleek electric SUV with a single-motor option pumping out 292 horsepower and a top speed of 125 mph. Its design borrows a bit from the Kia EV6, with sharp LED lights and a modern, high-riding stance. But the AR-HUD is the star, and it’s not just about aesthetics. By projecting critical info directly into your line of sight, it reduces the need to glance at a dashboard or center screen, potentially making driving safer. Other brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi have dabbled in AR displays, but Xpeng’s system, as Carscoops notes, “looks to have taken things to a new level” with its scale and affordability.
“Xpeng said the solution it developed with Huawei offers the industry’s most powerful HUD hardware and software capabilities,” according to CnEVPost. The system’s debut at a dedicated event underscores its significance, not just for Xpeng but for the future of in-car tech.
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